Make these easy Air Fryer Raisin Scones with simple ingredients! They’re soft and tender inside, golden outside, and packed with sweet raisins. Perfect for breakfast or tea time.
Introduction
Honestly, I’m always happy when I find a baking recipe that doesn’t require turning on the oven. These Air Fryer Raisin Scones have become one of my favorite quick treats because they’re incredibly easy to make and come out beautifully golden on the outside while staying soft and tender inside.
I usually make these when I want something homemade with my morning tea or coffee but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. The raisins add little bursts of sweetness throughout the scones, and the air fryer gives them that lovely golden finish.
The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no complicated technique involved. Just mix, shape, and air fry!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup raisins
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk, plus extra if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
I like keeping a few small pieces of butter visible because they help create a tender texture as the scones cook.
2. Add the Raisins
Stir the raisins into the dry mixture until they are evenly distributed.
If your raisins are particularly dry, you can soak them in warm water for about 5–10 minutes first. Drain and pat them completely dry before adding them.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Gently stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—the dough should look slightly rustic rather than perfectly smooth.
4. Shape the Scones
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Gently bring it together and shape it into a thick round, approximately 1½ inches thick.
Cut the dough into 6 equal wedges.
You can also use a round cookie or biscuit cutter if you prefer traditional round scones.
5. Prepare the Air Fryer
Line the air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper that fits the bottom. Make sure the parchment doesn’t block the entire airflow around the basket.
Place the scones into the basket, leaving a little space between each one.
Brush the tops lightly with milk or cream. Sprinkle with a little sugar if you want a slightly crisp and sweet top.
6. Air Fry
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10–14 minutes, depending on the size of your scones and your air fryer.
The scones should be puffed and golden brown on top. Check them around the 10-minute mark because air fryers can vary quite a bit.
7. Cool and Serve
Carefully transfer the scones to a wire rack and let them cool for several minutes.
Serve warm with butter, jam, honey, or clotted cream.
Cooking Tips
- Keep the butter cold. Cold butter helps create a soft, tender scone.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Too much mixing can make your scones tough.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around each scone.
- Watch the cooking time. Some air fryers cook faster than others.
- Use parchment carefully. It should be weighed down by the dough and shouldn’t be placed loose in a running air fryer.
- For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- You can also add a little orange zest for a delicious raisin-orange combination.
Serving Suggestions
These raisin scones are wonderful with:
- Butter
- Strawberry or raspberry jam
- Honey
- Clotted cream
- Cream cheese
- Lemon curd
- A cup of tea
- Coffee or hot chocolate
For breakfast, I especially like serving one warm scone with butter and a little berry jam.
How to Store
Store completely cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
To refresh them, warm them in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes.
You can also freeze baked scones in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per scone, based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 315
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Raisin Scones are such a simple homemade treat. They have a lightly crisp, golden exterior, a soft center, and plenty of sweet raisins throughout.
Honestly, I love recipes like this because they feel special without requiring much effort. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family, preparing an afternoon tea treat, or simply craving something sweet with coffee, these scones are definitely worth trying.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these scones without an air fryer?
Yes. Bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Can I use other dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, currants, or chopped dried apricots all work beautifully.
3. Why are my scones tough?
The most common reason is overmixing the dough. Mix only until the ingredients come together, and avoid kneading it excessively.
4. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the unbaked scones, cover them well, and refrigerate for several hours before air frying. This is especially convenient when preparing breakfast ahead of time.
5. Can I make these without raisins?
Definitely. Simply leave them out or replace them with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for a different flavor.
