Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones — The holidays are right around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about your Thanksgiving menu and what you want for Christmas dinner. If you’re looking for an easy dessert that

You can make it ahead; try these Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones! These scones are so delicious that they will have everyone asking for more. Plus, they only take minutes to make in your air fryer! Don’t wait until it is too late – try this recipe today!

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones
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Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones are a great and easy breakfast! Made with a few key ingredients, and they are easy to make in the air fryer!

I am a huge fan of making scones for the perfect late-night snack or breakfast.

They are light, fluffy, and tender, and when you make them in the air fryer, they come out superb!

If you consider eating a scone as a dry baked good, let me tell you, they are not dry, moist, and delicious!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Scone Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER APPLE CHEDDAR BACON SCONES, AIR FRYER CHERRY SCONES, AIR FRYER LEMON SCONES, and AIR FRYER EASY, GINGERBREAD SCONES.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Easy Cranberry Orange Scones

Easy Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea treat. These scones boast a perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright, citrusy notes from fresh orange zest. With a tender crumb and a golden-brown crust, they are sure to impress with their simplicity and flavor. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam, these scones are bound to become a favorite for any occasion. Plus, they are quick and easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Why You Will Love Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

You’ll adore Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones for their delightful blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, creating a burst of freshness in every bite. Air frying ensures a perfectly golden exterior with a tender, fluffy interior, making these scones delicious. Plus, they’re quick and convenient to make, allowing you to enjoy warm, freshly baked scones in no time. Whether served for breakfast, brunch or as a sweet treat with your favorite cup of tea, these scones will surely bring joy to any occasion.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful flavors of tart cranberries and zesty orange with these Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, these scones are easy to whip up and perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea. With a golden exterior and tender crumb infused with bursts of fruitiness, these scones are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for the scone dough, ensuring proper texture and structure.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to the scones, balancing the cranberries’ tartness and the orange’s citrusy flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and creates a light and airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the scones and balances the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Incorporates richness and moisture into the dough, resulting in tender scones.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides moisture and richness to the scone dough, yielding a soft and tender texture.
  • Fresh Cranberries: Infuse the scones with tartness and bursts of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the dough.
  • Orange Zest: Adds bright citrusy notes to the scones, enhancing their aroma and flavor.

How To Make Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Making Cranberry Orange Scones in an air fryer is a delightful twist on the traditional baking method, giving you scones that are tender on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside. Here’s how to do it:

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones (4)

In a food processor, blend together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter, cut into cubes, and pulse until the mixture resembles fine sand.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Add the cream to the food processor and pulse until the dough forms.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones (7)

In another bowl, toss together the chopped cranberries and sugar. Add the nuts and orange zest, tossing to combine. Add the dough to the bowl and press the fruit and nuts into the dough.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Pat each section into a 6-inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 wedges. Place the wedges onto the parchment lined air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones (9)

Set the cooking temperature to 320 degrees F, and set cook time for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Mix the powdered sugar and orange juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the scones.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Pro Tips

For those who want to elevate their Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones to the next level, incorporating professional tips can make all the difference. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve perfection:

  • Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping your butter and heavy cream cold is crucial. Cold butter will melt in the air fryer, creating steam pockets that result in flaky and tender scones. Consider cutting the butter into small pieces and chilling it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the scones tough. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
  • Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to adjust the amount of orange zest based on how citrusy you want your scones to be. Adding a teaspoon of orange extract can intensify the orange flavor without adding extra liquid.
  • Parchment Paper Trick: To keep the parchment paper from flying up into the heating element and to ensure it stays put, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing it down. This also helps with easy cleanup.
  • Glaze Creatively: For the glaze, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or a mix of orange juice and a splash of orange liqueur for an adult version. Brushing the scones with this glaze while still warm can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
  • Monitor Your Scones: Since air fryers vary significantly in their cooking, check your scones for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends. This helps prevent overcooking.
  • Resting Time: Allow the scones to cool in the air fryer basket for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period helps the scones set and makes them easier to handle without breaking.
  • Flour Dusting for Texture: Lightly dust the shaped scones with flour before placing them in the air fryer. This can give the exterior a slightly rustic, artisanal texture that adds to their homemade charm.
  • Pre-Slicing for Easy Serving: Pre-slice the scones (after shaping and before cooking) almost all the way through, but leave them attached at the bottom. This makes them easier to separate and serve after they’re cooked, ensuring everyone gets a perfectly shaped piece.

Incorporating these pro tips into your air fryer scone-making process will not only improve the texture and flavor of your scones but also make the process more enjoyable and rewarding. Happy baking!

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Faq’s

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. However, because fresh cranberries are more tart and contain more moisture than dried, you may want to chop them and lightly dust them with flour to prevent them from sinking in the dough. You might also consider reducing the amount slightly to balance the tartness.

Can I make these scones gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it includes xanthan gum, or add it according to the flour blend’s recommendation to help with the texture.

Why did my scones not rise properly? There could be several reasons, including old baking powder (it loses potency over time), overworking the dough (which can inhibit rising), or opening the air fryer too often during cooking (which lets out heat and can affect how they rise).

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Shape the scones and then refrigerate them overnight or freeze them for longer storage. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen. No need to thaw.

How do I store leftover scones, and how long will they last? Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best texture.

My scones are browning too quickly. What can I do? If your scones are browning too fast but aren’t cooked through, lower the air fryer temperature by 25°F (about 4°C) and add a few minutes to the cooking time. This allows the scones to cook through without burning the exterior.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but you may need to cook the scones in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and scones that are not properly risen.

What other fruit and flavor combinations can I use? The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Try substituting the cranberries and orange zest with other combinations like blueberry lemon, apple cinnamon, or chocolate chip and vanilla. Adjust the add-ins based on your preference and the moisture content of the fruit.

Can I make these vegan? To make vegan scones, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in place of heavy cream, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 15 minutes) instead of a chicken egg.

How can I make my scones more moist? If your scones are coming out too dry, consider adding a bit more heavy cream to the dough. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dough too sticky. Another tip is to not overcook them; check for doneness early and pull them out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Storing

Scones are a tasty treat, but they can be a little tricky to store. If you don’t want your scones going stale before you have the chance to eat them, follow this guide on how to store scones.

  • Store: You can easily store these in an airtight container or Ziploc Bag. They will stay at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
  • Freeze: If you want to keep your scones longer than three days, you can freeze these for later. Let them cool to room temperature, wrap them in saran wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. They will last for about 2 to 3 months. For best results, let the scones thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat: You can either reheat in the microwave or the air fryer. Heat until warmed through.

What Pans Can I Use For My Scones in the Air Fryer?

There are several different types of scones pans that you can use in your air fryer. The pan that you use is dependent on what air fryer you own.

Some of my favorites are: (affiliate links included)

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

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Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones

5 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones are a great and easy breakfast! Made with a few key ingredients, and they are easy to make in the air fryer!

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter, ½ stick unsalted butter, cold
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
  • cup sugar
  • 1 zest orange, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped pecans , or walnuts

For the drizzle:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions

  • In a food processor, blend together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter, cut into cubes, and pulse until the mixture resembles fine sand.
  • Whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Add the cream to the food processor and pulse until the dough forms.
  • In another bowl, toss together the chopped cranberries and sugar. Add the nuts and orange zest, tossing to combine. Add the dough to the bowl and press the fruit and nuts into the dough.
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Pat each section into a 6-inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 wedges. Place the wedges onto the parchment lined air fryer basket.
  • Set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F, and set cook time for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze.
  • Mix the powdered sugar and orange juice to create a glaze. Drizzle over the scones.

Equipment

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 294mgPotassium: 112mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 547IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 125mgIron: 2mg

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