Air Fryer Lemon Scones

These Air Fryer Lemon Scones are light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Quick to make and perfectly golden, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.

Bright, zesty, and perfectly tender, these Air Fryer Lemon Scones are a citrus lover’s dream.

With a lightly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy inside, they’re quick to whip up and make mornings, or any time of day, feel special.

Serve them with butter, jam, or a drizzle of glaze for a refreshing treat that’s both easy and impressive.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and easy to make in the air fryer.
• Light, tender, and perfectly flaky texture.
• Bursting with bright, natural lemon flavor.
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack.
• Can be served plain or with glaze, jam, or butter.

Ingredients Needed

• All-purpose flour: For tender, flaky scones with structure
• Lemon cake mix: For sweet, citrusy, flavorful base
• Cold butter: Diced for flaky, buttery scone texture
• Milk: To bring the dough together smoothly and evenly
• Melted butter: For brushing tops before baking or air frying
• Sparkling sugar: To add sweet, crunchy, decorative finish

How To Make Air Fryer Lemon Scones

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cake mix and the flour.

Step Two: Add the cold butter and mix well. This helps you get the flaky texture of a scone. Add the milk and mix well. Mix well, scraping the sides down for all of the flour and cake mix.

Step Three: Spray your scone pan with olive oil spray. Spread your scone batter into the cavities.

Step Four: Brush the top of the scones with melted butter, and then sprinkle some sparkling sugar on top. Set your filled scone pan in the air fryer and set the air fryer temperature to 330 degrees F and set cook time for 12-16 minutes. (air fryer setting)

Air Fryer Lemon Scones Recipe Tips

• Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter is key for flaky, tender scones. Chill your milk and butter until ready to mix.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until the dough comes together. Overmixing makes scones dense instead of light and fluffy.
• Use a light touch with the pan: Spray the scone pan or air fryer basket well to prevent sticking without adding extra oil.
• Watch the cooking time: Air fryers vary; start checking around 12 minutes. Scones should be golden brown and springy to the touch.
• Add finishing touches: Brushing melted butter and sprinkling sparkling sugar on top gives them a glossy, slightly crunchy finish.
• Serve fresh: Scones are best the same day. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to refresh them.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Keep scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving them exposed to air, or they’ll dry out.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at low heat until warmed through.

Air Fryer Lemon Scones Recipe Faqs

Can I make these scones without a cake mix? Yes! You can use all-purpose flour and a bit of sugar, adjusting the liquid to get a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Can I bake them in the oven instead of the air fryer? Absolutely. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.

How should I store leftover scones? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I add flavor variations? Yes! Try adding lemon zest, vanilla extract, or a handful of berries for extra flavor.

Do I need to brush with butter before air frying? Brushing with melted butter adds flavor and helps the sparkling sugar stick, but it’s optional if you prefer a lighter finish.

Equipment Used

Two of my favorite Air Fryer Scone Pans are:

• Baking Molds Triangle Cavity Silicone 8 Red Silicone Portion Cake Mold Soap Mould Pizza Slices Pan/Scone Pan/Combread Brownies Muffins Mold: This pan can be used in an air fryer basket. Since it’s made of silicone, you can easily cut the molds out, which will fit any air fryer. (This one is great for any Air Fryer Basket and will fit any model)
• Artisanal Kitchen Supply 9″ Cast Iron Preseasoned 8 Section Corn Bread Pan, Black: This is an excellent scone pan. I had it for years of making scones in my oven. It fits my air fryer oven and produces perfect scones. (This one is perfect for any air fryer oven or larger air fryer oven model)

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER APPLE CHEDDAR BACON SCONES
• AIR FRYER GLAZED PUMPKIN SCONES
• EASY AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI BACON CHEDDAR SCONES
• AIR FRYER CHERRY SCONES

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!