Go Back
–+ servings
Freshly baked air fryer cranberry scones with golden edges and cranberries

Easy Air Fryer Cranberry Scones

4.73 from 22 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Make bakery-style cranberry scones at home with this easy air fryer recipe. Tender inside with crisp, golden edges and bursting with tart cranberries, they're ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. Works with fresh, dried, or frozen cranberries.

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1 cup cranberries, fresh, dried, or frozen — see notes
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  • Cut in the cold butter, then add the half and half and egg. Mix just until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  • Gently fold in the cranberries, granulated sugar, and orange zest, mixing lightly so the dough stays tender.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until it holds together.
  • Pat into a circle about 6 inches across and 1 inch thick, then cut into 8 wedges.
  • Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
  • Set the air fryer to 365°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, checking around the halfway point — exact time depends on your air fryer. They're done when golden on top and set in the center.
  • Cool on a wire rack. Glaze once fully cooled, if desired.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Scone pan or air fryer liner
  • Cooking Spray

Notes

  • Cranberries: Halve fresh or frozen berries so they distribute evenly; add frozen ones unthawed. Soak very dry dried cranberries for 5 minutes and pat dry.
  • For cranberry orange scones: Double the orange zest and drizzle with a glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice.
  • Make ahead: Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours before air frying.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 257mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 298IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2mg