Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating irresistible **Air Fryer Scones** – a delightfully easy and incredibly delicious treat perfect for any time of day! This foolproof recipe for **lemonade scones** requires just 4 essential ingredients and transforms into beautifully fluffy, moist, and tender scones right in your air fryer. Imagine serving these warm, fresh-baked delights topped generously with sweet jam and rich whipped cream. Get ready to elevate your morning tea, afternoon snack, or weekend brunch with minimal effort and maximum flavour.

The Easiest Air Fryer Scones: Fluffy, 4-Ingredient Lemonade Scones

There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, freshly baked scone. Traditionally, scones are a beloved staple for morning or afternoon tea, often requiring an oven and a bit of finesse. However, with the rising popularity of air fryers, achieving that perfect golden crust and tender interior has become astonishingly simple and quick. Our recipe focuses on **Air Fryer Scones**, specifically the popular **lemonade scone** variation, which streamlines the baking process to an absolute minimum.

The beauty of these **4-ingredient scones** lies not just in their simplicity but also in their remarkable texture. The lemonade, combined with cream, creates a chemical reaction that results in an incredibly light and airy crumb, eliminating the need for eggs or butter in the dough itself. This ingenious method ensures your scones are consistently **fluffy and moist**, making them a hit with everyone who tries them. If you’re looking for a quick, impressive, and utterly delicious treat, these **easy scones** are about to become your new go-to recipe.

Most scone recipes are designed for larger batches, often yielding ten or more scones. While delightful, this quantity can be impractical for smaller households or when you simply crave a fresh scone without committing to a full baking marathon. That’s why we’ve expertly adapted the classic lemonade scone recipe into a convenient **small batch scone recipe**, perfectly suited for your air fryer. This recipe consistently makes 5 generous scones, allowing you to enjoy warm, homemade goodness without any waste. It’s the ideal solution for personal indulgence or a small gathering, ensuring every scone is enjoyed at its peak freshness.

Beyond the convenience of a smaller batch, this approach also offers excellent portion control. Let’s be honest, resisting a freshly baked scone is a challenge, especially when they’re as irresistible as these! Making just five means you can enjoy them without overindulging, making them a perfect guilt-free treat. They’re quick enough to whip up on a whim and satisfying enough to curb any sweet craving. Serve these **homemade scones** straight from the air fryer, still warm, with generous dollops of your favourite jam and a cloud of freshly whipped cream for an authentic and luxurious experience.

Unlocking the Magic: The Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Lemonade Scones

The secret to these incredibly **easy Air Fryer Scones** lies in their minimal yet mighty ingredient list. You’ll be amazed at how such few components can come together to create such a delicious and elegant result. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make these perfect **air fryer lemonade scones** (precise measurements are provided in the full recipe card at the bottom of this page):

• Self-Raising Flour: This is the cornerstone of our scones. Self-raising flour already contains leavening agents (baking powder and sometimes salt), which means you don’t need to add them separately. It ensures your scones rise beautifully and achieve that desirable light and airy texture. Do not substitute with plain flour unless you add baking powder.
• Thickened Cream / Heavy Cream: The cream is crucial for richness, moisture, and creating a tender crumb. Its high fat content contributes significantly to the scone’s texture and flavour. In some regions, “thickened cream” might have a slightly lower fat content than “heavy cream,” but either will work effectively in this recipe.
• Lemonade: This is the “magic” ingredient! When we say “lemonade,” we are referring to a clear, carbonated lemon-flavoured soda pop (like Sprite or 7-Up). The carbonation acts as an additional leavening agent, creating extra lift and making the scones incredibly light and fluffy. It also imparts a subtle sweetness and a delightful tangy note. Important Note: If you are in America, this means lemon-flavoured soda pop drinks, NOT homemade lemonade made from freshly squeezed lemons and sugar, which would be too acidic and lack the necessary carbonation. Brands like Schweppes or Kirks are common in Australia and ideal for this recipe.
• Caster Sugar: Caster sugar, also known as superfine sugar, has finer crystals than granulated sugar. This allows it to dissolve more easily and evenly into the dough, contributing to a smoother texture. While caster sugar is preferred for its superior integration, standard granulated sugar can certainly be used as a substitute without significantly impacting the outcome. For a comprehensive understanding, you might find this guide on “what is caster sugar” helpful.
• Milk (for brushing): A small amount of milk brushed on top of the scones before air frying helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and a slightly richer appearance.

With these simple ingredients in hand, you’re just minutes away from enjoying the best **Air Fryer Lemonade Scones** you’ve ever tasted!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Fluffy Air Fryer Scones

Making these **Air Fryer Scones** is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfect, fluffy scones every time. The key is gentle handling and precise execution.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by sifting the self-raising flour into a large mixing bowl. Sifting is an important step as it aerates the flour, helping to create a lighter scone, and removes any lumps. Once the flour is sifted, add the caster sugar, thickened cream, and lemonade to the bowl. Now, using a flat butter knife or a spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together. The goal here is to combine them until a soft, sticky dough just forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough scones. Gentle handling is paramount for that coveted light texture.

Step 2: Shape and Cut the Scones
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Carefully pour the sticky dough out onto the floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough a few times, just enough to bring it together into a cohesive mass. Be careful not to over-knead. Once cohesive, gently press or roll the dough into an approximately 3cm (or 1 inch) thick disc. Thickness is key for achieving tall, beautifully risen scones. Next, grab your 6cm (or 2.5 inch) scone cutter. Dip the cutter in flour between each cut to prevent sticking. Press the cutter straight down into the dough and lift it straight up – do not twist the cutter. Twisting can seal the edges of the scone, inhibiting its rise. Repeat this process until you have cut out all your scone rounds. Gather any scraps and gently re-form them to cut additional scones if possible, always being mindful not to overwork the dough.

Step 3: Prepare for Air Frying
Carefully transfer the cut scone rounds into your air fryer basket or onto the air fryer tray. Ensure there is a small gap in between each scone. This allows for even air circulation, which is vital for uniform baking and browning. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to unevenly cooked or pale scones. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in two batches, especially with the small batch size of 5 scones.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Before cooking, lightly brush the top of each scone with a little milk. This step helps create a beautiful golden crust. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Once preheated, place the basket or tray with the scones into the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, so it’s always a good idea to check on them around the 10-minute mark. You want the scones to be wonderfully golden brown on top and cooked through. Once baked, carefully remove the scones from the air fryer and immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Crucially, cover the warm scones with a clean tea towel. This traps the steam, preventing the tops from becoming crusty and helping them retain their soft, moist texture. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve these exquisite **Air Fryer Scones** fresh and warm, accompanied by generous amounts of your favourite fruit jam and a dollop of clotted cream or freshly whipped cream. Enjoy every single bite of these homemade delights!

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Scones

Achieving perfectly **fluffy Air Fryer Scones** is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your lemonade scones turn out beautifully every single time, making your baking experience smooth and successful:

• Understand Your Lemonade: As emphasized, the type of lemonade is critical. For this recipe, “lemonade” refers to clear, lemon-flavoured soda pop (like Sprite, 7-Up, or Australia’s Schweppes or Kirks). It is NOT the cloudy, tart, non-carbonated drink made from fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar. The carbonation and sweetness of soda pop are essential for the scone’s rise and flavour.
• Handle the Dough Gently: The golden rule for scones is “do not overwork the mixture.” After adding all ingredients, use a flat butter knife or spatula to gently bring the dough together until it’s just combined and sticky. When you turn it out onto a floured surface, knead it lightly just to form a cohesive disc. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, which will result in tough, dense scones rather than light, fluffy ones.
• Scone Cutter Technique: When cutting your scone rounds, remember to press the cutter straight down and lift straight up. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this action can seal the edges of the dough, preventing the scones from rising properly and achieving their characteristic height. Also, keep your cutter floured between each cut to ensure it doesn’t stick to the dough, allowing for clean, crisp edges.
• Achieve the Right Thickness: For tall, impressive scones, ensure your dough disc is adequately thick – approximately 3cm (or 1 inch) is ideal. If the dough is too thin, your scones will be flatter and less satisfying.
• Monitor Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer model heats slightly differently. While 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) is a general guideline, it’s wise to check your scones around the 10-minute mark. Look for a golden-brown top and sides. You definitely don’t want to overcook them, as this can dry them out. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Optimal Storage and Reheating: Scones are undeniably at their absolute best when served fresh and warm, ideally within an hour or two of baking. However, if you have leftovers, they will store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. To revive their deliciousness, give them a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving. This will bring back some of their warmth and tenderness, making them almost as good as fresh.

Are you craving more fantastic Air Fryer recipes? Expand your culinary repertoire and discover a treasure trove of ideas! Be sure to join our vibrant Facebook Group – Air Fryer Recipes, Tips & Tricks! Connect with fellow air fryer enthusiasts, share your successes, and find inspiration for your next delicious meal.

Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do so much more than just crisp up fries. It’s fantastic for baking, roasting, and creating quick, delicious meals and treats. If you’ve enjoyed making these **Air Fryer Scones**, you’ll love exploring other possibilities. Here are some more delightful air fryer recipes to try, perfect for expanding your air fryer culinary adventures:

• Air Fryer Baked Apples: A comforting and healthy dessert or breakfast.
• Air Fryer Banana Muffins: Moist and tender muffins, baked perfectly every time.
• Air Fryer Brownies: Achieve fudgy brownies with crispy edges in your air fryer.
• Air Fryer Apple Turnovers: Flaky pastry filled with sweet apple, a wonderful treat.
• OR simply see all our Air Fryer Recipes for a complete collection of inspiration!

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you’ve given this **Air Fryer Scones recipe** a try, we’d be thrilled to know how much you enjoyed it. Please take a moment to pop a comment and a star rating below to share your experience and tips. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks! You can also follow me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to stay up to date with more delicious and easy recipes, culinary inspiration, and kitchen hacks. Happy baking!

Air Fryer Scones

Yield:
5 scones

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

Try these easy Air Fryer Scones for a delicious morning or afternoon tea treat. These lemonade scones are made with just 4 ingredients and are so fluffy and moist. Serve with cream and jam.

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (Based on 12 reviews)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Self Raising Flour
• ½ cup Lemonade (see notes)
• ½ cup Thickened Cream / Heavy Cream
• ¼ cup Caster Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Milk, for brushing

To Serve

• Jam and Cream

Instructions

1. Sift flour into a large mixing bowl, then add sugar, cream and lemonade. Use a butter knife to mix together gently until a soft sticky dough forms.
2. Pour the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly to bring together, then shape into an approximately 3cm / 1 inch thick disc. Using a 6cm / 2.5inch scone cutter, cut dough into rounds. Press the cutter straight up and down (don’t twist) and flour the cutter in between each round. Place the rounds into the air fryer basket or tray with a small gap in between each one.
3. Brush the top of the scones lightly with milk, then cook on 180C / 350F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden on top. Move to a wire rack to cool and cover with a clean tea towel to prevent the tops from getting crusty.
4. Serve with jam and cream.

Notes

• There are clear step-by-step photo instructions located in the post above for visual guidance.
• I use Schweppes or Kirks lemonade for this recipe. If you are outside of Australia, “lemonade” refers to lemon-flavored soda pop drinks like Sprite or 7-Up, NOT homemade lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemons and water.
• Be careful not to overwork the mixture. You want to gently mix the dough together with a flat butter knife, then gently knead it and shape it into a disc. Overworking leads to tough scones.
• Don’t twist the scone cutter when you’re cutting the rounds, as this can cause them to lose their shape and inhibit their rise whilst baking. Also, be sure to flour the cutter in between each round so it doesn’t stick to the dough.
• For tall, fluffy scones, ensure your scone rounds are thick, approximately 3cm / 1 inch thick.
• Check in on your scones around the 10-minute mark as cooking times can vary. You don’t want to overcook them, and every air fryer is different.
• Scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they will store well in an airtight container for a few days. Just give them a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving to restore their warmth and tenderness.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 360
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 41mg
Sodium: 610mg
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 6g