Air fryer cranberry orange scones

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Scones

6. Form Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick round.
7. Cut Scones: Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges.

Step 4: Air Fry the Scones

8. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
9. Arrange Scones: Place the scones in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for even cooking. You may need to do this in batches.
10. Cook: Air fry the scones at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

11. Prepare Glaze: While the scones are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more orange juice if needed. Stir in orange zest if desired.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

12. Glaze Scones: Once the scones are done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm scones.
13. Serve: Serve the scones warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure the butter and cream are cold to achieve the perfect scone texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to keep the scones tender.
• Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet scone, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and citrusy orange zest, topped with a sweet orange glaze. They are perfect for any time of the day and are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy these scones with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting and delicious treat. Happy baking!