Quick Air Fryer Sultana Scones

Can you make sultana scones in an air fryer? Absolutely — and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the oven! Making sultana scones in the air fryer is a brilliant energy-saving alternative to traditional baking, and the best part is just how quick it is. How long does it take to cook sultana scones in the air fryer? Ditch the oven altogether — you can have these gorgeous, fruity air fryer sultana scones ready in less than 6 minutes of cooking time!

Not only are they incredibly simple to make, but they come out wonderfully fluffy with those perfect golden, slightly crisp tops — and every bite is packed with plump, juicy sultanas. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for afternoon tea or a weekend treat, these scones deliver all the warmth and flavour of a classic bake without any of the fuss. No complicated steps, no long waits — just soft, fruity scones on the table in no time!

Ingredients

• 225g Self-Raising Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder (level measuring spoon)
• 50g Butter
• 25g Caster Sugar
• 1 Egg
• Milk
• 60g Sultanas

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Ingredient Notes

Self-Raising Flour — This is key for getting that lovely rise on your scones. Make sure it’s fresh as older flour won’t give you the same lift.

Baking Powder — Use a level measuring spoon for accuracy. Too much baking powder can actually cause your scones to collapse rather than rise.

Butter — Cold butter works best here. It helps create that light, flaky texture we all love in a good scone.

Caster Sugar — Just enough to add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the natural flavour of the sultanas.

Egg & Milk — These work together to bind your dough. You may not need the full amount — add it gradually as too much liquid will make the dough too wet and could affect your cooking time.

Sultanas — Plump, juicy sultanas work best. If yours are looking a little dry, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand and pat them dry before adding them to the dough.

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How to Make Air Fryer Sultana Scones

1. Lightly grease a brownie tin that fits inside your air fryer and set aside.
2. Add the self-raising flour and baking powder to a large mixing bowl and add the butter. Rub together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar and sultanas.
3. Break the egg into a measuring jug and top up with milk until you reach 150ml (5 fl oz). Gradually add the mixture to the dry ingredients — you may not need it all. Too much liquid will make the dough too wet which can affect your cooking time. Mix until you have a soft dough.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to a thickness of ½ inch (1cm). Using a fluted cutter, cut into rounds and place them into your prepared tin.
5. Set your air fryer to 200°c and cook for 6 minutes. If you have made larger scones they may need a few extra minutes.
6. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy warm with your favourite toppings!

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sultana scones are delicious served warm straight from the air fryer! Here are some classic and not so classic ways to enjoy them:

• The Classic — Split them open and top with lashings of clotted cream and your favourite strawberry jam. Can’t go wrong!
• Butter & Jam — Simple but perfect. A generous spread of cold butter and a good quality fruity jam is all you need.
• Cream Cheese & Honey — For something a little different, try cream cheese with a drizzle of honey. The sweetness of the sultanas works beautifully with this combination.
• Just as They Are — Honestly, these sultana scones are so full of flavour that they are delicious completely on their own, still slightly warm from the air fryer!

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Storage & Reheating

Storing Your Scones These air fryer sultana scones are best eaten on the day they are made while they are still fresh and fluffy. However, if you have leftovers they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I Freeze Air Fryer Sultana Scones? Yes! These scones freeze really well. Once they have completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply take out however many you need and leave them to defrost at room temperature.

Reheating The best way to reheat your sultana scones is back in the air fryer! Pop them in at 180°c for 2-3 minutes and they will taste almost as good as freshly made. You can also microwave them for around 20-30 seconds, though the air fryer will give you a much better result.

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Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun ways to put your own spin on these air fryer sultana scones:

• Cinnamon Sultana Scones — Add ½ tsp of ground cinnamon to your flour for a warm, spiced flavour that pairs beautifully with the sultanas.
• Orange & Sultana Scones — Add the zest of one orange to your dough for a bright, citrusy twist that really lifts the flavour.
• Glazed Tops — Before air frying, brush the tops with a little extra milk or beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish.
• Mixed Fruit Scones — Swap out some of the sultanas for mixed dried fruit or add a handful of dried cranberries for a slightly different flavour and a festive feel.
• Lemon & Sultana Scones — Add the zest of a lemon for a subtle zingy flavour that works really well with the sweetness of the sultanas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature do you cook sultana scones in the air fryer? Cook your sultana scones at 200°c for 6 minutes. Every air fryer is slightly different so keep an eye on them the first time you make them.

How long do sultana scones take in the air fryer? Just 6 minutes! It really is that quick. No preheating your oven or waiting around — you can have freshly baked sultana scones on the table in no time.

Why are my air fryer scones not rising? There are a few reasons this could happen. Check that your baking powder and self-raising flour are both fresh as old raising agents won’t give you the lift you need. Also make sure you are using a level measuring spoon for the baking powder — too much or too little can both cause problems.

Why is my scone dough too wet? When adding your egg and milk mixture, add it gradually as you may not need it all. Too much liquid will make the dough too wet which can affect the cooking time and the texture of your finished scones.

Can I use raisins instead of sultanas? Yes you can! Raisins will work just as well in this recipe. Sultanas tend to be slightly softer and sweeter but raisins make a great substitute if that’s what you have in the cupboard.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? It is best to cook scones as soon as the dough is made for the best rise and texture. If you do need to prepare ahead, you can cut the scones out and refrigerate them for a couple of hours before cooking but for the best results, cook them straight away.

Can I freeze air fryer sultana scones? Yes! Allow them to cool completely then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and reheat in the air fryer at 180°c for 2-3 minutes.

What air fryer do you use for this recipe? This recipe was made using the Tefal FW2018 Easy Fry Grill & Steam Hot Air Fryer. As air fryers can vary, you may need to slightly adjust the temperature or time to suit your own model.

How many scones does this recipe make? This recipe makes 10 scones.

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Air Fryer Cheese Scones
Cheese and Olive Scones