20-Minute Air Fryer Currant Scones

Prep: 20 minCook: 9 min8 sconesmediumAmerican
Air Fryer Currant Scones with Vanilla and Heavy Cream

These tender, buttery scones feature plump dried currants softened in the microwave for extra juiciness. The air fryer creates a golden exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and moist. Made with cold grated butter and heavy cream, these scones have a rich, crumbly texture with bursts of sweet currants throughout. Perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or a quick weekend treat. The air fryer method cuts baking time significantly while delivering bakery-quality results.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

Yield: 8 scones
  • ½ cup dried currants
    raisins or dried cranberries1:1

    Similar sweetness and texture

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
    all-purpose flour plus baking powder2 cups flour + 2 tsp baking powderadds gluten

    Make your own self-rising flour

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup butter, cold, grated or frozen
  • ½ cup heavy cream
    buttermilk1:1

    Creates tangier, more tender scones

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • sugar, for sprinkling on top(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine currants and water in a small mug and microwave for 5 to 10 seconds until currants are softened and plump

  2. 2

    Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a small bowl

  3. 3

    Fold in the cold butter and egg, mixing until texture is coarse

  4. 4

    Fold in cream, vanilla, and softened currants and mix well

  5. 5

    Sprinkle sugar on top

  6. 6

    Set into air fryer for 5 to 9 minutes at 330 degrees F or until fully cooked

  7. 7

    Plate and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Grate frozen butter directly into the flour mixture for easier incorporation and better texture

Tip 2

Don't overmix the dough - a slightly shaggy texture ensures tender scones

Tip 3

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated in air fryer for 1-2 minutes

Serve With

Best served warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip softening the currants to avoid hard, chewy bits

Watch

Avoid overmixing to prevent tough, dense scones

Substitutions

dried currants→
raisins or dried cranberries1:1

Similar sweetness and texture

self-rising flour→
all-purpose flour plus baking powder2 cups flour + 2 tsp baking powderadds gluten

Make your own self-rising flour

heavy cream→
buttermilk1:1

Creates tangier, more tender scones

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Yes, bake in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I freeze these scones?

Yes, freeze baked scones for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

What if I don't have self-rising flour?

Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.