Oh my gosh, you guys. I have to tell you about these air fryer pumpkin scone bites that have become my absolute obsession this fall. I mean, who knew something so simple could be so ridiculously delicious? It all started when I was craving something pumpkin-y but didn’t want to turn on the oven—and boom! The air fryer saved the day.
These little bites are my go-to when I need a quick snack that feels special. They’re soft, just sweet enough, and packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor. And the best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes—no waiting around for oven preheating or worrying about overbaking. Trust me, once you try these warm, golden bites with your morning coffee (or let’s be real, as an after-dinner treat), you’ll be hooked just like I am.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Okay, let me count the ways these little gems will steal your heart—because honestly, they’re kind of life-changing. First off, they’re unbelievably easy. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just mix, shape, and let the air fryer work its magic. And the speed! While traditional scones take forever in the oven, these are ready before your coffee finishes brewing. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Pumpkin spice heaven—warm cinnamon and nutmeg hug every bite without being overpowering
- Crazy moist texture, thanks to real pumpkin puree (none of that dry, crumbly scone nonsense)
- Perfect portion control—pop a few as a snack or devour a handful guilt-free
- Zero oven hassle—no preheating, no kitchen overheating, just crisp perfection in minutes
Seriously, these are the ultimate fall treat—easy enough for lazy Sundays but impressive enough for holiday brunches. You’re welcome.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Okay, let’s get real—the magic starts with the right ingredients. I’ve learned the hard way that shortcuts here just don’t work. You’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled—no packing!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (trust me, this is the perfect sweetness)
- 1 tsp baking powder (check the date—old powder = flat scones)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (the good stuff, none of that dusty old spice jar)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just enough to make flavors pop)
- 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed (I mean cold—straight from the fridge)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling! Look for 100% pumpkin)
- 2 tbsp milk (any kind works, but whole milk makes them extra tender)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the real deal, please—imitation tastes sad)
See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find. Just simple, honest ingredients that come together in the most magical way.
How to Make Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these little pumpkin delights! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be snacking on warm scone bites before you know it.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first—grab a big mixing bowl and dump in your flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now, here’s my secret: whisk them together like your life depends on it. Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but seriously—give it a good 30-second whisk to banish any lumps and make sure those spices are evenly distributed. You’ll thank me later when every bite has that perfect pumpkin spice flavor.
Step 2: Cut in Butter
Time to get your hands dirty! Drop in those cold butter cubes (I told you—straight from the fridge!) and start working them into the dry mix. I like using my fingertips—it’s messy but effective—but a pastry cutter works too. You’re aiming for something that looks like coarse sand with some pea-sized butter bits still visible. Those little butter pockets? They’re what make your scone bites beautifully tender.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now for the magic! Make a well in your dry ingredients and pour in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla. Here’s where you need to channel your inner gentle baker—fold everything together just until combined. Overmixing = tough scones, and nobody wants that. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not wet. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon more milk. Too wet? A dusting of flour will fix it.
Step 4: Shape and Cook
Preheat that air fryer to 350°F—don’t skip this step! While it’s heating, roll your dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a ping pong ball). Pro tip: lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Arrange them in the basket with space between each—I do about 6 at a time. No crowding! They need room to puff up and get that gorgeous golden color. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re firm to the touch. Oh, and resist opening the basket too much—let that hot air work its magic!
See? Easy peasy. Now go enjoy your warm, pumpkin-spiced victory!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Okay, let me share my hard-earned secrets for scone bite perfection—because yes, there is an art to these little guys! First up: if your dough feels sticky (hello, pumpkin moisture!), pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Cold dough holds its shape better and prevents flat, sad scones.
Now, the toothpick test is your best friend—but don’t wait for it to come out clean! You want a few moist crumbs clinging to it when you pull it out. And here’s my golden rule: air fryers vary wildly, so start checking at 7 minutes. Want them crispier? Add 1-2 minutes, but watch closely—they go from golden to dark fast!
Oh! Almost forgot—let them rest for 5 minutes before devouring. They firm up perfectly and won’t burn your tongue. You’re welcome.
Variations for Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Now, let’s talk fun twists—because who doesn’t love playing with flavors? For a decadent touch, fold in a handful of chocolate chips (dark chocolate pairs beautifully with pumpkin). Feeling nutty? Toasted pecans add the perfect crunch. And if you’re a cinnamon sugar fanatic like me, roll the dough balls in a mix of sugar and cinnamon before air frying. They’ll come out with a sweet, crackly crust that’s downright addictive! If you enjoy other spiced treats, check out these air fryer spiced nuts for another quick snack.
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Oh, you’ve got to eat these warm—that’s when they’re at their absolute best, all tender inside with that perfect golden exterior. My family hovers around the air fryer like vultures the second the timer beeps! If by some miracle you have leftovers (ha!), toss them in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days.
Want to bring back that just-made magic? Pop them in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 300°F. They’ll taste like you just pulled them out fresh—no sad, soggy scones here!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Here’s the scoop—each little scone bite packs about 80 calories, with a cozy mix of pumpkin goodness and just enough sweetness. Keep in mind, these numbers can shift based on your exact ingredients (especially if you go wild with those chocolate chips!). But honestly? They’re so delicious, you’ll forget you ever checked.
FAQ About Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
Can I use gluten-free flour? Absolutely! I’ve had great success with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly more delicate, but they’ll still taste amazing. My friend Sarah swears by almond flour, though you’ll need to add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree for moisture.
Can I bake these in the oven instead? Of course! Bake at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet. They won’t get quite as crisp on the outside, but they’ll still be delicious. Just keep an eye on them—ovens can be sneaky! If you prefer oven baking for other treats, you might enjoy these air fryer pecan pie bars recipe in just 20 minutes (which also has oven conversion tips).
Why are my scone bites dry? Oh no! This usually happens if the dough gets overmixed or if you accidentally used pumpkin pie filling instead of puree. Next time, stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together, and double-check that can—it should say “100% pumpkin” with no added spices or sweeteners.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! Roll the dough balls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag. When cravings hit, pop them straight into the air fryer—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cook time. Perfect for emergency pumpkin spice situations!
Share Your Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites
I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram when you make these—nothing makes me happier than seeing your golden scone bites. Leave a comment below too—tell me your favorite variation or any brilliant tweaks you discovered! For more quick pumpkin goodness, check out these air fryer pumpkin muffins recipe.
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Pumpkin Scone Bites in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 scone bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious air fryer pumpkin scone bites, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They are easy to make and packed with pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone bite
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: air fryer, pumpkin, scone bites, dessert, snack