I’m a sucker for pretty much anything banana, so of course I had to make some air fryer banana chocolate chip scones! They’re a great way to use up overripe bananas, making for a tender, moist scone. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Scones are deceptively simple to make, and even easier thanks to your air fryer! No more heating up the whole house with the oven, since you can bake up a batch in the air fryer in only about 15 minutes.
That’s why I always opt for this method during the heat of the summer when I still want to enjoy fresh baked goods. The great thing is that bananas are readily available all year round, so you can make these delicious scones anytime you want!
Scones are similar to biscuits, but this version is packed with bananas and chocolate chips for banana bread vibes that make a perfect sweet treat. Of course, there are lots of other great flavor combinations to try as well!
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Ingredients List
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp cold butter (unsalted)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 overripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 Tbsp milk
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use granulated sugar in place of brown sugar, but I prefer the brown sugar paired with the banana flavor
- If you use salted butter, omit the additional salt
- The milk can be swapped for buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt if preferred
- Other types of chocolate chips are fine. You can also add other flavors, like butterscotch chips, or chopped nuts instead
- For the glaze, which is optional, you can also add in some cocoa powder to make it chocolate flavor, or use caramel extract instead of vanilla for another tasty combination!
Step By Step Instructions
- To a large mixing bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt, then stir so it’s well mixed
- Cut your butter into cubes, then add it to the dry ingredient mixture. Use your hands (the heat helps this process) to mix the butter with the flour mix until coarse crumbs form
- Add the egg, milk, and mashed bananas and stir just until a shaggy dough forms
- Fold in the chocolate chips
- Flour a work surface (line with wax paper for easier cleanup) and turn the dough out onto it. Flatten into a round disk about 1” thick. You don’t want to knead the dough, just bring it together in one piece. This dough is very soft, so use the flour liberally as needed
- Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 even wedges
- Place the scones into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between them for expansion. Tip: use parchment for easier cleanup
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until scones are golden brown and cooked through. While they are cooking, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl (adjust with milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency)
- Remove scones to a wire rack to cool. Drizzle with vanilla glaze before serving
What to Serve With Banana Scones
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Clotted cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Nut butters
Try some easy Microwave Chocolate Sauce!
Sides
- Fresh fruit
- Parfaits
- Smoothie bowls
- Overnight oats
My Banana Almond Butter Overnight Oats are a great choice!
Drinks
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
- Smoothies
- Banana flavored cocktails
- Chocolate flavored cocktails
Try my Chocolate Crown Royal Recipes, Banana Old Fashioned, Cranberry Banana Smoothie, or Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie for some perfect drink pairings!
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Cook Air Fryer Banana Chocolate Chip Scones?
Cooking time typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer, depending on the model and size of the scones.
Check for golden brown top and edges, and a center that springs back slightly when pushed.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for Banana Chocolate Chip Scones?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas for the scones. Thaw the bananas completely and mash them before adding them to the scone dough.
If using sliced bananas, you want around ⅔ cup of mashed banana in total.
Do I Need to Preheat the Air Fryer for Scones?
You do not have to preheat your air fryer for scones. However, the bottoms of the scones will be much lighter colored if you choose not to preheat.
I usually do not preheat my air fryer. However, if you want to, set it to 350°F and heat for 2-3 minutes empty. Make sure not to add any parchment during the preheat process.
Can I Freeze Banana Chocolate Chip Scones?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked scones for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely after baking, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the air fryer when ready to eat.
Can I Make Banana Chocolate Chip Scones Gluten Free?
Yes, you can make gluten free scones by using a gluten free flour blend such as almond flour in place of all purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder and chocolate chips, are also gluten free.
Cooking times can vary slightly with different types of flour, so make sure to monitor them closely.
Recipe Pro Tips
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. If you do, you can cut 2-3 minutes off cooking time usually (this applies for any subsequent batches you make even if you do not preheat). Never preheat with parchment paper in the air fryer by itself – add it when you add the scones if you plan to use it
- The dough for banana scones is extremely soft compared to other varieties of scones (due to the moisture from the bananas). You can add additional flour as needed to get it stable enough to work with (but don’t overdo it, as you’ll create tough scones). I just try to re-shape them after transferring to the air fryer and they bake up just fine!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You may also cool, wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat scones in the air fryer, heat for 1-2 minutes at 350°F, until warmed through. If you reheat from frozen, add 1-2 additional minutes to account for the colder starting temperature
More Air Fryer Scone Recipes
- Bacon Cheddar Scones
Final Thoughts
These banana chocolate chip scones come out tender, moist, and delicious with the perfect golden brown crust thanks to your air fryer. Even better, they cook in less than 15 minutes, making them faster than the traditional oven!
Plus, your air fryer helps keep the house cooler in the warm summer months, so you can feel free to enjoy scones all summer long!
They make for a perfect grab and go breakfast, brunch option, and even dessert! Pair with coffee, tea, milk, or even a nice cocktail to enjoy.
Air Fryer Banana Chocolate Chip Scones
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar (unpacked)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 Tbsp cold butter (unsalted)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 overripe bananas (smashed)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (or your favorite flavor)
Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or caramel)
- 1 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- To a large mixing bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt, then stir so it’s well mixed2 cups all purpose flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt
- Cut your butter into cubes, then add it to the dry ingredient mixture. Use your hands (the heat helps this process) to mix the butter with the flour mix until coarse crumbs form6 Tbsp cold butter
- Add the egg, milk, and mashed bananas and stir just until a shaggy dough forms1 large egg, ¼ cup milk, 2 overripe bananas
- Fold in the chocolate chips½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Flour a work surface (line with wax paper for easier cleanup) and turn the dough out onto it. Flatten into a round disk about 1” thick. You don’t want to knead the dough, just bring it together in one piece. This dough is very soft, so use the flour liberally as needed
- Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 even wedges
- Place the scones into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between them for expansion. Tip: use parchment for easier cleanup
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until scones are golden brown and cooked through. While they are cooking, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl (adjust with milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency)½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp milk
- Remove scones to a wire rack to cool. Drizzle with vanilla glaze before serving
Notes
- The dough for banana scones is extremely soft compared to other varieties of scones (due to the moisture from the bananas). You can add additional flour as needed to get it stable enough to work with (but don’t overdo it, as you’ll create tough scones). I just try to re-shape them after transferring to the air fryer and they bake up just fine!
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. If you do, you can cut 2-3 minutes off cooking time usually (this applies for any subsequent batches you make even if you do not preheat). Never preheat with parchment paper in the air fryer by itself – add it when you add the scones if you plan to use it
- Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You may also cool, wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
I cut my dough into circles using a glass instead of the wedges. I thought it was easier to work with given how soft the dough was, and they turned out great! Soft and not dry at all
I love how the air fryer always surprises me at how it can somehow deliver a soft texture when you typically think of air fryers crisping food up.