Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to whip up a dessert in no time—the air fryer! This air fryer strawberry shortcake recipe is a total game changer. I love how easy it is to make something that feels so indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, you can have this delicious strawberry shortcake ready in about 30 minutes! The air fryer gives the shortcake that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Plus, the strawberries are just bursting with flavor, and when you layer everything with a dollop of whipped cream, it’s pure magic! Trust me, this is one dessert you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a surprise treat for friends!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to gather before we dive into making this delightful air fryer strawberry shortcake! I promise you won’t need anything fancy—just simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully.
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced: Fresh strawberries are a must! Make sure to wash them thoroughly and slice them up so they’re ready to soak in that delicious sugar.
- 1/4 cup sugar: This is for sweetening the strawberries and adding a sprinkle to the batter. Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This will be the base of our shortcake. No need for anything special—just your regular flour will do!
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the batter, making it tender and delicious. Feel free to use any milk you prefer!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter gives the shortcake that rich flavor. Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt it down!
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is what makes our shortcake rise and become fluffy—don’t skip it!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances all those yummy flavors.
- 1 cup whipped cream: For the finishing touch! You can make your own or use store-bought—whatever makes your life easier!
And there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to make a dessert that’ll impress everyone!
How to Prepare the Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I’m so excited to share my steps with you. Follow along, and you’ll have a delightful strawberry shortcake that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
First things first—let’s get those strawberries ready! In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with the 1/4 cup of sugar. Give them a gentle toss, and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out the juices, creating a sweet, syrupy mixture that’s just heavenly. Trust me, this is the best part!
Step 2: Make the Shortcake Batter
While your strawberries are macerating, it’s time to whip up the batter! In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix those dry ingredients together. Next, pour in the 1/2 cup of milk and the 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir until everything is just combined; you want a smooth batter, but don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally okay.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Now, let’s get that air fryer ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your shortcake cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown crust. So go ahead and set it up while you finish up the batter!
Step 4: Cook the Shortcake
Pour the batter into a greased air fryer-safe pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly. Now, place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ooh, can you smell that? It’s going to be so good!
Step 5: Assemble the Dessert
Once it’s cooked, let the shortcake cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into pieces. To assemble, layer a piece of shortcake on a plate, spoon on those delicious strawberries, and top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat for each serving, and voilà! You’ve just created a beautiful dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!
- Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer gives the shortcake a perfect golden crust while keeping it fluffy inside—no oven required!
- Fresh and Flavorful: Using fresh strawberries means you get that burst of juicy flavor in every bite. It’s like summer on a plate!
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and toppings to your liking, making it as indulgent or as light as you want!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dessert night or a last-minute gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Minimal Cleanup: With fewer bowls and tools needed, you can enjoy your dessert without the hassle of a big mess in the kitchen!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your air fryer strawberry shortcake turns out perfectly every time! First off, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or even applesauce—both work great! And if you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen ones, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Another tip: keep an eye on the cooking time. Air fryers can vary, so check your shortcake a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. If your shortcake has a little browning but isn’t quite done, you can always cover it loosely with foil for the last few minutes. Lastly, don’t skip letting the shortcake cool before layering; this helps keep everything from getting soggy. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries in this recipe, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with sugar. This prevents excess moisture, which could make your shortcake soggy. You can still enjoy that sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries, just like with fresh ones!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store your air fryer strawberry shortcake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just keep the whipped cream separate until you’re ready to serve it again. That way, your shortcake remains soft and delicious!
What can I substitute for whipped cream?
There are plenty of delicious alternatives to whipped cream! If you’re looking for something lighter, try using Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey mixed in for sweetness. For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream works beautifully and adds a lovely tropical twist! You can even use a store-bought dairy-free whipped topping if you’re in a hurry. Whatever you choose, it’ll still be a delightful topping for your shortcake!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in this delightful air fryer strawberry shortcake, you might be curious about the nutritional breakdown. Here’s an estimate based on standard ingredients, so you can enjoy your dessert with a little more insight:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. But no matter the numbers, what really matters is the joy of enjoying this sweet treat!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delightful air fryer strawberry shortcake ready, let’s talk about how to elevate your dessert experience! There are so many fun ways to serve it up!
- With a Side of Fresh Berries: Serve your shortcake with a medley of fresh berries on the side—think blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries. They add a burst of color and flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully!
- Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: For all the chocolate lovers out there, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the whipped cream adds an indulgent touch. It’s like a sweet surprise in every bite!
- Ice Cream Scoop: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of your shortcake? The creaminess pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries!
- Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing flavor that brightens up the dish!
- Tea or Coffee: Pair your shortcake with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The rich flavors of your drink will balance out the sweetness of the dessert and make for a cozy treat!
These serving suggestions will not only enhance your air fryer strawberry shortcake but also impress your family and friends. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: 30-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy air fryer strawberry shortcake recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the batter into a greased air fryer-safe pan.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let it cool, then cut into pieces.
- Layer the shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on your taste.
- Use fresh strawberries for best results.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: air fryer strawberry shortcake recipe
