Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this amazing air fryer strawberry shortcake recipe! It’s absolutely delightful and combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with light, fluffy biscuits that are so easy to whip up. I love how the air fryer makes everything quicker without sacrificing flavor or texture. You get that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly soft—just heavenly! This recipe is perfect for those of us who enjoy a bit of culinary innovation in our desserts but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this treat is, making it an instant favorite for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dessert that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create a scrumptious air fryer strawberry shortcake. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream, for serving
Make sure your butter is cold—this is key for achieving those tender, flaky biscuits. And don’t skimp on the strawberries; the fresher, the better for this delightful dessert!
How to Prepare the Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Let’s get right into the magic of making this air fryer strawberry shortcake! It’s all about combining the right steps for that perfect blend of fluffy biscuits and sweet strawberries.
Preheating and Mixing
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your biscuits cook evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Now, here’s where the magic happens: add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving that tender, flaky texture we love in biscuits! Then, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract just until everything comes together.
Shaping and Air Frying
Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times—don’t overdo it! Shape the dough into a disk about an inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out your biscuits and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space in between. Air fry the biscuits for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and have risen beautifully. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell heavenly and have that lovely golden hue on top!
Preparing the Strawberries and Assembly
While those biscuits are cooking, let’s prep the strawberries! In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with brown sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This maceration process brings out their natural juices, creating a delicious syrup. Once your biscuits have cooled slightly, carefully split them in half. Layer them with the macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half of the biscuit and voila! You have a stunning air fryer strawberry shortcake that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer strawberry shortcake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is nice and cold; this is crucial for achieving those flaky biscuits. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute half with sour cream for a richer flavor. Also, keep an eye on your biscuits while they’re frying—every air fryer is a bit different, so check for that golden color around the 10-minute mark. And remember, don’t overmix the dough; this can lead to tough biscuits. Lastly, feel free to adjust the sugar in the macerated strawberries based on your taste—sweetness levels really vary with the ripeness of the berries!
Variations on the Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
The beauty of this air fryer strawberry shortcake recipe is its versatility! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different berries—blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries can add a fun twist. You could also mix things up by flavoring your whipped cream; a splash of almond extract or a hint of lemon zest can elevate the whole dessert. For those who enjoy a touch of chocolate, try drizzling melted chocolate over the top for a decadent finish. Let your creativity flow, and make this recipe your own!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so these estimates are just a guideline. Each serving of this delightful air fryer strawberry shortcake contains approximately 280 calories, 17g of fat (with 10g of saturated fat), 3g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar. Additionally, you’ll find about 150mg of sodium and 1g of fiber per serving. Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and air frying.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can bake these biscuits in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, checking for that golden brown color.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before macerating them with brown sugar.
How do I make my whipped cream stable? For a firmer whipped cream, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or use heavy whipping cream, which whips up beautifully and holds its shape longer.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the shortcake? Definitely! Feel free to reduce the sugar in the biscuit dough or the macerated strawberries according to your taste preferences. It’s all about what makes you happy!
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer strawberry shortcake is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary dishes can elevate your dessert experience even more! Consider serving it alongside a refreshing scoop of vanilla ice cream for that delightful contrast of warm and cold. A drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add an extra layer of indulgence. For beverages, a light, fruity white sangria or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness of the shortcake. Get ready for a deliciously sweet celebration!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover air fryer strawberry shortcake, place the assembled shortcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you know you won’t finish them right away, it’s best to store the biscuits and strawberries separately to maintain freshness. For reheating, gently warm the biscuits in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes, just until they’re warm again. Avoid reheating the whipped cream; instead, add fresh whipped cream just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your delightful dessert even after the first day!
For more information on the health benefits of strawberries, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the air frying technique, visit this Serious Eats guide.
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