Okay, so y’all know I love a good dessert, but what I don’t love is turning on my oven when I’m already drowning in laundry, dishes, and kids asking for snacks every five minutes. That’s why this Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake is officially my new best friend. It’s got everything you want in a strawberry shortcake dessert—flaky shortcake biscuits, sweet juicy airfryer strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream—but without the whole baking struggle. Yep, we’re making this in the air fryer, and it is hands down one of the best desserts ever.
If you’ve never tried air fryer baking, this is your sign to start. You get golden, buttery biscuits in minutes, and they come out perfect every time. No need to mix up a complicated cake for strawberry shortcake or fuss with a cheesecake fruit combo—this is the ultimate simple dessert that still feels fancy. And let’s be honest, anything with dessert strawberries piled on top is a win in my book.
So if you’re on the hunt for strawberry shortcake recipes that are quick, yummy desserts without all the effort, this one’s for you. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be making this on repeat. Now let’s get into this strawberry shortcake recipe easy and see why strawberries air fryer style might just be your new favorite thing.
Why This Recipe is a Total Win
- Ridiculously easy – So simple you could make it while distracted by a toddler meltdown.
- Super fast – Under 20 minutes start to finish. Faster than running to the store for ice cream.
- Beyond delicious – Buttery, flaky biscuits with sweet strawberries and creamy whipped topping.
- Minimal mess – One bowl for the strawberries, one air fryer basket. That’s it.
What You Need
I’m all about keeping it simple, so this recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (the flaky kind work best)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar (to make the strawberries juicy and sweet)
- 1 cup whipped cream (homemade if you want to be fancy, store-bought if you want to be sane)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing the biscuits)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but makes it even yummier)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
First, slice up the strawberries and toss them with the sugar. Let them sit for about ten minutes so they get all juicy and delicious. This is called “macerating,” but honestly, we don’t need to be fancy—we’re just letting the sugar do its thing.
Step 2: Cook the Biscuits in the Air Fryer
Pop open that can of biscuits (without scaring yourself half to death—why are those things so aggressive?!) and place them in the air fryer basket. Brush the tops with melted butter for that extra golden, crispy goodness. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for six to eight minutes until they’re puffy and golden brown. Check at five minutes because all air fryers cook a little differently.
Step 3: Let the Biscuits Cool
Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, molten-hot biscuits are not the vibe.
Step 4: Assemble the Shortcakes
Now for the fun part. Slice each biscuit in half and spoon some of those juicy strawberries on the bottom half. Pile on that whipped cream (don’t be shy, more is more). Drizzle a little extra strawberry juice over the top for extra flavor, then place the top half of the biscuit on like a little dessert sandwich.
Step 5: Devour Immediately
Serve it up right away because let’s be honest, nobody wants soggy biscuits. My kids basically inhaled theirs, and I may have gone back for seconds. No regrets.
Tips and Tricks
- Want to make it extra fancy? Add a splash of vanilla to your whipped cream or sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top.
- No fresh strawberries? Frozen ones work too—just thaw and drain them first.
- Want a little crunch? Throw some crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts on top for a fun twist.
FAQs for Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake
What type of biscuits work best for this recipe?
I love using refrigerated flaky biscuits because they cook up golden and crispy in the air fryer. But if you want to make homemade shortcake biscuits, go for it! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How long do I air fry the biscuits?
Most biscuits take about 6-8 minutes at 350°F, but check at the 5-minute mark since air fryers can vary. You want them golden brown and fully cooked inside.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yep! Use dairy-free biscuits (like some Pillsbury ones), coconut whipped cream, and plant-based butter to keep it dairy-free but still delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Honestly, these are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temp for up to two days. Keep the strawberries in the fridge and reheat the biscuits before serving.
Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Card
Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits flaky style
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
Prep the Strawberries
- In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.
Air Fry the Biscuits
- Brush biscuits with melted butter and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown.
Let the Biscuits Cool
- Remove from air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Assemble the Shortcakes
- Slice each biscuit in half.
- Spoon strawberries onto the bottom half, add whipped cream, and place the top half on.
- Drizzle extra strawberry juice over the top for extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Best served fresh.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain them first.
- Swap biscuits for pound cake or angel food cake for a different twist.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
So next time you’re craving a strawberry shortcake dessert but don’t feel like making a full-on cake for strawberry shortcake, just grab your air fryer and whip up this easy strawberry shortcake instead. It’s one of those quick, yummy desserts that’ll have your family asking for seconds—trust me, mine did. And if you’ve got extra strawberries air fryer style, you can throw them on pancakes, yogurt, or just eat ‘em straight from the bowl.
If you try this strawberry shortcake recipe easy, let me know how it goes. And if your kids love it as much as mine, well… guess what’s gonna be on repeat all summer long?
