Strawberry shortcake is a wonderful dessert that really allows the flavors of your fresh berries to shine through. It was a dish I always loved as a kid, and I still make it as an adult! Nowadays, though, I make air fryer strawberry shortcake so I don’t heat up the house in the heat of the summer.
Strawberry shortcake is a classic yet timeless recipe, dating back to the 1800s! Of course, there have been a lot of variations over that amount of time, including the way in which we make it. The air fryer is a newer invention of course, but it’s perfect for making strawberry shortcakes.
That’s because the air fryer preheats and cooks faster than a conventional oven, and produces less heat overall. During the heat of the summer when strawberries are freshest, that’s important!
I use my air fryer to turn out golden brown biscuits with soft, warm interiors before loading them up with sweet toppings. Of course, you can use it for a variety of other bases as well, since there are so many takes on this classic dessert.
Ingredients to Grab
8 count can refrigerated biscuits (buttermilk preferred)
8 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Whipped cream
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use refrigerated or frozen biscuits. I prefer buttermilk or butter flavored, but feel free to use your favorite. You can also make your own; I’ll include some tips below
The fresh strawberries can be swapped for frozen if needed. Make sure to defrost them in advance. You can use plain frozen strawberries, or sliced in sugar, and then you don’t need to add the sugar
Swap the sugar for honey or agave if you prefer a natural sweetener option
You can use Redi Whip, Cool Whip, or make your own whipped cream by whipping 1 cup heavy cream in a mixer until stiff peaks form, then fold in 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract
Variations For Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake
Different Fruit. You can swap out the strawberries for other fresh berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Blueberries are the next best choice, though, as the others have seeds
Homemade Biscuits. For semi homemade, use 2 ¼ cups Bisquick (or a similar baking mix) and ⅔ cup milk. Increase cooking time to 10 minutes (flip after 7). For fully homemade, use 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 3 Tbsp cold butter, and ½ cup of buttermilk, milk, or half and half. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients, then add the wet and combine. Shape or cut, drop into the air fryer, and cook for 15 minutes
Chocolate. Add cocoa powder to your biscuit mix, or drizzle some chocolate sauce over top of your shortcake for a chocolate twist. My Microwave Chocolate Sauce is a perfect choice!
Citrus Twist. Add grated lemon zest to your strawberry mixture and/or your biscuit dough for a citrus twist! You can also try other citrus, such as limes or oranges if preferred
Different Base. Instead of biscuits, you can also use a toasted slice of cake, like my delicious Air Fryer Pound Cake
How to Prepare Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Stir to mix evenly, and set aside
Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray (or line with perforated parchment)
Open the biscuits, separate them, and place them into the air fryer basket with at least ½” of air space between each one
Cook on the air fry setting at 325°F (or 330°F, depending on your air fryer’s available settings) for 6 minutes for regular biscuits, or 8-10 minutes for the larger Grands size, or until golden brown
Allow biscuits to cool slightly, then split them in half (into a top and a bottom)
To the bottom, add reserved sliced strawberries and whipped cream, then top with the top half (you can add more whipped cream and/or strawberries on top, if desired)
Dust with powdered sugar or a fresh mint leaf for garnish (optional) and enjoy
What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake
Barbecue chicken
Seafood boil
Pork chops
Duck
Turkey
Baked beans
Spinach salad
Caprese salad
Cobb salad
Lemonade
Strawberry cocktails
Aside from extra toppings and sauces of course, there are lots of great things to pair with strawberry shortcake for dinner, side dishes, and drinks.
Can I Use Store Bought Biscuits or Cake For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use store bought biscuits or cakes for this recipe. Warm a previously cooked biscuit or slice of cake for about 2-3 minutes in the air fryer at 330°F to toast it lightly.
Of course, you can also use pre-made dough or cake mix to speed up the process, but still enjoy a freshly baked option.
How Do I Prevent the Shortcakes From Becoming Too Dry in the Air Fryer?
To prevent dryness, make sure not to overcook the shortcakes in the air fryer. Keep the temperature lower, and start with the low end of cooking time. Add time in small increments beyond that only as needed.
You can also brush the shortcakes with a light layer of melted butter or a sugar syrup before air frying to help retain moisture.
What’s the Ideal Air Fryer Temperature For Baking Strawberry Shortcake?
The ideal air fryer temperature for baking strawberry shortcakes is around 325°F – 330°F. However, you could go as low as 300°F or up to 350°F.
Beyond that, you’ll overbrown your biscuits or cakes before they are thoroughly cooked.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries For the Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for your air fryer strawberry shortcake. Thaw and drain them well before using.
You may also use pre-sliced frozen strawberries with sugar and omit adding additional sugar to the fruit.
How Do I Ensure That the Whipped Cream Doesn’t Melt on the Warm Shortcakes?
Whipped cream can start to melt on warm shortcakes. To avoid this, make sure the shortcakes have cooled slightly before adding the whipped cream.
You should also store the whipped cream in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve so that it remains cold.
Can I Make Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake Ahead of Time?
While strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Bake the shortcakes and slice the strawberries ahead of time, up to 24 hours in advance.
Assemble the dessert just before serving to ensure the shortcakes remain tender and the strawberries stay fresh.
Recipe Pro Tips
My Ninja air fryer can hold 2-3 Grands size biscuits per 4-qt zone, so I can cook 6 at a time comfortably. I usually do two batches of 4 just to keep it even
If you split a biscuit open and it’s still raw in the middle don’t panic! Put it back in the air fryer for another couple of minutes and you’re good to go
Remember that “over done” is better than undercooked in this case, as even if you make your biscuits dry, the lovely strawberry syrup that forms as the berries soak will moisten them up again
Storage and Reheating Tips
Strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, as the strawberries will make the cakes soggy the longer they sit. You may store leftover biscuits and strawberry slices separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat the biscuit for 2-3 minutes at 325°F in the air fryer before serving
You may also prepare the components up to 24 hours in advance and just assemble the dessert when ready to save time
Making strawberry shortcakes in the air fryer is the ultimate in convenience. They cook faster than the oven, and keep the house cooler, which is important when summer berries are freshest.
Of course, you can swap in other fruits or use frozen in the off season, but shortcake is one of my favorite uses for fresh fruits.
Whether you use this extremely easy recipe with ready made biscuits, or you choose to make your own, they’re going to be delicious! I just love saving time while still enjoying an irresistible treat!
Easy Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake
This easy air fryer strawberry shortcake starts with fresh strawberries and canned biscuits for a dessert in under 20 minutes!
Spray your air fryer basket with nonstick spray (or line with perforated parchment)
Open the biscuits, separate them, and place them into the air fryer basket with at least ½” of air space between each one
8 Count refrigerated canned biscuits
Cook on the air fry setting at 325°F (or 330°F, depending on your air fryer’s available settings) for 6 minutes for regular biscuits, or 8-10 minutes for the larger Grands size, or until golden brown
Allow biscuits to cool slightly, then split them in half (into a top and a bottom)
To the bottom, add reserved sliced strawberries and whipped cream, then top with the top half (you can add more whipped cream and/or strawberries on top, if desired)
Whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or a fresh mint leaf for garnish (optional) and enjoy
Notes
You can use refrigerated or frozen biscuits. I prefer buttermilk or butter flavored, but feel free to use your favorite. You can also make your own; I’ll include some tips below
The fresh strawberries can be swapped for frozen if needed. Make sure to defrost them in advance. You can use plain frozen strawberries, or sliced in sugar, and then you don’t need to add the sugar
Swap the sugar for honey or agave if you prefer a natural sweetener option
You can use Redi Whip, Cool Whip, or make your own whipped cream if preferred
My Ninja air fryer can hold 2-3 Grands size biscuits per 4-qt zone, so I can cook 6 at a time comfortably. I usually do two batches of 4 just to keep it even
If you split a biscuit open and it’s still raw in the middle don’t panic! Put it back in the air fryer for another couple of minutes and you’re good to go
Remember that “over done” is better than undercooked in this case, as even if you make your biscuits dry, the lovely strawberry syrup that forms as the berries soak will moisten them up again
Strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed fresh, as the strawberries will make the cakes soggy the longer they sit. You may store leftover biscuits and strawberry slices separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat the biscuit for 2-3 minutes at 325°F in the air fryer before serving
You may also prepare the components up to 24 hours in advance and just assemble the dessert when ready to save time
Exact nutritional values will vary based on size and brand of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer biscuit recipes, air fryer desserts, air fryer strawberry dessert, air fryer strawberry shortcake, ninja air fryer strawberry shortcake, strawberry shortcake recipe
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
