Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf

This Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf delivers that soft, rich crumb and bold lemon flavor you love, finished with a thick, sugary lemon icing. It’s faster than the oven, uses simple pantry ingredients, and tastes like it came straight from the Starbucks pastry case — minus the price tag.

If you love Starbucks’ iced lemon loaf but don’t love the price tag, this Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf is about to be your new obsession.

It’s soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, then finished with that thick, sweet lemon icing everyone picks off first. The best part?

The air fryer does all the work in less time than your oven, so you get bakery-style results without heating up the kitchen or leaving the house.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• It tastes just like the Starbucks lemon loaf, bright lemon flavor, soft crumb, and that irresistible sugary icing.
• The air fryer makes it faster than the oven, so you’re not waiting around for a loaf to bake.
• No fancy ingredients needed, everything comes straight from your pantry.
• The texture stays moist and tender, never dry or dense.
• You get bakery-quality lemon loaf at home without paying coffee shop prices.

If you are looking for other great baked goods made in the air fryer, here are some of my favorites, AIR FRYER GLAZED PUMPKIN SCONES, AIR FRYER APPLE CRANBERRY BREAD, AIR FRYER COPYCAT STARBUCKS DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES, and NINJA FOODI RUM RAISIN RICE PUDDING.

Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Ingredients

• Butter: Keeps the cake tender and moist longer.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust outside the loaf.
• Eggs: Mix the ingredients, contribute to the richness, and help leaven the loaf.
• Lemon zest: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor essential to the loaf’s signature taste.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour: Serves as the base of your loaf, providing structure to ensure it holds its shape while remaining tender.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness.
• Baking Soda: Acts as the leavening agent, giving the loaf its rise and light, airy texture.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, ensuring the loaf stays deliciously moist.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base for the icing, perfect for drizzling.
• Fresh lemon juice: Gives the icing its lemony kick, complementing the zestiness of the loaf.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf

Step One: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Then mix in the eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract, flour, salt (if using), baking soda, and sour cream. Mix well.

Step Two: Then pour the prepared batter into an air fryer safe pan,  which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray (you can also use olive oil spray)

Step Three: Set in your air fryer oven or air fryer basket and set the air fryer temperature to 330 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step Four: Let the bread cool, and then mix the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Spread the icing over the top.

Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Recipe Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream at room temp mix more evenly and give a smoother, tender loaf.
• Zest first, then juice: Grate the lemon zest before juicing to avoid removing the flavorful outer layer.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined; overmixing can make the loaf dense instead of light and tender.
• Check your air fryer early: Air fryer models vary; start checking for doneness around 15 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
• Cool completely before icing: The glaze will melt and run off if the loaf is still warm. Patience pays off here.
• Adjust sweetness: If your lemon is super tart, add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to the glaze to balance it out.
• Loaf pan fit matters: Make sure your pan fits comfortably in the air fryer basket; too tight can block airflow and affect baking.

Storing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the loaf in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and drizzle with icing before serving.
• Icing Tip: If storing iced, keep it in the fridge. If you want to refresh the glaze, whisk a little extra lemon juice and powdered sugar and spread on top before serving.

Air Fryer Copycat Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf Recipe Faqs

Can I make this loaf without an air fryer? Yes! You can bake it in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use a different pan in the air fryer? Use any oven-safe loaf pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Avoid pans that block airflow.

How do I know when the loaf is done? Insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid baking too long to prevent dryness.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make it less sweet? Absolutely. Reduce the sugar in the loaf by 1–2 tablespoons and/or lighten the glaze with less powdered sugar to suit your taste.

Can I add extras like poppy seeds or blueberries? Yes! Lemon pairs well with poppy seeds, blueberries, or even a handful of chopped nuts. Fold them in gently before baking.

Equipment Used

• Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick Mini Loaf Pan Set, 3-Piece

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• NINJA FOODI COPYCAT STARBUCKS COFFEE CAKE
• AIR FRYER STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS COPYCAT RECIPE
• AIR FRYER, CRANBERRY BLISS BAR COOKIES (STARBUCKS COPYCAT)
• EASY AIR FRYER COPYCAT STARBUCKS PUMPKIN BREAD
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT STARBUCKS CHEESE DANISH
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT STARBUCKS BANANA BREAD

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