Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, this Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast is for you!

It’s made with fresh sliced strawberries and topped off with whipped cream. This dish will make your day brighter and your taste buds happy! You’ll want to eat every last bite of this delicious breakfast treat.

You may think you’re too busy to make breakfast, but with this Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast recipe, you’ll have an easy-to-make dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s healthy! This is a delicious and simple way to start your day with the kids or whoever needs some sweet lovin’. You can’t go wrong with this one.

I love a great Sunday breakfast with the entire family there, and this is a great one. And I used the season’s fresh fruit to create a GREAT breakfast dish!

So good and easy!

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes, some of my favorites recipes are AIR FRYER MINI CHEESE FRITTATAS, CRISPY AIR FRYER BACON, AIR FRYER BREAKFAST SAUSAGES, and AIR FRYER BROWN SUGAR CANDIED BACON.

What Is Strawberry Shortcake French Toast

Strawberry Shortcake French Toast is a delightful and indulgent twist on traditional French toast inspired by the flavors of the classic strawberry shortcake dessert.

This dish combines the sweet and creamy elements of strawberry shortcake with the eggy, custard-like richness of French toast, creating a perfect fusion of breakfast and dessert.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Delicious Fusion: This recipe is a perfect marriage of classic French toast with the sweet, summery flavors of strawberry shortcake. It’s like enjoying two favorite desserts in one delightful breakfast dish.
• Air Fryer Efficiency: Using an air fryer for this recipe offers a healthier approach to achieving a perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and custardy interior, all with less oil and mess than traditional frying.
• Easy and Quick: The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, making this dish quick and easy to prepare. It’s ideal for a fuss-free yet impressive breakfast or brunch.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The fresh strawberries bring a bright, juicy flavor that perfectly complements the rich and creamy components of the dish.
• Indulgent Yet Balanced: The combination of creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and rich, eggy bread strikes a delightful balance between indulgence and freshness.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, such as using different types of bread, berries, or dairy-free alternatives.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Its elegant presentation suits it for special brunches, celebrations, or a luxurious weekend treat.
• Family-Friendly: This dish will surely be a hit with family members of all ages, making it a wonderful option for family gatherings or leisurely weekend breakfasts.

In summary, Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast offers a unique twist on traditional breakfast dishes, combining ease of preparation with gourmet flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast

You’re going to love this recipe for Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast recipe!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• French Loaf Bread: A sturdy base like French loaf bread is ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy, ensuring a crispy exterior and soft, custard-like interior after air frying.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich, creamy layer to the dish, contrasting the sweetness of the strawberries and the eggy bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten both the cream cheese mixture and the strawberries, granulated sugar enhances the overall flavor, balancing the tartness of the strawberries and the richness of the bread and eggs.
• Eggs: Essential for the French toast batter, eggs help create a rich, custard-like coating that gives the bread its signature moist, tender texture when cooked.
• Half and Half: This blend of milk and cream adds richness and depth to the egg mixture, contributing to the creamy, luxurious texture of the French toast.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract in the egg mixture imparts a warm, aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste of the French toast.
• Butter: Used for greasing the air fryer basket, butter prevents sticking and contributes to the golden-brown, crispy finish of the French toast.
• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries, sliced and possibly sweetened, add a juicy, fruity element to the dish, complementing the rich flavors with their natural sweetness and slight acidity.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each serving adds a light, airy texture and a subtle sweetness, echoing the classic elements of a strawberry shortcake.

These ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, turning a classic breakfast into a delightful, dessert-inspired treat.

How To Make Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast

Enjoy a delightful twist on classic French toast with this Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast recipe. It’s a perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors, all brought together in a convenient air fryer method. Here’s how to make it:

Start by coating your pan (any oven-safe pan is usually air fryer safe) with cooking spray. Cut your bread into about 1-inch pieces.

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar.

Then, spread the cream cheese/sugar mixture on one side of the bread. Add another piece on top to make a sandwich and press down.

Then, in a small mixing bowl, add the eggs, half and half, and vanilla and mix well. Pour over the bread, and then cover and refrigerate overnight.

Add about 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each French toast sandwich. Set in the air fryer oven for 5 minutes, at 330 degrees F (air fryer setting); after the time is up, flip the French Toast and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Top with some whipped cream and strawberries.

Recipe Variations

• Berry Medley French Toast: Mix it up by combining berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a refreshing and colorful twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry Version: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate hazelnut spread to the cream cheese layer for a decadent chocolate-strawberry experience.
• Lemon Ricotta Variation: Substitute the cream cheese with lemon-flavored ricotta for a tangy twist. The lemon flavor pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Nutty Crunch Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, between the layers or on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
• Cinnamon Spice: Infuse the egg mixture with extra cinnamon or a spice blend like pumpkin pie spice for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Banana-Stuffed French Toast: Layer thin banana slices with the strawberries for a banana-strawberry combo. Bananas add a natural sweetness and a different texture.
• Maple and Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits inside the sandwich or on top for a savory-sweet combination. The salty bacon contrasts deliciously with the sweet strawberries.
• Almond Butter Spread: Spread a thin layer of almond butter on the bread before adding the cream cheese and strawberries for a nutty, rich flavor.
• Tropical French Toast: Use a combination of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi, along with strawberries, for a bright, summery flavor.
• S’mores Style: Add mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs to the strawberry layer for a s’mores-inspired version.

These variations of Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast allow you to enjoy this delightful dish in various ways, catering to various tastes and occasions. Feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own!

Pro Tips

• Bread Selection Matters: Opt for sturdy, thick-sliced bread like a brioche or a French loaf. These types of bread hold up better to the cream cheese, strawberry filling, and egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes spreading and mixing with sugar or other flavorings easier, creating a smoother filling.
• Macerate the Strawberries: Allow the strawberries to sit with sugar for a bit before assembling. This process draws out their natural juices, enhancing the flavor and creating a delicious syrup.
• Avoid Over-Soaking: Dip the stuffed bread in the egg mixture long enough to coat it. Over-soaking can lead to a soggy French toast that doesn’t cook as well in the air fryer.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. This ensures the French toast starts cooking immediately, helping to achieve a crispier exterior.
• Single-Layer Cooking: Cook in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a lack of that desirable crispy texture.
• Flip Carefully: When flipping the French toast in the air fryer, gently keep the filling from spilling out. Use a spatula to support the sandwich.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve hot from the air fryer for the best texture. Top with additional fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.
• Keep It Warm: If cooking in batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven on a low setting while you finish the rest.
• Customize Your Toppings: While strawberries are classic, feel free to top with other fruits, syrups, or even a sprinkle of granola for added texture.

By following these pro tips, you’ll enhance the overall quality and enjoyment of your Air Fryer Strawberry Shortcake French Toast, turning it into a delightful and impressive dish for any breakfast or brunch occasion.

Faq’s

What type of bread is best for Strawberry Shortcake French Toast? Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah is ideal as it holds up well after being soaked in the egg mixture and stuffed with fillings.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Keep in mind that fresh strawberries will provide a better texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy? Avoid over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture. A quick dip should be enough. Also, using thicker slices of bread helps.

Can I make this French toast dairy-free? Absolutely. Use dairy-free bread and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Use almond milk or another plant-based milk in the egg mixture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese? For a lighter option, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese. For a dairy-free option, there are plant-based cream cheese alternatives.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prep the stuffed bread beforehand, but it’s best to dip in the egg mixture and air fry just before serving for the best texture.

How do I know when the French toast is done cooking in the air fryer? The French toast should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cooking time might vary depending on the air fryer, so keep an eye on it.

What are some serving suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake French Toast? Serve with extra fresh strawberries, a whipped cream dollop, powdered sugar dusting, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries? Definitely! Try using blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorite berries.

How should I store leftovers? Leftover French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for two days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free.

Can I make the French toast in a regular pan if I don’t have an air fryer? Yes, you can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, though it won’t have the same air-fried texture.

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