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Delightful Strawberry Shortcake: A Ninja Air Fryer Baking Recipe

With the rise of air frying technology, home baking has taken on a new, exciting twist. Enter the Ninja Air Fryer, a versatile cooking appliance that allows you to whip up delicious treats with ease. One scrumptious recipe that shines in the air fryer is the classic strawberry shortcake. Perfect for summer picnics or a delightful dessert any time of year, this recipe is both simple and rewarding. Let’s delve into how to create this delightful treat using your Ninja Air Fryer.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake:

• 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 75g caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 60g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 150ml milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberries:

• 250g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 250ml double cream
• 1 tablespoon icing sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by macerating the strawberries. Combine the hulled and sliced strawberries in a bowl with the caster sugar. Mix well and set aside for about 30 minutes. This will allow the strawberries to release their juices and create a delicious syrup.

2. Make the Shortcake Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

In a separate jug, combine the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a little lumpiness is perfectly fine.

3. Shape the Shortcakes:
Dust a clean surface with flour and turn out the dough. Gently knead it a couple of times until it forms a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a thickness of about 3cm. Use a round cutter (approximately 7.5cm in diameter) to cut out shortcakes. You should be able to make around 6-8 shortcakes, depending on the size of your cutter.

4. Prepare the Ninja Air Fryer:
Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, place the shortcakes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overcrowd.

5. Air Fry the Shortcakes:
Air fry the shortcakes at 160°C (320°F) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown on the top. Check them halfway through cooking and turn once for even browning if necessary.

6. Make the Whipped Cream:
While the shortcakes are cooling, whip the double cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. If desired, you can add icing sugar and vanilla extract for added sweetness and flavour.

7. Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes:
Once the shortcakes are cool, slice them in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Crown with the top half of the shortcake.

8. Serve:
For a delightful presentation, drizzle some of the strawberry syrup over the assembled shortcake. You can also add a sprig of mint for a touch of colour.

Conclusion

Creating a strawberry shortcake in the Ninja Air Fryer combines the joy of baking with the efficiency of air frying. This recipe exemplifies how the Air Fryer can elevate your dessert game without the need for a traditional oven. With its fluffy texture, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream, this delightful dessert is sure to please family and friends alike. So, dust off your Ninja Air Fryer, gather your ingredients, and indulge in a taste of summer with this wonderful strawberry shortcake!