The Air Fryer Queen by Steph de Sousa Review: A Colourful Cookbook That Feels as Fun as It Looks

I absolutely love Steph de Sousa’s style. She is one of those wonderfully flamboyant women who brings so much personality to the kitchen, and honestly, her colour alone makes me smile. There is something so refreshing about someone who feels bright, confident, and completely herself. That energy spills right into her brand, and it makes this cookbook feel warm, lively, and approachable before you even start thinking about what to cook.

The Air Fryer Queen has that same cheerful charm. It feels like the kind of cookbook written by someone who genuinely wants to help you get tasty food on the table without turning dinner into a full-blown production. And that is exactly the sort of energy I want from an air fryer book. Not stiff. Not overly chefy. Just fun, practical, and full of ideas you might actually use.

What makes Steph so appealing is that she does not come across as intimidating. She feels real. A little bit fabulous, a little bit cheeky, and very much like someone who understands that most of us are just trying to make something easy, delicious, and vaguely impressive with minimal fuss. That is a big part of why this book stands out. It feels friendly.

And can we talk again about the colour? I know that sounds silly in a cookbook review, but it really is part of the charm. Steph has such a vibrant presence, and it brings a kind of happiness to the whole air fryer world. Kitchen content can sometimes feel a bit beige, but she brings sparkle. She makes cooking feel more fun, more playful, and much less like a chore.

This is the kind of cookbook that would suit anyone who wants easy air fryer recipes but also wants a bit of joy with their meal planning. It is practical, yes, but it also feels full of personality. That makes a difference. Sometimes you are not just buying recipes, you are buying inspiration, momentum, and a little nudge to actually use the appliance sitting on your bench.

For me, that is the big appeal of Steph de Sousa. I love this flamboyant lady, I love her energy, and I love that her colourful style makes the whole thing feel upbeat and inviting. She just makes me smile, and that is not a bad quality in a cookbook author at all.

If you thought Millionaire’s Shortbread couldn’t get any more indulgent, let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Biscoff Millionaire’s Shortbread. It takes the classic buttery shortbread base, swaps out the caramel for creamy cookie butter, and tops it all off with smooth chocolate. The result? A decadent traybake that tastes like a million bucks—without the effort.

I’ve always had a thing for Biscoff spread (okay, obsession might be more accurate). Pairing it with crumbly shortbread and rich chocolate just made sense. The spiced caramel notes of the cookie butter balance perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate, making every bite a little piece of heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Three dreamy layers – buttery shortbread, creamy Biscoff, and rich chocolate.
No candy thermometer required – easier than classic caramel shortbread.
Crowd-pleaser – perfect for bake sales, coffee breaks, or gifting.
Customizable – add sea salt flakes, white chocolate drizzle, or extra crushed biscuits on top.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
175g (¾ cup) unsalted butter (softened)
75g (? cup) sugar
Pinch of salt

For the Biscoff Layer:

300g (about 1¼ cups) Biscoff spread (smooth or crunchy)

For the Chocolate Topping:

250g (9 oz) milk chocolate (or dark chocolate for a richer taste)
1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter (to help with a smooth set)
Optional: crushed Biscoff biscuits or sea salt flakes for topping

Method

Step 1 – Make the Shortbread

Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press dough evenly into a lined 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking tin.
Prick with a fork and bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
Allow to cool completely in the tin.

Step 2 – Add the Biscoff Layer

Warm Biscoff spread slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) until pourable.
Spread evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
Place tin in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3 – Finish with Chocolate

Melt chocolate with oil/butter until smooth.
Pour over the chilled Biscoff layer and smooth with a spatula.
While still soft, sprinkle with crushed biscuits or sea salt (if using).
Chill for another 1–2 hours until fully set.

Step 4 – Slice & Serve

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (wipe clean between cuts) to slice clean squares.
Serve with coffee, wrap as gifts, or hide them for your own secret stash—I won’t judge.

Tips for Perfect Layers

Patience is key – let each layer chill properly before adding the next.
For clean cuts – score the chocolate layer lightly before it fully sets.
Switch up the chocolate – try white chocolate for a sweeter version, or a half-and-half swirl for a marbled effect.

Where to Get Biscoff

Don’t have Biscoff spread at home? Grab a jar of Biscoff on Amazon for convenience, or whip up your own Homemade Cookie Butter Recipe.

This Biscoff Millionaire’s Shortbread is rich, indulgent, and dangerously addictive. With its buttery base, silky cookie butter filling, and glossy chocolate topping, it’s the kind of bake that never lasts long in my kitchen. One bite and you’ll see why I’m calling this the ultimate twist on a classic.

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