This Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe is a quick and decadent dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. With its gooey molten center and perfectly baked exterior, it’s a restaurant-worthy treat you can whip up in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging solo, this recipe is bound to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Small Batch Friendly: Makes just two individual cakes—no leftovers, no waste.
Rich and Decadent: The molten chocolate center is pure indulgence.
Customizable Toppings: Serve with powdered sugar, ice cream, or berries for a personal touch.
Air Fryer Convenience: No need to preheat the oven—this recipe is efficient and hassle-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Butter (for greasing ramekins)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Directions
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the Air Fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare the Ramekins:
Grease two small ramekins (4-5 oz capacity) with butter, then lightly dust them with flour or cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Melt Butter and Chocolate:
Combine butter and chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
Make the Batter:
Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth. Add the eggs and egg yolks, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour and a pinch of salt.
Assemble the Lava Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
Cook the Lava Cakes:
Place ramekins in the Air Fryer basket and cook at 370°F (188°C) for 9-10 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center will remain soft and gooey.
Serve:
Remove ramekins carefully (they will be hot!). Let them rest for a minute before running a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes. Invert onto plates, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy with toppings like ice cream or fresh berries.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2 individual lava cakes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
Flavored Chocolate: Use flavored chocolate bars (e.g., mint or orange) for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour.
Add Espresso: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
White Chocolate Center: Drop a small square of white chocolate in the center of the batter before cooking.
Spiced Lava Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm, spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or heat in the Air Fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes to warm the center.
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FAQs
How do I know when the lava cakes are done?
I check for a set edge and a slightly wobbly center. The top should be firm, but the middle will look undercooked—that’s the molten center.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and fill the ramekins ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate them, then cook when ready. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge.
Can I use a different size ramekin?
You can, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller ramekins may need less time, while larger ones will need more.
Can I make more servings?
To scale up, double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding the Air Fryer basket.
What if I don’t have ramekins?
You can use oven-safe bowls or even sturdy muffin tins. Be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on size.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Lava Cake recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream—simple, fast, and utterly indulgent. The molten center makes every bite heavenly, while the easy prep and cleanup make it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a rich, gooey dessert in no time.
📖 Recipe:
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Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 individual lava cakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate dessert with this Air Fryer Lava Cake recipe. Ready in just 15 minutes, these gooey lava cakes boast a molten chocolate center and a perfectly baked exterior. Perfect for chocolate lovers, dinner parties, or an intimate dessert for two, this easy air fryer recipe is quick, decadent, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Butter (for greasing ramekins)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 370°F (188°C) for 3-5 minutes. - Prepare the Ramekins
Grease two 4-5 oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour or cocoa powder. - Melt Butter and Chocolate
Combine butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring until smooth. - Make the Batter
Whisk sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add eggs and egg yolks, mix until smooth, then stir in vanilla. Gently fold in flour and salt. - Assemble the Lava Cakes
Divide batter evenly between ramekins, filling about 3/4 full. - Cook
Place ramekins in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 9-10 minutes. Edges should be firm; center will remain soft. - Serve
Remove ramekins carefully. Let rest for 1 minute. Loosen edges with a knife, invert onto plates, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Use flavored chocolate or add spices for variations.
Best served fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 individual lava cakes
