Air Fryer Lava Cakes Recipe

Introduction

Delight in the rich, molten center of these Air Fryer Lava Cakes that come together quickly and easily. Perfect for a special dessert or an indulgent treat, they offer gooey chocolate bliss with a crisp exterior.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces unsalted butter
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• Berries and powdered sugar for topping and decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Liberally spray your mini pans or ramekins with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the eggs, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cakes tender.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, filling each about three-quarters full.
6. Step 6: Place the pans in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. The tops should be fully set while the centers remain slightly jiggly.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the cakes and let them cool in the pans for 3 minutes. Then gently invert them onto serving plates.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra rich flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate or add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
• Swap berries for a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly.

Storage

Air fryer lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat or the molten center may cook through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a conventional oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the lava cakes in a preheated 425°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the centers stay molten.

How do I know when the lava cakes are done?

The tops should be fully set without jiggle, while the centers remain soft and slightly jiggly. This balance creates the signature molten texture.

Air Fryer Lava Cakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 739 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

These Air Fryer Lava Cakes are the perfect quick indulgence with a gooey, molten chocolate center and a delicate cake exterior. Made using simple ingredients and cooked effortlessly in an air fryer, these individual cakes are ideal for a delightful dessert served warm with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 ounces unsalted butter
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

Toppings

• Berries, for serving
• Powdered sugar, for decoration

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Instructions

1. Prepare Equipment: Liberally spray your mini pans or ramekins with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine the chopped chocolate and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the room temperature eggs, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly until you have a smooth and homogenous batter.
4. Add Flour: Gently stir in the flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the lava cakes tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
5. Fill Pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising while baking.
6. Air Fry: Place the pans into the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 8 minutes. The tops should be fully set, but the centers remain slightly jiggly, indicating a molten center.
7. Cool and Unmold: Carefully remove the pans from the air fryer. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 3 minutes, then invert onto serving plates gently to reveal the lava cakes.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, gooey center.

Notes

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the texture soft and tender.
• The centers should remain slightly jiggly to achieve the signature lava effect.
• Use ramekins or small pans that fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.
• Serve warm for the best molten lava experience.
• Adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes if using thicker or larger ramekins.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated but are best enjoyed fresh.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Air fryer lava cake, molten chocolate cake, quick dessert, easy chocolate lava cake, individual lava cakes