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Air Fryer Lava Cakes Recipe


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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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