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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Flour: Gently stir in the flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the lava cakes tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
- Fill Pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising while baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
