Air Fryer Lava Cakes Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in rich, gooey chocolate with this easy Air Fryer Lava Cakes recipe. Perfectly molten inside and tender on the outside, these individual desserts make an impressive treat with minimal effort.

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°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and butter. Heat at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes total.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cakes tender.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, filling each about three-quarters full.
6. Step 6: Place the pans inside 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 pans from the air fryer. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 3 minutes, then flip them onto serving plates.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth batter and better rise.
• For a rich twist, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture.
• Swap berries for a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the warm and cold contrast.
• If you don’t have ramekins, use any mini oven-safe dishes that fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.

Storage

These lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm the center without overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these lava cakes without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still soft.

Why are my lava cakes not molten inside?

If your cakes are fully firm inside, they may have cooked too long. Reduce the cooking time slightly or check them a minute or two earlier next time to keep the centers gooey.

Air Fryer Lava Cakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 745 reviews

Deliciously rich and gooey Air Fryer Lava Cakes featuring a melted chocolate center, baked to perfection in just minutes using an air fryer. An indulgent dessert topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for impressing guests or a cozy treat at home.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chocolate Lava Cake

• 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 garnish
• Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the pans and air fryer: Liberally spray two mini pans or ramekins with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Melt chocolate and butter: Combine chopped semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, for about 2 minutes until fully melted and smooth.
3. Mix wet ingredients: Add the eggs, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Add flour: Gently fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cakes tender and prevent toughness.
5. Fill the pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
6. Air fry the cakes: Place the filled pans into the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes until the tops are set but the center remains slightly jiggly, creating a molten lava effect.
7. Cool and serve: Carefully remove the pans and let the cakes cool for 3 minutes. Gently invert each cake onto a serving plate to reveal the lava center.
8. Garnish and enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Notes

• Using room temperature eggs helps achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cakes tender.
• Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your ramekins and air fryer model.
• Be careful when removing hot pans from the air fryer as they will be very hot.
• Serve immediately for the best molten lava center texture.

Keywords: lava cake, air fryer dessert, molten chocolate cake, quick dessert, chocolate cake