Air Fryer Lava Cake

Air Fryer Lava Cake is a decadent dessert with a molten chocolate center that will curb any chocolate craving. There is an airiness to the batter with a rich flavor of chocolate deliciousness in every bite.

Close up of lava cake missing a bite with chocolate oozing from the center.

This is a perfect dessert because in less than 15 minutes you can be enjoying this amazing chocolate confection. You only need a handful of ingredients to make this spectacular sweet course.

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AIR FRYER LAVA CAKE RECIPE

You will love this quick dessert recipe because it can be made super-fast that will impress special loved ones. After a romantic dinner serve on dessert plates in front of a roaring fire.

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We are all chocolate lovers in our household, so this delicious chocolate cake is absolutely one of our favorite desserts. The gooey center is what keeps friends and family coming back for more.

Bite shot removed from lava cakes made in the air fryer, and dusted with confectioner's sugar.

TIPS

Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cakes airy and maintain the molten center.

Use silicone baking cups if you do not have oven-safe ramekins. Do not use an electric beater or electric mixer, this will take the air out of the batter so the molten lava cakes will not be airy and have a liquid chocolate center. 

WHY YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes, perfect for satisfying those sudden chocolate cravings or when you need a dessert for special occasions. 
  • Decadent & Gooey: The rich, molten center is what chocolate dreams are made of.
  • Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients to create this impressive dessert.

INGREDIENTS:

Ingredients needed to make air fryer lava cake measured in glass bowls on a marble table.
  • Milk Chocolate Pieces: Melts to create the molten center; use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the batter and keeps the cake moist.
  • Eggs & Egg Whites: Provide structure and help achieve that light, airy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cakes their structure.
  • Confectioner’s Sugar: Optional for dusting the finished cakes, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance.
  • Optional Flavors: Add a pinch of salt, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or instant coffee for additional depth.

Optional Additional Flavors: Pinch of salt, cocoa powder, teaspoon vanilla extract, instant coffee or expresso powder. 

HOW TO MAKE LAVA CAKE IN THE AIR FRYER

Prepare two 6-ounce ramekins by spraying with nonstick cooking spray and then set them aside until the batter is ready. 

Add the butter and the chocolate to a medium, microwave-safe bowl, then melt in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. Stir every 30 seconds until they are both completely melted, and stir them together. You can also melt over a double boiler, but the microwave is much faster. 

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white, eggs, and the sugar, until it become frothy. Then pour into the butter and chocolate bowl, and stir together. 

Use a spatula and combine the flour with the chocolate batter. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Divide and then pour the batter into the prepared ramekins.

Air fry the molten lava cakes at 370 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the cooking process so they don’t overcook. Cook until the tops of the lava cakes have popped up and have crispy edges.

Allow the ramekins to cool for a minute, then use a thick dish towel and carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Use a sharp knife to run between the edge of the cake and the ramekins. Once they are cooled, carefully flip the cakes onto a serving plate.

Optional Favorite Toppings: A dusting of confectioners’ sugar, colored or chocolate sprinkles, chocolate cream, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries with chocolate shavings, peppermint candies or chocolate sauce.

Substitutions: Use a butter knife or a flat spatula that you use for icing a cake if you do not want to use a sharp knife.

I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cook time may need to be adjusted a couple of minutes. 

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Looking for a new air fryer, accessories, or even air fryer toys? Shop the air frying foodie online store!

Lava cake bite shot on a white plate.

4.92 from 12 votes

Servings: 2

Air Fryer Lava Cake

By Jen

Air Fryer Lava Cake is a decadent dessert with a molten chocolate center that will curb any chocolate craving. There is an airiness to the batter with a rich flavor of chocolate deliciousness in every bite.

Prep:10minutes mins

Cook:10minutes mins

Total:20minutes mins

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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 1x2x3x

  • ▢3 ounces chocolate, pieces
  • ▢4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ▢2 large eggs
  • ▢1 large egg white
  • ▢1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • ▢1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • ▢1 teaspoon confectioner’s sugar

Cook Mode

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Instructions 

  • Prepare two 6-ounce ramekins with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Combine the butter and chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
  • Melt the chocolate and butter for 60-90 seconds, stirring in 30-second intervals until they are fully melted and combined.
  • In a separate bowl whisk the egg white, eggs, and sugar until the mixture becomes frothy.
  • Carefully pour the egg mixture and sugar mixture into the butter and chocolate mixture and mix them together.
  • Use a spatula and combine the flour with the chocolate batter. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins.
  • Air fry the molten lava cakes at 370 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the cooking process so they don’t overcook.
  • Cook until the tops of the lava cakes have popped up and have crispy edges.
  • Allow the ramekins to cool for a minute, then use a thick dish towel and carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.
  • Use a sharp knife to run between the edge of the cake and the ramekins.
  • Carefully flip the cakes onto a serving plate.

Notes

A dusting of confectioners’ sugar, colored or chocolate sprinkles, chocolate cream, vanilla ice cream, fresh berries with chocolate shavings, peppermint candies or chocolate sauce.

Use silicone baking cups if you do not have oven-safe ramekins. Do not use an electric beater or electric mixer, this will take the air out of the batter so the molten lava cakes will not be airy and have a liquid chocolate center.

Use a butter knife or a flat spatula that you use for icing a cake if you do not want to use a sharp knife. 

I make this recipe in my Cosori 5.8 qt. air fryer. Depending on your air fryer, size and wattages, cook time may need to be adjusted a couple of minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 251mg, Sodium: 128mg, Potassium: 191mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 1011IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 86mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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FAQ’s

What can I serve with molten chocolate lava cakes?

Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries will all add a bright freshness to this dessert. Chocolate ganache, drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce are going to make the cake extra gooey. You can never go wrong with chopped nuts and a huge dollop of whipped cream.

Can I use a different chocolate?

Yes, just keep the amounts the same and better-quality chocolate will create the best molten chocolate mixture center. Semisweet chocolate chips, dark chocolate and bittersweet chocolate will all make this a delicious and simple dessert. Spicy chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate chips and peanut butter chocolate will make these chocolate lava cakes simply divine.

How do I store leftover lava cake?

Remove the lava cakes from the ramekins or silicone molds and allow them to completely cool prior to storing them. Place them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in your refrigerator. Place them in a freezer safe covered storage container for up to 3 months in your freezer.

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