Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe
Introduction
These quick and easy chocolate lava cakes made in an air fryer offer a rich, molten center and a soft, cake-like exterior. Perfect for a last-minute dessert or a special occasion, they combine decadent chocolate flavor with simple ingredients for an impressive treat.
Ingredients
- 100g dark chocolate
- 35g butter (unsalted or semi-salted)
- 2 large eggs
- 35g granulated sugar
- 25g all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy.
- Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture and stir until well combined. Gently fold in the flour until the batter is smooth.
- Step 4: Grease 3 small ramekins or silicone molds with butter and lightly dust them with flour to prevent sticking. Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes. Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes. The top should be set while the center remains soft and molten.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the ramekins and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately to enjoy the gooey center.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust cooking time to control the gooeyness: less time for a runnier center, longer for a thicker molten core.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for extra flair.
- Use silicone molds for easier removal, or lightly grease and flour ramekins well to prevent sticking.
Storage
These lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh for the perfect gooey center. If needed, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds, but note the molten center may firm up.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used, but it will create a sweeter and less intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate is preferred for a richer and more balanced taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these lava cakes in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a set top and a gooey center.
Print
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 3 lava cakes 1x
Description
These quick and easy air fryer chocolate lava cakes are an indulgent treat featuring a rich, molten chocolate center and a soft, cake-like exterior. Made with simple ingredients and cooked conveniently in an air fryer, they provide a perfect dessert that’s ready in minutes, combining a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a decadent flavor ideal for special occasions or a last-minute sweet craving.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 100g dark chocolate
- 35g butter (unsalted or semi-salted)
Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 35g granulated sugar
- 25g all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together in 20-30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each until smooth and fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding.
- Mix the Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy, which helps to incorporate air for a light texture.
- Combine the Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously until fully combined. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth and without lumps.
- Prepare the Molds: Grease 3 small ramekins or silicone molds with butter then lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared chocolate batter into each mold, filling them approximately three-quarters full to allow space for rising.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes. Place the filled ramekins carefully into the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the tops are set but the centers remain soft to touch, ensuring a gooey molten core.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the lava cakes gently from the air fryer and let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert the cakes onto serving plates. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, molten chocolate center at its best.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on preferred level of gooeyness: less time for a runnier center, more time for a slightly thicker molten core.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Use small ramekins or silicone molds to ensure even cooking and easy removal.
- Be careful when removing cakes from the air fryer as ramekins will be hot.
- Ensure not to overcook if you want the perfect molten center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, air fryer dessert, molten chocolate cake, quick chocolate dessert, easy lava cake, air fryer recipes, chocolate dessert, quick dessert
