Air Fryer Lava Cake is an easy, decadent dessert that takes about 20 minutes to make! Filled with delicious molten chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, this simple lava cake recipe is perfect for when you're craving a sweet treat but don't want to deal with the hassle of traditional oven baking.
Jump to:
- Watch the Video
- Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake
- Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Ingredients
- How to Air Fry Lava Cakes
- Recipe Tips
- What's the magic behind lava cakes?
- Are lava cakes safe to eat?
- Lava Cake Toppings
- Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
- Storage Instructions
- FAQ
- Air Fryer Desserts
- Air Fryer Lava Cake
- Feedback
Watch the Video
Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake
When you have a sweet tooth, what could be better than a rich and flavorful chocolate molten lava cake? Nothing can compare to that ooey, gooey chocolate filling!
But, let's face it: waiting for the oven to preheat and warming up the entire house for a single-serving dessert doesn't always feel worth it. Air frying lava cakes, however, is the perfect solution! They're ready in under 30 minutes following simple instructions, and that's including the preheat time.
When dessert is calling to you, or for special occasions like Valentine's Day, try our air fryer lava cake recipe. It'll make your day! Want a truly special combination? Serve it with our recipe for caramelized bananas and a scoop of ice cream. Our sister site, Life Tastes Good's Homemade Caramel Sauce goes perfectly with our Air Fryer Lava Cake too!
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Ingredients
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: We find that the flavor of semi sweet chocolate chips is perfect for creating a rich and flavorful lava cake with just the right level of sweetness. However, you can also feel free to use dark chocolate, if you prefer. Experiment and find your favorite version of these easy chocolate cakes! Note that you will not need a double boiler, and can use your microwave to melt the chocolate.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter, and not salted butter, to control the salt levels in your cakes. If you only have salted butter, you should omit the kosher salt used in the recipe to prevent making the cakes too salty.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the lava cake together and aid in creating the correct texture. Feel free to use a vegan substitute if desired.
- Confectioners' Sugar: Confectioners' sugar is used twice in this recipe; once for making the cake batter, and again for dusting the cakes after they're removed from the air fryer.
- Self-Rising Flour: Self-rising flour helps the lava cakes achieve the consistent texture they're known for, in addition to helping them rise properly. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can make your own self-rising flour by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine and store in an airtight container (not all will be used up in this recipe). Use as directed, being sure to stir the flour before using each time.
- Kosher Salt: We recommend using kosher salt in these cakes rather than table salt or sea salt.
- Avocado Oil: You can also use melted unsalted butter instead of avocado oil. This is for greasing the ramekins so the cakes are easy to remove later. Avoid using other vegetable oils like olive oil, as these may give the cakes an unwanted taste.
- Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is used to dust the ramekins, which will aid in removing the cakes later.
- Fresh Berries (Optional): Serve lava cakes with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for the perfect flavor combination. This is our personal favorite way to serve this air fryer dessert!
Note: You will need three 4-ounce size ramekins for this recipe. Larger 6-ounce ramekins will require less cooking time due to an increased surface area, so make sure to check on the doneness of the cakes early if you're using larger ramekins.
How to Air Fry Lava Cakes
Mix chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi sweet chocolate chips with butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir, then another 30 seconds, stirring again. If needed, microwave for another 15-30 seconds, until the mixture is smooth after stirring.
Mix eggs and sugar
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. While it preheats, get out a medium bowl. Crack eggs in the bowl, then add confectioners' sugar. Whisk together until pale and frothy using a hand whisk or an electric mixer.
Combine egg and chocolate mixtures
Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg and sugar mixture and stir together to combine.
Fold in the flour and salt
Gently fold in self-rising flour and kosher salt until completely combined.
Grease and dust the ramekins
Grease three 4-ounce ramekins with avocado oil or melted butter, then dust with cocoa powder (or flour, if preferred). Be sure to spray all over the inside of the ramekin, including the bottom and sides. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the dish.
Air fry lava cakes
Divide the batter evenly into each ramekin to fill it ¾ of the way full. Place the prepared ramekins in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes. 8 minutes for a traditional lava cake with a molten chocolate center, 9 minutes for less chocolate ooze, and 10 minutes for a gooey cake but even less chocolate ooze.
Rest, then invert onto a plate
Let the cakes rest for 2 minutes. After resting, invert each ramekin onto a plate. Pull up the dish and the cake should gently fall out onto the plate. If it does not, gently tap the ramekin to encourage the cake to drop.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and additional dusted confectioners' sugar if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- When microwaving the chocolate, be sure to cover the bowl with a paper towel or paper plate to contain any spattering.
- Greasing the ramekins and dusting with cocoa powder will help keep the cakes from sticking to the dishes. You may use flour when greasing and dusting the ramekins instead of cocoa powder if you prefer.
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer; all air fryer models vary. As always, use the cook time as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
- This recipe uses 4 ounce ramekins and makes 3 servings when filled ¾ full. If you only half fill the ramekins you will be able to get 4 servings.
What's the magic behind lava cakes?
Lava cakes are cooked at a higher temperature than traditional cake, which is what allows the outside to fully cook while the inside flows like lava when you cut into it (hence, lava cake!). The high temperature is essential for baking the outside of the cake quickly, while leaving the inside soft and under-baked.
Are lava cakes safe to eat?
Yes, lava cakes are safe to eat! Despite the inside technically being under-baked, the eggs used in the filling cook to a safe temperature during the baking process, without making the batter hard. This makes lava cakes perfectly safe to eat (and delicious).
Lava Cake Toppings
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast of cold ice cream with warm, gooey cake is a classic combination.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a fresh, tart flavor that balances the richness of the cake.
- Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a raspberry sauce around the plate for a tangy contrast.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The sweet and salty caramel sauce complements the rich chocolate flavor.
- Espresso Shots: Serve a small shot of espresso on the side for a bold coffee flavor.
- Crème Anglaise: A vanilla custard sauce adds a creamy, luxurious touch.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped, toasted nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a crunchy contrast. We love using our candied pecans for this lava cake!
- Crumbled Cookies: Crushed biscotti or shortbread cookies add a nice texture.
- Candied Orange Peel: Adds a citrusy sweetness and a bit of chew. Orange and chocolate are an amazing pairing!
- Chocolate Shavings: Top with dark or white chocolate shavings for added elegance.
- Marshmallows: Toasted marshmallows add a playful touch and a bit of gooeyness, sort of like s'mores.
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
For toaster-oven style air fryers with a tray, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air, you will need to adjust the cook time when air frying lava cakes. These models take longer to cook than air fryers with a basket.
For a toaster oven style air fryer, air fry lava cakes for 9-11 minutes. 9 minutes for traditional lava cake filling. 10 minutes for less chocolate ooze, and 11 minutes for a gooey middle, but even less chocolate ooze. Let them rest for 2 minutes before removing them from the air fryer.
Storage Instructions
- You can store lava cakes before or after cooking them. To store them before cooking, you can fill the ramekins ahead of time, keep them in the fridge, and then air fry when you're ready to serve. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Store leftover lava cakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for about 3 minutes, until heated through.
FAQ
If you don't have ramekins but do have a small enough muffin tin to fit in your air fryer, such as a 4 cup muffin tin, then you can grease and use that instead of ramekins.
If your lava cake comes out of the air fryer dry, then you most likely over-baked it. All air fryer models vary, so be sure to test until you find the perfect temperature for how gooey you want your cake to be.
When lava cake is ready to remove from the air fryer, the tops will be set but still slightly springy when poked. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to test the chocolate inside. It should be liquidy when you remove the toothpick.
Air Fryer Desserts
- Biscuit Donuts
- Crispy Frozen French Toast Sticks
- Gooey S'mores
- Caramelized Peaches
- Toll House Cookies
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Lava Cake
Equipment
- 3 4 ounce ramekins
Ingredients
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 3 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar plus additional to dust cakes
- 3½ Tablespoons self-rising flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- avocado oil or melted butter
- cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, add ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips and 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and stir. Microwave another 30 seconds and stir. If needed, microwave another 15-30 seconds until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- In a medium bowl add 2 eggs with 3 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar and whisk until pale and frothy. Use a whisk attachment with a mixer, or whisk by hand.
- Add melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in 3½ Tablespoons self-rising flour and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt until combined.
- Grease ramekins with avocado oil or melted butter and dust with cocoa powder. Be sure to spray or brush oil/butter all over the bottom and sides of ramekins.
- Divide batter evenly to fill each 4 ounce ramekin ¾ full, then place the ramekins in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes. 8 minutes for traditional lava cake filling, 9 minutes for less chocolate ooze, and 10 minutes for a gooey middle, but even less chocolate ooze.
- Let the cakes rest for 2 minutes.
- After resting, invert each ramekin onto a plate and lift the ramekin. The cake will gently fall out onto the plate. If cake doesn’t come out on its own, gently tap the ramekin to encourage the cake to drop. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and enjoy!
Notes
- When microwaving the chocolate, be sure to cover the bowl with a paper towel or paper plate to contain any spattering.
- Greasing the ramekins and dusting with cocoa powder will help keep the cakes from sticking to the dishes. You may use flour when greasing and dusting the ramekins instead of cocoa powder if you prefer.
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer; all air fryer models vary. As always, use the cook time as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
Esperanza says
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment
but after I clicked submit my comment didn't appear.
Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!