Air Fryer Lava Cake

If you’re craving a rich, gooey, and indulgent chocolate dessert but don’t want to turn on your oven, this Air Fryer Lava Cake recipe is the answer. It’s quick, easy, and ready in under 10 minutes. With a molten chocolate center and cake-like edges, it’s everything you love about a fancy restaurant dessert—made right at home with minimal effort.

Whether you’re making dessert for two, a last-minute treat for guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers every single time. Plus, no baking experience required!

If you love easy air fryer treats like this, you’ll also enjoy our moist and fluffy Air Fryer Carrot Cake, comforting Air Fryer Banana Bread, and perfectly soft Air Fryer Vegan Donuts. They’re all quick, delicious, and made with simple ingredients—perfect for any sweet craving!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Lava Cake

There’s something magical about a lava cake—the warm cake exterior breaking open to reveal a gooey, molten chocolate center. The best part? You don’t need an oven or hours of prep.

Here’s why this air fryer molten chocolate cake will become your go-to dessert:

• Ready in under 10 minutes
• Minimal ingredients – most you already have!
• Single-serve and small batch friendly
• No oven needed – perfect for warm weather
• Looks fancy but super easy to make

Whether it’s a date night, Valentine’s Day, or a quick chocolate fix after dinner, this dessert always hits the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples for this air fryer lava cake recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chocolate chips or baking chocolate)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ teaspoon espresso powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Vanilla ice cream, berries, or whipped cream (for serving)

How to Make Air Fryer Lava Cake (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through how to make a rich, gooey Air Fryer Lava Cake that melts in your mouth.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps create the perfect contrast between the firm outer layer and the gooey center.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate and butter. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler on the stove.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until slightly frothy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture while whisking continuously (to avoid scrambling the eggs). Stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Ramekins

Lightly grease your air fryer-safe ramekins with non-stick spray or butter. Evenly divide the batter between the two ramekins.

Step 6: Air Fry

Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 7: Cool, Invert & Serve

Let the lava cakes cool for 1-2 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges, then carefully invert onto a plate. Dust with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy immediately!

How to Know When Air Fryer Lava Cake Is Done

This part is crucial: don’t overbake your lava cake, or you’ll lose that iconic gooey center.

Here are a few tips:

• The edges should be firm and set.
• The center should jiggle slightly when shaken.
• Don’t rely on a toothpick test—it’ll always come out gooey in the middle.
• Start checking at the 6-minute mark.

Delicious Variations of Air Fryer Lava Cake

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun and tasty ways to make this air fryer lava cake recipe your own:

• Nutella Lava Cake – Add 1 tsp Nutella to the center before baking.
• Peanut Butter Lava Cake – Place a dollop of peanut butter in the center.
• White Chocolate Lava Cake – Use white chocolate chips instead.
• Vegan Lava Cake – Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut oil, and flax egg.
• Gluten-Free Lava Cake – Swap flour with almond flour or GF blend.

Each variation adds a fun twist to this classic molten chocolate dessert.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Lava Cake

To make sure your lava cake turns out rich, gooey, and absolutely perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overbake – the center should remain molten.
• Grease ramekins well to help cakes release easily.
• Preheat your air fryer – this helps set the outside quicker while the inside stays runny.
• Serve immediately – they’re best warm!

Optional hack: Chill the filled ramekins for 15–20 minutes before air frying for even firmer edges.

What to Serve with Lava Cake

This dessert is delicious on its own, but here are some pairing ideas to make it even better:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream (melts into the cake—perfection!)
• Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries
• A drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce
• Whipped cream with a dusting of cocoa powder
• Chopped nuts for crunch

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for when making Air Fryer Lava Cake:

• Overcooking – turns your lava cake into a brownie
• Using too much flour – makes the center dry
• Not greasing the ramekins – cake sticks and breaks
• Skipping the preheat – causes uneven cooking

Remember: the goal is to have a slightly firm exterior and a gooey, molten center.

Storing and Reheating Lava Cake

Have leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!)

How to Store:

• Let cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Reheat:

• Place in the air fryer at 320°F for about 2 minutes.
• Or microwave for 20–25 seconds. Note: molten center may firm up slightly.

Can You Freeze Lava Cakes?

Yes! Wrap cooled lava cakes in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs About Air Fryer Lava Cake

Can I make lava cake without ramekins?

Yes, you can use silicone molds or oven-safe mugs, but baking time may vary slightly.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Not for lava cakes. You need a higher fat ratio and less flour to achieve the molten center.

Can I make mini lava cakes?

Yes, use smaller molds and reduce air frying time by 1–2 minutes.

Can I make these ahead?

You can prep the batter, fill the ramekins, and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance. Air fry just before serving.

This Air Fryer Lava Cake is a true game-changer for chocolate lovers. It’s fast, foolproof, and unbelievably rich with that iconic gooey center. Whether you’re baking for one, two, or a few, it’s the perfect dessert to whip up when you want something quick but decadent.

So go ahead—grab those ramekins and treat yourself to this indulgent, bakery-style dessert. You deserve it!

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