Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes
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Indulge in these decadent air fryer chocolate lava cakes. Rich, gooey, and simple to make, they’re perfect for any chocolate lover.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes
There’s just something magical about cutting into a perfectly baked chocolate lava cake and watching the gooey chocolatey centre flow out. These air fryer chocolate lava cakes are rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. They’re a showstopper dessert that looks like they belong in a fancy restaurant, but can be whipped up in no time.
If you love chocolate, this recipe is for you. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or even just an after-dinner chocolate indulgence, these cakes are sure to impress.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
The air fryer is ideal for baking lava cakes because it provides even heat distribution, ensuring a gooey centre while perfectly baking the outer layer. Plus, it’s quicker than a traditional oven and more energy-efficient.
This recipe is featured in my latest book, Fitwaffle’s Easy Air Fryer, and is available now on Amazon. If you’re looking for fun, easy air fryer recipes, it’s packed with inspiration!
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these essential tools:
- Air fryer-safe ramekins: Ideal for holding the batter and creating the perfect shape.
- Electric hand mixer: To beat the eggs and sugar into a light, fluffy mixture.
- Pastry brush: For prepping the ramekins with butter and cocoa powder.
- 6x6cm Ramekins: The perfect size for your lava cakes
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes
For the Ramekins:
- 1 tsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
For the Lava Cakes:
- 50 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (1.75 oz)
- 50 g unsalted butter, cubed (1.75 oz)
- 1 medium egg + 1 medium egg yolk
- 50 g icing sugar (6½ tbsp powdered sugar)
- 30 g plain flour (3½ tbsp all-purpose flour)
- 10 g cocoa powder (4 tsp)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
Brush the inside of your ramekins with melted butter, then dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Make sure the entire surface is covered, then tap out any excess.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a small bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, or over a double boiler. Once melted, let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a medium bowl, beat the egg, egg yolk, and icing sugar with an electric hand mixer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and turns pale.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until combined. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold until smooth.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 170˚C (340˚F).
Step 6: Fill the Ramekins
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared ramekins. Place them in the middle of your air fryer basket.
Step 7: Bake the Lava Cakes
Bake for 10–13 minutes. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed but remain gooey inside.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully turn the cakes out onto plates (they’ll be very hot!). Dust them generously with icing sugar if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes
- Prep the Ramekins Well: Ensure the butter and cocoa powder coat every inch of the ramekin to avoid sticking.
- Cool the Chocolate Mixture: Let the melted chocolate and butter cool before mixing with the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cakes; the centre should remain gooey for that signature lava texture.
- Serve Immediately: Lava cakes are best enjoyed warm for the perfect molten centre.
Why Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These air fryer chocolate lava cakes are versatile, making them great for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to dessert after a long day, they’re quick to make and always impressive.
Watch My Step-by-Step Video
For a detailed guide, check out my full tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle for more recipes.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these lava cakes, here are two more recipes from Fitwaffle Kitchen you might like:
- Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies made small batch in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer NYC Cookies: Thick, soft cookies with crisp edges and gooey centres, made small batch easily in the air fryer.
Both are perfect for chocolate lovers and easy to whip up in your air fryer.
Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes
Ingredients
For the Ramekins:
- 1 tsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tsp cocoa powder
For the Lava Cakes:
- 50 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate chopped (1.75 oz)
- 50 g unsalted butter cubed (1.75 oz)
- 1 medium egg + 1 medium egg yolk
- 50 g icing sugar 6½ tbsp powdered sugar
- 30 g plain flour 3½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 10 g cocoa powder 4 tsp
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
- Brush the inside of your ramekins with melted butter, then dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Make sure the entire surface is covered, then tap out any excess.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- In a small bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, or over a double boiler. Once melted, let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg, egg yolk, and icing sugar with an electric hand mixer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and turns pale.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until combined. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold until smooth.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 170˚C (340˚F).
Step 6: Fill the Ramekins
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared ramekins. Place them in the middle of your air fryer basket.
Step 7: Bake the Lava Cakes
- Bake for 10–13 minutes. The tops should spring back when lightly pressed but remain gooey inside.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully turn the cakes out onto plates (they’ll be very hot!). Dust them generously with icing sugar if desired, and serve immediately.
