If you love a chocolaty, gooey dessert but don’t have the time or patience to bake one from scratch, air fryer chocolate lava cakes are your answer!

These simple and delicious molten chocolate treats can be whipped up quickly with minimal effort. They provide incredible warmth and luxury of oozing melted chocolate with each bite, and because they’re made using an air fryer instead of an oven, you will save considerable time and energy perfecting this scrumptious dessert. Keep reading to discover how you can make heavenly air fryer chocolate lava cakes!

Learn how to make these decadent chocolate cakes without needing a double boiler. This might just become your new favorite dessert, perfect for the chocolate craving! You can have these in minutes with only a few basic ingredients and your air fryer!

What Are Chocolate Lava Cakes?​

Chocolate lava cakes, also known as molten chocolate cakes, are small individual desserts with a soft, gooey chocolate center surrounded by a cake-like exterior. These cakes are typically made with a rich chocolate batter that is filled with a warm chocolate ganache center.

When the cakes are baked, the exterior sets and forms a delicate crust while the center remains warm and molten. The contrast between the warm, gooey center and the cake-like exterior creates a decadent dessert that is both rich and indulgent.

Chocolate lava cakes can be served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries. They are a popular dessert in many restaurants and are also commonly made at home for special occasion, Valentine’s Day,  or as a treat for chocolate lovers.

Why Cook Molten Lava Cakes In Air Fryer​

Cooking molten lava cakes in an air fryer has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the many benefits that this cooking method offers. Here are some of the reasons why people choose to cook molten lava cakes in an air fryer:

• Quick Cooking: Cooking molten lava cakes in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Air fryers use hot air circulation for cooking the cakes, which means they cook faster than traditional ovens.
• Even Cooking: Air fryers cook food evenly and consistently, meaning the lava cakes will cook uniformly and have a perfect consistency throughout.
• Less Mess: Cooking molten lava cakes in an air fryer is a less messy process than using a traditional oven. The cakes are cooked in small individual dishes or ramekins, so there is no need to worry about cleaning up a large baking dish.
• No Preheating: Air fryers do not require preheating, so you can start cooking your lava cakes immediately.
• Crispy Exterior: Air fryers are known for producing crispy exteriors on food, which means that your lava cakes will have a deliciously crispy crust on the outside while remaining soft and gooey on the inside.

Overall, cooking molten lava cakes in an air fryer is a convenient and effective method that yields delicious results.

Watch How To Make Chocolate Lava Cakes In Air Fryer

​Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Lava Cakes​

Lava cakes are delicious and made from chocolate and cake batter, baked together in individual cupcake molds. But did you know they can be made without the oven? These Air Fryer Lava Cakes are definitely worth the try! Not only will they save time in their preparation compared to the conventional method, but their mini size also makes them a simple yet stylish dessert that will surely wow your guests. To make these amazing lava cakes, here are all of the ingredients you’ll need!

​Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Dark chocolate or sweet chocolate: Use a good quality chocolate
• Butter
• Eggs: Use large eggs and egg yolks that are at room temperature
• ​Powdered Sugar
• ​Flour: Use all-purpose flour
• Serving: Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Ice Cream, Fresh raspberries, Pinch of Salt ​

How To Cook Molten Chocolate Lava Cake In Air Fryer​

The air fryer opened up a new world of possibilities for chocoholics. From French fries to doughnuts – and even lava cakes! Yes, that’s true. Cooking in the air fryer is not restricted to savory dishes.

This amazing invention allows us to easily whip up delicious treats for any occasion -without all the added calories associated with traditional deep-frying methods. Today we’ll take a look at how you can make delightful molten lava cakes using an air fryer – it really couldn’t be simpler! So grab your ingredients, and let’s start making some smolderingly good desserts!

​Step One: Prepare The Ramekins​

Use melted butter or olive oil cooking spray, and spray the ramekins.

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Step Two: Prepare The Chocolate

​Microwave chocolate and butter in a medium microwaveable bowl or heatproof bowl on high for 2 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until the chocolate is melted. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

Step Three: Add Dry Ingredients

​In a mixing bowl, add powdered sugar and flour and mix well.

Step Four: Add Wet Ingredients​

Add whole eggs and egg yolks. Whisk until well combined.

Step Five: Add Batter To Greased Ramekins​

Divide evenly between the greased ramekins, filling about 3/4 full.

Step Six: Air Fry Molten Lava Cakes

Place ramekins in an air fryer basket and cook at 370ºF, air fryer setting,  for 7 to 10 minutes. Allow to sit for 1 minute.

Step Seven: Remove Gooey Chocolate Lava Cake From Air Fryer

Place ramekins in an air fryer basket and cook at 370ºF, air fryer setting,  for 7 to 10 minutes. Allow to sit for 1 minute. Invert on a plate and gently tap the ramekin’s bottom to release. 

Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.

Step Eight: Serving

Garnish with powdered sugar and berries and serve immediately with ice cream.

Pro Tips:

• ​Use Ramekins: It is best to use ramekins that are about 4 ounces or 6-ounce ramekins in size when making chocolate lava cakes in an air fryer. The ramekins should be greased with cooking spray or butter to prevent the cakes from sticking.
• Check Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your air fryer, so it is essential to check the cakes frequently to ensure that they are not overcooked. Start checking the cakes after about 6-7 minutes of cooking time.
• Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for a few minutes before pouring it into the ramekins. This will help the ingredients combine properly and ensure the cakes have the right texture.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The key to making delicious chocolate lava cakes is using high-quality chocolate. Use good quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids.
• Don’t Overfill Ramekins: Fill the Ramekins about two-thirds full with the batter. Overfilling can cause the cakes to overflow while cooking, and under-filling may cause the cakes to dry out.
• Serve Immediately: Chocolate lava cakes are best served warmly and immediately after the air fryer removal. Allow the cakes to cool for a few minutes before serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. This way,  you get the gooey molten middle that these cakes are known for.

How To Store Leftover Molten Chocolate Cake

​If you have leftover molten chocolate cake, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Here’s how to do it:

Storing: Let the cake cool to room temperature. Wrap each cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from getting in. Place the wrapped cakes in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag to further prevent air from getting in. Place the container in the refrigerator.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the cake again, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven. If you’re reheating in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you’re reheating in the microwave, microwave the cake for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Keep in mind that reheating may cause the molten center to become less gooey, but it will still be delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Can I use a cake mix to make chocolate lava cakes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a cake mix to make chocolate lava cakes in an air fryer. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box, and then fill the ramekins with the batter and ganache mixture as you would with a homemade recipe.

Can I make chocolate lava cakes in advance and reheat them in the air fryer? 

Chocolate lava cakes are best served immediately after they are removed from the air fryer, as the warm, gooey center is at its best then. However, if you do need to make them in advance, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can cause the center to solidify.

Can I freeze chocolate lava cakes?

Yes, you can freeze chocolate lava cakes for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, place them in the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can use different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate. Keep in mind that the sweetness and texture of the cake will be affected by the type of chocolate you use.

Can I make mini chocolate lava cakes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make mini chocolate lava cakes in an air fryer by using smaller ramekins or muffin tins. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the cakes frequently to ensure they are not overcooked.

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