Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe
Introduction
Craving a warm, gooey dessert that’s quick to make? This air fryer lava cake delivers rich chocolate with a molten center in just 20 minutes. Perfect for two servings, it’s an impressive treat without the wait.

Ingredients
- 3 ounces chocolate (pieces)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg white
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare two 6-ounce ramekins by spraying them with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: Combine the butter and chocolate pieces in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
- Step 3: Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the whole eggs, egg white, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Step 5: Pour the egg mixture into the melted chocolate and butter, then gently mix together.
- Step 6: Using a spatula, fold the flour into the chocolate batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cakes tender.
- Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.
- Step 8: Air fry the ramekins at 370°F (188°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.
- Step 9: Remove when the tops are puffed and the edges appear crispy.
- Step 10: Let the ramekins cool for about a minute. Then, use a thick dish towel to carefully take them out of the air fryer basket.
- Step 11: Run a sharp knife around the edges of each cake to loosen.
- Step 12: Gently invert the cakes onto serving plates and dust with confectioner’s sugar if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor and smoother melt.
- Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a subtle molasses note.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful contrast.
- If you don’t have ramekins, small oven-safe bowls can work as well.
Storage
Molten lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds to regain some softness, but be careful not to overheat or the molten center may solidify.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these lava cakes without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the cakes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them to maintain the molten center.
How do I know when the lava cakes are perfectly cooked?
The tops should be puffed and slightly set with crispy edges, but the center should still be soft and gooey. If the top cracks or the center feels firm, the cake is likely overcooked.
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Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Lava Cake recipe delivers rich, gooey chocolate indulgence made simple and fast. Using an air fryer, these decadent molten chocolate cakes come out with perfectly crispy edges and a molten center in just 20 minutes, ideal for a quick yet impressive dessert for two.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 3 ounces chocolate pieces
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg white
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients & Garnish
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Ramekins: Spray two 6-ounce ramekins with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set them aside while you prepare the batter.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate pieces and unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs, 1 large egg white, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until the mixture turns frothy and light.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully pour the egg and sugar mixture into the melted chocolate and butter, mixing gently to combine.
- Add Flour: Using a spatula, fold in the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
- Fill Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins, filling them almost to the top.
- Air Fry: Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F (188°C) for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely as cooking times may vary; the top should rise and edges become crispy while the center remains molten.
- Cool and Remove: Let the ramekins cool slightly for about a minute. Use a thick dish towel to carefully remove them from the air fryer basket to avoid burns.
- Unmold the Cakes: Run a sharp knife around the edges of each cake to loosen. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate to release the lava cake.
- Serve: Dust with 1 teaspoon of confectioner’s sugar if desired and serve immediately for a warm, gooey chocolate experience.
Notes
- Check cakes around 8 minutes to avoid overcooking; the center should remain molten.
- Use a thick dish towel for handling hot ramekins safely.
- Serve immediately after flipping as lava cakes harden upon cooling.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
- Ensure ramekins fit comfortably in your air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Lava Cake, molten chocolate cake, quick chocolate dessert, easy air fryer dessert

