Make the perfect chocolate lava cake in your air fryer with this easy recipe! It’s a delicious dessert that will impress your guests, or satisfy your sweet tooth any time.
The rich and gooey chocolate center is surrounded by a light and fluffy cake, making it a heavenly treat.
In this post, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making this amazing dessert in your air fryer.
I will also give you some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect lava cake every time, and share some tasty variations and toppings to try.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and fun to make. So let’s get started!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love a rich and gooey chocolate lava cake? Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or just for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.
It’s Easy to Make: Another reason to try this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need is a few simple ingredients and an air fryer.
The recipe itself is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to make this dessert with ease.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Lava Cake Ingredients
For this air fryer chocolate lava cake recipe you will need:
- 1 Egg Yolk (yolk only!)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 4oz (115g) Chocolate Bar
- 5 1/2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Sugar
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
🎂 Lava Cake Air Fryer Recipe
Follow this easy chocolate lava cake air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Melt butter and chocolate (break it into pieces first) in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every 20 seconds, it should be ready in about 1 minute.
Step 2
Take another bowl (a large one), and using an electric beater- beat the egg, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is well blended.
Step 3
Add the chocolate mixture, flour, and salt to the egg mixture, and mix well until combined.
Step 4
Grease 3 ramekins, and pour the batter inside each.
Step 5
Air fry at 380F (190C) for 7-10 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the air fryer (be careful- they will be hot!) and let cool for a minute. Loosen the cake from the ramekin (I used a knife) and turn it over onto a serving plate.
That’s it! Enjoy this delicious air fryer lava cake!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked my air fryer molten lava cake, make sure to check out these recipes as well:
- Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream
- Air Fryer Pineapple
- Air Fryer Banana
- Air Fryer Sausage Patties
- Air Fryer Breakfast Sausage
💡 Important Tips
Here are my best tips for making this lava cake in air fryer:
1. Don’t Overmix The Lava Cake Batter
When making the batter for your air fryer lava cake, it’s important to avoid overmixing the ingredients.
Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough and dense, rather than light and fluffy (like we want it to be!).
To prevent this from happening, you should mix the batter until just combined.
This means that you should stop mixing as soon as you can no longer see any streaks of flour or chocolate in the mixture.
2. Add a Pinch Of Espresso Powder
A pinch of instant espresso powder can really improve the flavor of your airfryer lava cake and take it to the next level.
Espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
You can add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter along with the flour and salt.
3. Try Different Chocolate Varieties
Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate all have distinct flavors and textures that can add a different dimension to your dessert.
You can also try using chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for added texture.
4. Preparing the Ramekins
To ensure that your chocolate lava cake in air fryer comes out of the ramekin easily, it is important to prepare them correctly.
Grease the ramekins generously with butter or cooking spray. This will help the cake release from the ramekin smoothly and prevent sticking.
5. Cooking Time And Temperature
The cooking time and temperature are important factors in making the perfect air fryer lava cake .
Air fryers can vary in their heating speeds, so it is important to experiment with the cooking time and temperature until you find the perfect combination for your machine.
Generally, lava cakes are cooked at a high temperature (around 380°F or 190°C) for a short time (around 7-10 minutes).
However, if your air fryer runs hotter than others, you may need to reduce the temperature slightly or cook for a shorter time to avoid overcooking the cake.
✔️ Variations
1. Air Fryer Peanut Butter Lava Cake– Add a spoonful of peanut butter into the batter before air frying.
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in heaven, and it will take your dessert to the next level.
2. Air Fryer Mint Chocolate Lava Cake– Add a drop or two of peppermint extract into the batter for a refreshing and cool twist on the classic chocolate lava cake.
Top it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or whipped cream for the perfect finish.
3. Air Fryer Red Velvet Lava Cake– Add a few drops of red food coloring to the batter, along with a teaspoon of cocoa powder, to create a beautiful red velvet lava cake.
4. Air Fryer Orange Chocolate Lava Cake– Add a teaspoon of orange zest and a drop of orange extract to the batter for a citrusy twist on the classic chocolate lava cake.
5. Air Fryer Nutella Lava Cake– Add a spoonful of Nutella into the batter for a delicious and rich Nutella lava cake.
Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the ultimate dessert.
6. Air Fryer Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake– Add a handful of fresh raspberries into the batter. The combination of chocolate and raspberries is divine, and it will make your taste buds dance with joy.
7. Air Fryer Cinnamon Chocolate Lava Cake– Add a teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter for a warm and cozy twist on the classic chocolate lava cake.
Top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish.
↩️ Ingredient Substitutions
Chocolate Bar- You can use any type of chocolate bar for this recipe. If you prefer dark chocolate, use that. If you want a sweeter version, use milk chocolate.
Butter– You can substitute with coconut oil.
Vanilla Extract– You can use almond extract, coconut extract, or any other flavor extract you like.
Sugar– You can substitute sugar with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that the sweetness level and texture may be different with these substitutions.
👍 Best Toppings
Looking for the best toppings to take your airfryer chocolate lava cake to the next level? Here are some delicious and creative options to try:
1. Fresh Berries- Top your air fryer chocolate lava cake with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of juicy sweetness. The tartness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream– Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your lava cake for a creamy and airy touch. You can make your own whipped cream at home by whipping heavy cream and sugar together until soft peaks form.
3. Ice Cream- Scoop your favorite flavor of ice cream (I recommend using vanilla ice cream) on top of your air fryer lava cake for a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and gooey cake.
4. Caramel Sauce- Drizzle your cake with warm caramel sauce for a decadent and indulgent treat. The buttery and sweet flavor of the caramel complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cake perfectly.
5. Crushed Oreos- For a fun and crunchy twist, crush some Oreos and sprinkle them on top of your air fryer lava cake. The chocolate cookie crumbs add a delicious texture and flavor that pairs well with the smooth and velvety cake.
6. Toasted Coconut Flakes- Add a tropical touch to your lava cake by topping it with toasted coconut flakes.
🔁 How To Reheat
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Take the leftover lava cake out of the refrigerator and place it in the air fryer basket. If the cake is still in the ramekin, make sure to remove it before placing it in the basket.
Air fry the cake for 2-3 minutes, or until it is heated through. Keep an eye on the cake to make sure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
Once the cake is heated through, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve the reheated lava cake with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream or fresh berries.
🎉 Gluten Free Air Fryer Lava Cake
To make this air fryer lava cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
Make sure to use a gluten-free chocolate bar as well, and check all other ingredients for gluten-containing additives or preservatives.
👑 Keto / Low Carb Version
To make this recipe low carb and keto-friendly, you can make the following substitutions:
- All-purpose flour can be replaced with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Sugar can be replaced with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- The chocolate bar can be replaced with unsweetened baking chocolate or a low carb chocolate alternative.
👪 FAQ
What if my lava cakes are overcooked?
If your lava cakes are overcooked, the center will be dry and crumbly.
To prevent this, make sure to check the lava cakes frequently and remove them from the oven or air fryer as soon as the center is still gooey.
What are some good toppings for lava cakes?
There are many different toppings that you can serve with lava cakes. Some popular toppings include whipped cream, ice cream, fruit, and chocolate sauce.
Can I use any type of chocolate for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate for this recipe. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate all work well. If you want a sweeter lava cake, you can use a chocolate bar with a higher sugar content.
I hope you liked my lava cake air fryer recipe. It’s pretty easy to make, and it comes out perfectly every time.
This is a great dessert to make if you’re looking for something simple yet delicious.
If you have any questions about this air fryer lava cake recipe – feel free to comment below. Make sure to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Lava Cake
- 1 Egg Yolk (yolk only!)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 4 oz Chocolate Bar (115g)
- 5 1/2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Sugar
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Melt butter and chocolate (break it into pieces first) in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every 20 seconds, it should be ready in about 1 minute.
- Take another bowl (a large one), and using an electric beater- beat the egg, egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is well blended.
- Add the chocolate mixture, flour, and salt to the egg mixture, and mix well until combined.
- Grease 3 ramekins, and pour the batter inside each.
- Air fry at 380F (190C) for 7-10 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the air fryer (be careful- they will be hot!) and let cool for a minute. Loosen the cake from the ramekin (I used a knife) and turn it over onto a serving plate.
Soooo good.