This Air Fryer Lava Cake with a molten chocolate centre is rich, decadent and is heavenly topped with ice cream. Ready in under 25 minutes, there is no flour!
You will be surprised how easy it is to make the best tasting molten chocolate lava cake at home. It is sure to rival any fancy restaurant version!
What is lava cake? Also known as molten chocolate cake, it is a decadent dessert with a rich chocolate cake with a gooey, melted chocolate center. The name lava cake comes from the molten chocolate center that resembles flowing lava.
Chocolate lave cake is typically baked for a short period of time so that the outside is set while the inside remains liquid, which is hot and flows like a volcano when you dig into it with a fork.
It is traditionally served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. Like the chocolate truffles recipe, these are perfect for elevating special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any moment when the craving for a decadent chocolate treat strikes!
I included this recipe over on my Valentine’s Day dessert recipes page, but they’re just as rich and tasty any time of the year!
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Why this recipe works?
The air fryer is ideal for baking this lava cake because its circulating hot air cooks the cake quickly from all sides. This results in a center that is slightly undercooked while the outside is perfectly cooked, creating a delightful contrast in textures when served.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Chocolate - Use a high quality chocolate like Ghiradelli for the best tasting air fryer lava cake. I prefer using semi-sweet chocolate chips as they provide an perfect blend of sweetness when paired with cocoa powder.
- Eggs - This lava cake for two requires one whole egg and an additional yolk. The additional yolk adds richness, creaminess, and tenderness to the cake.
- Butter - You can use either cold or room temperature butter for this recipe, but be sure to use unsalted butter.
- Sugar - The neutral flavor of white sugar allows the richness and depth of the chocolate to shine through.
- Cocoa powder - I used Hershey's 100% natural unsweetened cocoa.
Pro tip: Using eggs directly from the fridge makes it easier to separate the yolk.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some delicious ideas to customize the air fryer dessert recipe:
- Peanut butter - Add a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter or almond butter into the centre of the batter in the ramekin before air frying.
- Flavorings - Stir in vanilla extract, peppermint extract, finely grated orange zest, almond extract or a splash of liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Kahlua to the batter.
- Spice Infusion: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne for a unique and flavorful kick.
How to make?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
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Step 11 - Place in a pre heated 370 degree air fryer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until tops are puffed and set.
Pro tip: Don't over cook! Cooking the lava cake for too long will result in a solid center rather than the desired gooey consistency, although it will still be delicious!
How to serve?
You can unmold the chocolate lava cake onto a serving plate for a more dramatic presentation or serve straight out the ramekin.
If unmolding, run a small knife around the sides of the cake to loosen it and then gently invert onto a plate. Let stand for about 10 seconds, then remove the dish to unmold.
Topping ideas
These are amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries. There is something about the combination of hot chocolate dessert and cold ice cream that just hits the spot! Here are more topping ideas that will pair well:
- Try other ice cream flavors like caramel, chocolate, coffee, almond, mint or chocolate chip.
- Drizzle hot fudge sauce or salted caramel sauce on top of ice cream.
- Use Whipped cream instead of ice cream.
- Toasted chopped nuts or coconut.
Tips for unmolding
- Butter well without missing a spot- This ensures the lava cake will easily slide out and won’t stick to the bottom or sides.
- Run a sharp knife around the edge helps to release from the sides.
- Give resting time - Wait for 3 to 4 minutes before inverting.
- Be gentle when inverting - Make sure to invert slowly so that the cake has enough time to release.
Storage
Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, wrapped individually with plastic wrap. Reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds or 300 degree air fryer for about 5 minutes before serving. The center won’t be as gooey, but I’d enjoy them regardless!
To Freeze - Wrap cooled cakes in plastic wrap, then place in an air tight freezer safe container and freeze for up to two months. To reheat, thaw completely to room temperature, microwave or air fry at 300 degrees until warmed through.
Helpful tips
- Pre heat - Ensure the air fryer is fully pre heated before cooking.
- Use good quality chocolate - I love Ghirdaelli semi sweet chips recipe.
- Don't over cook- Overcooking will cause the center to solidify and not be gooey, but still tasty!
- Air fryer - I used instant vortex 6 quart air fryer and found 9 minutes perfect when cooking two cakes. If your cake doesn’t have enough lava, then bake a minute less next time.
- Grease well - Greasing with a fair amount of butter helps for easier removal. Also don’t skip running a knife along their edges before inverting so they transfer with ease.
- Type of air fryer - Different brands will cook differently so adjust the cooking time accordingly. 8 to 10 minutes should be perfect.
- Be cautious when removing from the basket - The ramekins are very hot after baking. I find that a folded dish towel works well to remove.
Recipe FAQs
No ramekins, no problem! Use silicone baking cups or 4-cup muffin pan to make 4 smaller cakes. Make sure to reduce the cook time to 6 to 7 minutes.
Yes! Any ovenproof dish, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal or silicone are safe to be used in the air fryer.
For this recipe, I use two 6-ounce ramekins. However you could use three 4-ounce ramekins. Just remember that the cooking times will vary depending on the size.
More Air fryer desserts to try:
Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter + more for greasing ramekins
- 3 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips I prefer Ghiradelli
- 1 egg, large
- 1 egg yolk, large
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare ramekins
- Using a pastry brush, spread softened butter into the bottom and sides of two 6-ounce ramekins. Alternatively you can grease them a liberal coating of non-stick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle some cocoa powder (or you can use all purpose flour) into the greased ramekins. Gently shake, tap, and tilt the bowl until the sides and bottom is completely covered. Invert the ramekin over the sink and gently tap out any excess powder.
Make batter
- Combine the butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 70 to 90 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds, until completely melted and smooth. Set aside until you beat the eggs.
- Add egg, egg yolk, sugar, and salt into another medium bowl, Using an electric beater, beat on high speed until thick and pale yellow (60 to 90 seconds).
- Add the warm melted chocolate mixture along with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder into the beaten eggs. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until well combined. Evenly divide the batter into the prepared ramekins.
Air fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees. When hot, place the ramekins into the basket and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, until tops are puffed and set. Pro tip: Don't over cook! Cooking the lava cake for too long will result in a solid center rather than the desired gooey consistency, although it will still be delicious!
- Open the basket and let it cool for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, using a clean kitchen towel, carefully lift out the hot ramekins, as they will be very hot. For added safety, you can use a folded dish towel to handle them.
- Serve from the ramekin or unmold lava cakes on a serving plate, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and dig in. To unmold- Run a thin knife around the cake to loosen the sides from the ramekin. Gently invert the ramekin on the plate, wait for 10 seconds before gently removing the ramekin.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
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