Air Fryer Lava Cake: the decadent lava cake recipe to make in the air fryer

Think the air fryer is only for savory dishes? Think again! This chocolate molten cake will change the way you thought about your air fryer forever! Many home cooks are hesitant to make lava cakes, as it’s difficult to get right. But not this Air Fryer Lava Cake.

It’s an easy, quick recipe to make molten cake in the air fryer. The cake is soft with a gooey chocolatey center. It’s perfect for those special occasions or the holidays where you have a serious need to impress your guests. And this dessert won’t disappoint!

Grab a few ramekins, and a few pantry staples, and get ready to make a rich dessert. 

Air Fryer Lava Cake Ingredients

Unsalted butter – you can also use salted butter; in this case, omit the salt.

Cocoa powder – use high-quality cocoa powder (Dutch-processed cocoa powder for best results).

Sugar – granulated sugar.

Eggs – high-quality free-range eggs.

Vanilla extract – you can also use caramel or rum extract.

Flour – all-purpose flour is perfect.

How To Make Air Fryer Lava Cake

Use the butter to grease the ramekins. Dust generously with cocoa powder—make sure that the bottom and sides are covered.

Set up a double boiler on the stove (see how to set up a double boiler below). Place the chocolate, butter, sugar and salt in the bowl, stirring until the mixture is melted and combined.

Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add to the chocolate mixture. And the flour and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the ramekins. Carefully place the ramekins in the Airfryer.

Bake in an air fryer for 8-9 minutes at 180°C, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Chocolate Molten Cakes Topping Ideas

There are so many ways to top these delicious lava cakes. If powdered sugar sounds too boring, try these toppings: flavored ice cream, crushed peppermint candies, chopped chocolate, whipped sweetened cream, rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, raspberries or strawberries, chocolate or caramel sauce.

Tip

To set up a double boiler, you’ll need a medium-sized pot and a heatproof bowl (usually glass). Make sure that the bowl and pot fit nicely onto each other—the bowl should be resting on top of the pot (in other words it should be larger). Place water inside the pot (it should not touch the bowl) and place over medium heat.

How To Store Chocolate Molten Cake

These are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

Instructions

Coat the 12 cm (about 5-inch) molds with unsalted butter and sprinkle generously with cocoa, making sure that the bottom and sides are covered.

Set up a double boiler on the stove. Place the chocolate, butter, sugar and salt in the upper bowl, stir until everything is finely melted and combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.

Add the eggs to the chocolate mixture.

Add the flour and mix through.

Pour the mixture into molds.

Bake in an air fryer for 8-9 minutes at 180°C.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

To serve the lava cakes, invert them onto the plates—they should easily slide out.