Molten Lava Cakes

Imagine cutting into a warm, rich chocolate cake only to have velvety molten chocolate spill out onto your plate — that’s the magic of Air Fryer Molten Lava Cakes. These decadent desserts are indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and less than 20 minutes of cook time.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a dinner party, or just a Tuesday night chocolate craving, this recipe is a showstopper. And because it’s made in the air fryer, you don’t have to fuss with preheating an oven or dealing with complicated techniques — the result is perfectly gooey every single time.

🍫 Pro Dessert Tip: The trick to flawless lava cakes is an air fryer that heats evenly without drying out the edges. I swear by this compact digital air fryer with precise temperature control, it makes all the difference for delicate desserts. 👉 Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1

• Restaurant-Quality Dessert at Home – Gooey center, fluffy edges.
• Quick & Easy – Done in under 20 minutes.
• Perfect Portions – Baked individually in ramekins.
• Minimal Ingredients – Pantry staples and chocolate are all you need.
• Air Fryer Advantage – No need for oven preheating, bakes faster, consistent results.

Air Fryer Molten Lava Cakes

Recipe by AnuCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

8

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Rich, decadent molten lava cakes baked in the air fryer with gooey chocolate centers and fluffy cake exteriors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter

• 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar

• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• Butter and cocoa powder (for greasing ramekins)

• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream

Directions

• Prep the Ramekins
  Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
• Melt Butter & Chocolate
  In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
• Make the Batter
  In another bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Slowly add in the melted chocolate mixture. Gently fold in the flour until just combined.
• Fill Ramekins
  Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
• Air Fry
  Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Place ramekins in the basket (leave space between them). Cook for 7–8 minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers slightly jiggly.
• Serve Immediately
  Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and invert onto dessert plates. Serve dusted with powdered sugar, topped with berries, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Don’t Overbake: Timing is everything — a minute too long and you’ll lose the molten center.
  No Ramekins? Use silicone muffin molds instead.
  Make Ahead: You can prep the batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cook straight from the fridge (add 1 extra minute to cooking time).
• Flavor Variations:
  Add 1 tsp espresso powder for mocha lava cakes.
  Add 2 tbsp peanut butter or caramel in the center before baking.

These Air Fryer Molten Lava Cakes are proof that you don’t need a fancy oven or culinary degree to make an impressive, indulgent dessert. They’re rich, gooey, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a forkful.

🍨 Dessert Upgrade: To really wow your guests, serve these with a scoop of ice cream. And trust me, having a precise temperature air fryer ensures the gooey center comes out perfect every time. 👉 Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Digital Air Fryer, 2 Drawers, 9.5L, 6-in-1