Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Lava Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that you can make in very little time. It features a warm and gooey centre that flows out when you cut into the cake. This version uses the to achieve a perfectly baked exterior while keeping the middle liquid and warm. It is a great choice for a quick treat or a special dinner when you want something impressive but simple.
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Photo of Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake cooked in the air fryer

Good reasons to make air fryer chocolate lava cake

Using an is much faster than waiting for a traditional oven to heat up for a single dessert. It circulates hot air evenly to ensure the cake sets on the outside quickly while the inside stays molten. This helps trap the melted chocolate inside for that classic texture every time. An Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect size for one or two people without wasting energy or time.

A step-by-step guide to air fryer chocolate lava cake

Step 1
Melt chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well combined before taking it off the heat. Let the chocolate cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients. Grease two small ramekins with a little butter to prevent the cakes from sticking.
Step 2
Whisk eggs: Place the egg, egg yolk and caster sugar in a separate bowl. Whisk them together for a few minutes until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thicker. Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture until the colour is even throughout. Be careful not to lose too much air while mixing the ingredients together.
Step 3
Add flour: Sift the plain flour and a pinch of salt into the bowl with the chocolate and eggs. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the flour into the liquid ingredients until no white streaks remain. Divide the batter equally between the two prepared ramekins. Place the ramekins carefully into the basket.
Step 4
Air fry: Cook the cakes at 180C for 8 minutes or until the sides are firm but the middle still wobbles. Carefully remove the ramekins using oven gloves as they will be very hot. Let them rest for 1 minute before turning them out onto plates. Dust with cocoa powder and serve immediately while the centre is still liquid.

Good advice for air fryer chocolate lava cake

Make sure to grease your ramekins thoroughly with butter to ensure the cakes slide out easily onto the plate. You can also dust the inside of the greased ramekins with cocoa powder for extra protection against sticking. Every brand behaves differently so check your Chocolate Lava Cake a minute early to avoid overcooking the centre. If the top feels too firm to the touch the centre might have solidified completely already. Using high quality dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa will give you the best flavour and texture.

If you want a different twist you can add a small square of white chocolate to the centre of the batter before cooking. This will create a dual coloured molten middle when you finally cut the cake open. Always serve these cakes immediately while they are still warm to enjoy the liquid texture. These small cakes are very rich so they pair well with fresh raspberries or a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.

If you are looking for more simple ideas, you may also like air fryer doughnuts, air fryer crisps or air fryer danish bacon-wrapped meatloaf.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 50 g dark chocolate
  • 40 g unsalted butter
  • 1 medium egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 25 g caster sugar
  • 15 g plain flour
  • 1 pinch salt

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1820 kJ / 435 kcal
  • Fat:32 g
  • - of which saturates:19 g
  • Carbohydrates:24 g
  • - of which sugars:18 g
  • Protein:6 g
  • Fibre:3 g
  • Salt:150 mg

People also ask

Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake usually takes about 8 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
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