Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe That’s Rich, Easy, and Gooey Inside
Air fryer lava cake is the ultimate way to satisfy your chocolate cravings fast.
With a gooey, molten center and rich, cakey edges, this indulgent dessert recipe comes together in minutes—right in your air fryer.
Whether you’re planning a date night, treating yourself, or just need something sweet without the oven, this cake delivers bakery-level results with barely any effort.
Making this rich, chocolatey treat in your air fryer is a total game changer.
You won’t need any complicated ingredients or baking skills—just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of ramekins. The result? A perfectly baked shell with a warm, gooey center that feels like a decadent reward.
Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on standby for every time a serious cocoa craving strikes.
Can I make lava cake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can — and it’s surprisingly easy!
The hot, circulating air cooks the outer layer to perfection while keeping the center warm and molten, just like a traditional oven-baked version.
It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-style dessert right at home.
Scroll down to the bottom of the post to grab the printable recipe.
To make this rich and gooey air fryer dessert recipe, you’ll melt butter and a chocolate baking bar together, then mix with eggs, sugar, and vanilla until frothy. Be sure to use high-quality chocolate. A good baking bar melts smoother and gives a richer flavor than chocolate chips.
Combine with flour and salt, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into greased ramekins, filling them about two-thirds full, and cook in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for about 5 minutes.
Air fryers vary so check the cakes around the 5-minute mark—the edges should be set, but the center should still look soft.
When they are done, remove and let them rest briefly.
Carefully invert onto plates and top with powdered sugar, berries, or homemade whipped cream for an extra-special finish.
6-ounce ramekins work best for individual servings and even cooking.
The edges should look set and slightly crispy, and the centers should still look soft but not runny.
You can prep the batter and fill the ramekins ahead of time. Store them covered in the fridge, then air fry just before serving.
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If you’re loving this sweet air fryer treat, be sure to check out these great ideas too—you might just find your next favorite dessert!
- From crispy snacks to quick dinners, these air fryer recipes make mealtime faster and tastier without the extra oil.
- Light, fluffy, and baked right in your air fryer—these air fryer cupcake recipes are perfect for small batches and big cravings.
- From warm cinnamon apples to mini apple pies, these air fryer apple recipes are perfect for fall cravings or anytime you want a sweet and simple treat.
- Rich, moist, and full of chocolate flavor, this classic chocolate cake recipe is a must-have for any dessert lover.
Air Fryer Lava Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 oz chocolate baking bar – good quality chocolate
- 8 tbsp or 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg white
- 4 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Powdered sugar raspberries, whip cream (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees f.
- In a double broiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate. If you are using a microwave, melt the melted butter and the chocolate bar, broken into pieces, together at 30 second intervals making sure to stir after each interval. You will only need to do this a few times. Then set aside.
- In another medium-sized bowl, using a whisk, stand mixer, or hand-held mixer, beat eggs, white granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Only mix until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir together. Then slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Stir just until the mixture is combined. Do NOT overmix the batter.
- Lightly spray your ramekins with your favorite cooking spray.
- Pour the batter into the ramekins, approximately 2/3rds full.
- Place ramekins in the air fryer basket and check at 5 minutes.
- Test for doneness by looking at the sides of the cake. If there are starting to get crispy and the cakes have begun to pop up, then remove them from the air fryer using oven mitts or a thick dish towel.
- Let the lava cake sit for a few minutes, then invert them onto a plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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