Name: Air Fryer Lava Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 egg yolks; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Optional: Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Air fryer lava cakes are rich, gooey, and surprisingly easy to make right at home. I love how the warm, molten chocolate center oozes out with every bite, giving that decadent, restaurant-quality feel in just minutes. With the air fryer, I don’t need to heat up the oven or wait too long—dessert is ready fast and always impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and foolproof this recipe is. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just rich, chocolatey goodness with a soft cake shell and a molten center. The air fryer gives a perfect crust while keeping the inside soft and gooey. Whether I’m making dessert for guests or treating myself, this lava cake is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Large eggs
Egg yolks
All-purpose flour
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: Cocoa powder or butter for greasing ramekins

Directions

I lightly grease the ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
I whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is fully combined.
I add the eggs and egg yolks, mixing well.
I stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt, then fold in the flour just until no streaks remain.
I divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.
I place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 8–10 minutes, depending on how gooey I want the center.
I let the cakes rest for 1–2 minutes, then gently run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates to serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 to 4 lava cakes, depending on the ramekin size. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8–10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Cooling for a couple of minutes helps the cakes hold their shape before unmolding.

Variations

Sometimes I add a spoonful of peanut butter, caramel, or Nutella in the center before cooking for a surprise twist. I also switch up the chocolate, using milk chocolate for a sweeter version or bittersweet for extra depth. A sprinkle of sea salt on top or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice finish. And if I’m serving guests, I pair it with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Storage/Reheating

These cakes are best eaten right away for the molten center, but I can refrigerate leftovers for a day or two. When I reheat them, I do it in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave briefly until warm. The center may set a bit more, but the flavor is still rich and satisfying.

FAQs

What size ramekin should I use?

I usually use 6-ounce ramekins. They hold the batter well and allow the cakes to cook through with a gooey center.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the batter and fill the ramekins ahead. I store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before air frying.

Can I bake this in the oven instead?

Absolutely. If I don’t have an air fryer, I bake them at 425°F for about 12–13 minutes in a preheated oven.

How do I know when the lava cake is done?

The edges should look set, but the center should still jiggle slightly. Overbaking will cook the center fully and lose the lava effect.

Can I use cupcake liners or silicone molds?

Yes, I’ve used silicone molds with success, but I still grease them lightly. I avoid paper liners—they don’t hold the shape well for lava cakes.

Conclusion

Air fryer lava cakes are a rich, chocolatey treat that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Whether I’m craving something sweet after dinner or surprising someone with a homemade dessert, these lava cakes deliver every time. The warm, gooey center and crisp outer layer make them totally irresistible.