Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes (Air Fryer Version)

Craving something rich, gooey, and chocolaty? These Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes made in the air fryer are your dream dessert come true. With a warm, molten chocolate center and soft, cake-like exterior, these little indulgences are perfect for date night, special occasions, or a late-night sweet fix.

The best part? No oven needed! With just a few pantry staples and an air fryer, you can whip up restaurant-quality lava cakes in under 20 minutes. You’ll be amazed by how easy and decadent these are.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish.
• No Oven Needed – Perfect for dorms, small kitchens, or summer baking.
• Molten Center Magic – Warm, gooey chocolate oozes out with every bite.
• Perfectly Portioned – Mini size makes them ideal for individual servings.
• Great for Special Occasions – Impressive, yet incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 4 mini lava cakes:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing ramekins)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Mint leaves
• Chocolate drizzle or caramel sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• 4 small ramekins (4 oz size) or silicone baking cups
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter (for powdered sugar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Grease
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Generously grease the ramekins with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
Add the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Fill the Ramekins
Divide the batter evenly between the greased ramekins, filling them about ¾ full.

Step 5: Air Fry
Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Air fry at 350°F for 8–9 minutes. The tops should look set but slightly jiggly in the center—this ensures a molten core.
(Note: Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.)

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the lava cakes cool for 1–2 minutes in the ramekins.
Gently run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert each cake onto a plate.
Dust with powdered sugar and top with ice cream, berries, or whipped cream as desired.

Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

• Don’t Overbake – The key to a molten center is slightly underbaking.
• Grease Well – This makes unmolding easy and keeps the cakes intact.
• Use Good Chocolate – Quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
• Serve Immediately – These are best enjoyed warm when the centers are gooey.
• Air Fryer Space – Don’t overcrowd; air needs to circulate around each ramekin.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Vanilla ice cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Fresh & Fruity: Top with raspberries, strawberries, or sliced bananas.
• Decadent Touch: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
• Holiday Flair: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter.
• Party Perfect: Serve on a dessert platter with other mini treats.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Allow cakes to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds until warm and gooey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a muffin tin instead of ramekins?
Yes! Silicone muffin cups or a mini muffin tin will work. Just adjust the cook time slightly.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the batter and fill the ramekins ahead of time. Refrigerate and air fry when ready to serve.

3. What chocolate works best?
Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best flavor and melt.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.

5. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can use regular granulated sugar, but powdered sugar helps create a smoother texture.

Final Thoughts
Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes in the air fryer are a dessert dream—rich, gooey, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for two or treating yourself, these indulgent cakes are a guaranteed hit. With just a handful of ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a warm chocolate dessert that looks fancy but is wonderfully simple.

Give them a try and prepare to fall in love with each molten bite. Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how yours turn out!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 9 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Cake):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 29g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Sodium: 60mg

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