Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes (Air Fryer Version)

If you’re in the mood for something rich, gooey, and incredibly indulgent, these Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes made in the air fryer are the answer. Each little cake has a soft, warm exterior with a luscious molten chocolate center that oozes out with every bite. They’re quick, easy, and make the perfect dessert for a cozy night in, date night, or whenever that chocolate craving hits.

No oven needed—just a few pantry staples and your air fryer. These mini lava cakes are ready in under 15 minutes and feel straight out of a fancy restaurant.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Minimal ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Air Fryer Magic – No need to turn on your oven.
• Decadent & Gooey – The perfect balance of cake and lava-like center.
• Perfectly Portioned – Individual mini cakes are great for serving.
• Great for Any Occasion – Fancy enough for special nights, easy enough for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Makes 4 mini lava cakes:

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

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• Mint leaves

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• 4 small ramekins (4 oz) or silicone molds
• Microwave-safe mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter (for dusting sugar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Ramekins
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Grease each ramekin well with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your cakes release easily.

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

Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and whisk to blend.
Add the flour and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

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

Step 5: Air Fry
Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
Air fry at 350°F for 8–9 minutes. The tops should look set, but the centers will still jiggle slightly—that’s what gives the lava effect.
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove the ramekins carefully (they’ll be hot!) and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.
Use a butter knife to loosen the edges, then carefully invert each cake onto a serving plate.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with ice cream, berries, or whipped cream.

Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

• Don’t Overbake – The key to a gooey center is slightly undercooking.
• Use Good Chocolate – Higher-quality chocolate equals better taste and texture.
• Grease Thoroughly – This helps the cakes release without sticking.
• Serve Immediately – Lava cakes are best eaten warm when the centers are molten.
• Try Silicone Molds – If you don’t have ramekins, silicone molds work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

How to Store & Reheat

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

Reheating:
Microwave for 15–20 seconds to warm the center slightly. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins for up to 24 hours. Air fry just before serving.

2. What type of chocolate should I use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) works best for a rich, not overly sweet flavor.

3. Can I use cupcake liners or muffin tins?
Yes, but silicone cupcake molds are best. Be sure to adjust cook time and check for doneness.

4. Is powdered sugar necessary?
Powdered sugar helps create a smooth batter. You can use granulated sugar, but the texture may vary.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Final Thoughts
These Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes (Air Fryer Version) are pure dessert bliss—warm, melty, and rich with deep chocolate flavor. With minimal effort and maximum reward, they’re the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Perfect for holidays, date nights, or just treating yourself after a long day. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with every gooey bite!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Cake):
Calories: 315 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 27g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Sodium: 65mg

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