Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes (Air Fryer Version)

Name: Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes (Air Fryer Version)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate); ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 large egg; 1 large egg yolk; ¼ cup powdered sugar; ⅛ tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing); 1 tsp cocoa powder (to dust ramekins); Fresh berries; Powdered sugar for dusting; Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Posted on March 27, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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Rich, gooey, and irresistibly indulgent, these Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes made in the air fryer are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With a warm, molten chocolate center and a soft cake exterior, they come together in under 20 minutes using simple ingredients and no oven required. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this air fryer version makes gourmet dessert easier than ever.

Perfectly portioned and absolutely decadent, these little lava cakes are bound to be your new favorite sweet fix.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Single-Serve Treats – Perfect for portion control or serving guests.
No Oven Needed – All done in the air fryer with a soft, gooey center every time.
Made with Pantry Staples – No fancy ingredients or equipment required.
Customizable – Add your favorite twist with flavored chocolate or fillings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lava Cakes:

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
¼ cup powdered sugar
⅛ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Ramekins:

Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
1 tsp cocoa powder (to dust ramekins)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh berries
Powdered sugar for dusting
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Tools You’ll Need

Air fryer
2 (6 oz) ramekins or silicone molds
Microwave-safe bowl
Whisk or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ramekins
Grease your ramekins generously with butter or nonstick spray.
Dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Tap out any excess cocoa and set aside.

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

Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly pale.
Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Fill the Ramekins
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full.
Tap the ramekins lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Air Fry the Lava Cakes
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Place ramekins in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 375°F for 7–9 minutes. The tops should be set, but the centers should still be slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
Carefully remove and let cool for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Invert and Serve
Run a knife gently around the edges to loosen.
Invert each ramekin onto a serving plate.
Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

Watch the Cook Time – Every air fryer is different. Start checking at 7 minutes to avoid overcooking the center.
Use Good Quality Chocolate – It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip Greasing the Ramekins – Helps ensure easy release without sticking.
Serve Immediately – Lava cakes are best enjoyed warm while the centers are still gooey.
Make Ahead Option – Batter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before air frying.

Serving Suggestions

With Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic pairing that melts beautifully over the warm cake.
Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add brightness.
Whipped Cream – A fluffy topping for an extra touch of indulgence.
Espresso Shot – Serve with a small cup of coffee for a rich after-dinner treat.
Mint Leaves – A fresh herbaceous contrast to the rich chocolate.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

Microwave for 10–15 seconds to gently warm the cake and soften the center again.
Avoid overheating or the center may fully cook and lose the lava effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use silicone molds instead of ramekins?
Yes! Silicone molds work great and are easy to remove after cooking.

2. What kind of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content is ideal. Avoid milk chocolate as it may be too sweet.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just cook in batches depending on your air fryer’s capacity.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

5. Why is my center not molten?
You may have overcooked it. Reduce the time by 1–2 minutes next round for a gooier center.

Final Thoughts
These Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes are everything you want in a dessert—rich, warm, and perfectly portioned with a flowing chocolate center. Making them in the air fryer means you get all the indulgence with minimal effort and cleanup.

Treat yourself or your loved ones with this simple but luxurious recipe, and watch them disappear in seconds. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any time you’re craving chocolate bliss.

Try them today and let me know how yours turned out!

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American