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A Lava cake placed in a plate with ice cream on top.

Air Fryer Lava Cake

A warm, rich chocolate dessert with a soft molten center. This air fryer lava cake takes less than 10 minutes to cook and is perfect when you want a quick homemade treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet works best
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour sifted if possible
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional but recommended
  • 1 pinch salt balances sweetness

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer Preheated to 350°F
  • 2 Ramekins Small oven-safe ramekins
  • 1 Mixing bowl For preparing batter
  • 1 Whisk For mixing ingredients

Method
 

  1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
  2. Add the egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
  3. Stir in the flour and mix gently until a smooth chocolate batter forms.
  4. Lightly grease two small ramekins and divide the batter evenly between them.
  5. Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation.
  6. Cook at 350°F for 8 to 9 minutes until the outside is set but the center remains soft.
  7. Let the cakes cool for about one minute, then carefully remove from the ramekins and serve warm.

Notes

For the best molten center, avoid overcooking the lava cake. Every air fryer cooks slightly differently, so check the cake at around 8 minutes. The outside should be firm while the center stays soft and gooey. Serve immediately with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for a richer dessert.