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- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 large egg - 1 large egg yolk - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/8 teaspoon salt - Optional garnishes: powdered sugar and fresh berries Gathering your ingredients is key to making these air fryer chocolate lava cakes. You want to use fresh items for the best flavor. I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich taste. Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling the salt in your dish. The eggs add structure and richness. The granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps with the texture. Using all-purpose flour keeps the batter light and fluffy. Vanilla extract adds a nice touch of flavor. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances all the tastes. Don’t forget the optional garnishes! Powdered sugar gives a lovely finish, and fresh berries add a burst of freshness. These ingredients come together to create a delicious dessert that feels fancy but is super easy to make. To start, you need to melt the chocolate and butter. Take a microwave-safe bowl and add the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave them together in 20-second bursts. After each burst, stir until it is smooth. This should take about one minute in total. Let the mixture cool a bit before using it. Next, grab another bowl for the egg mixture. Whisk together one egg, one egg yolk, and granulated sugar. Keep whisking until the mix turns pale and thick. This process takes about two minutes. You want it to be fluffy for the best texture. Now, pour the melted chocolate into the egg mix. Add the vanilla and salt. Stir everything together until well combined. After that, gently fold in the flour. Be careful here. Overmixing will make the cakes tough. You want a silky and smooth batter. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating, prepare four ramekins by greasing them with cooking spray or butter. Pour the batter into each ramekin, filling them about three-quarters full. Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center needs to be soft. Once the time is up, carefully take the ramekins out of the air fryer. Let them cool for 1 to 2 minutes. To serve, invert each ramekin onto a plate. Dust them with powdered sugar and add fresh berries for a nice touch. Enjoy your warm, gooey chocolate lava cakes! Overmixing your batter is a common mistake. When you mix too much, the cakes can turn out tough. You want a smooth batter, but don’t overdo it. Also, be careful with your baking times. If you bake too long, the centers will not be gooey. Aim for 8-10 minutes in your air fryer. Check them at 8 minutes to see if they are set around the edges but still soft in the middle. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is essential for perfect lava cakes. It helps create a nice outer layer while keeping the inside oozy. Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking. This step is key to avoid uneven results. You can easily change the flavor of your lava cakes. For a coffee twist, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. If you like citrus, add some orange zest. This small touch brings a fresh taste. You can also try adding a few chocolate chunks for extra richness. Get creative and make it your own! {{image_2}} You can choose between dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate for your lava cakes. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. It has a strong flavor, which many love. Semi-sweet chocolate is sweeter and milder. I often use semi-sweet chocolate chips because they melt well and balance the sweetness of the cake. Feel free to experiment with both types to find your favorite. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour adds a nutty taste, while coconut flour makes the cake lighter. Just remember, these flours absorb more moisture. You may need to adjust the liquid in your recipe. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to keep the batter smooth. You can customize your lava cakes with fun add-ins. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add crunch. Fresh fruit, such as raspberries or strawberries, brings a tartness that pairs well with chocolate. You can even toss in chocolate pieces or caramel bits for a surprise inside. Just remember, don't add too much, or the lava cake may not bake properly. Store your lava cakes in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each ramekin tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. These cakes can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat your lava cakes, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cakes from the fridge or freezer. Place them in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 5 minutes if cold. For frozen cakes, heat for about 8-10 minutes. Check to ensure the center is warm and gooey. Enjoy your warm and delicious lava cakes! Yes, you can prepare the lava cakes in advance. Make the batter and pour it into greased ramekins. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just take them out and cook them in the air fryer. This way, you save time and can impress your guests with warm, gooey cakes. To check if your lava cakes are done, look for the edges. They should be set and firm, while the center remains soft. The tops may also look slightly puffed. You can gently shake the ramekin; if the center jiggles a bit, it’s perfect. Remember, the cooking time is key, so keep an eye on them as they cook. Absolutely! You can bake these cakes in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. The result will be just as delicious, but the air fryer does speed up the process. This blog post covered making delicious lava cakes in an air fryer. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create the perfect dessert. We explored tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for variations. Proper storage and reheating methods ensure you can enjoy leftovers. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures. Your lava cakes will impress everyone. Follow these steps, and you’ll bake a dessert that brings joy in every bite. Enjoy your tasty creation!

Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes

Indulge in these decadent air fryer chocolate lava cakes that are easy to make and incredibly satisfying! With a rich, gooey center and a delightful dusting of powdered sugar, these treats are perfect for any chocolate lover. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this luscious dessert that’s sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a touch of gourmet magic to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries), for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    Whisk Eggs: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

      Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and stir until well combined.

        Add Flour: Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. The batter should be silky and smooth.

          Prepare Ramekins: Lightly grease four ramekins with cooking spray or butter. Pour the batter evenly into each ramekin, filling them about 3/4 full.

            Air Fry the Cakes: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the ramekins into the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft.

              Cool Slightly: Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the ramekins from the air fryer. Let the cakes cool for about 1-2 minutes before inverting them onto serving plates.

                Serve: Dust the lava cakes with powdered sugar and serve immediately, with fresh berries on the side for added freshness.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4