Air-Fried Lava Cake: A Quick, Easy Dessert Delight

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens for baking, especially when you want to avoid heating up your entire house. They are perfect for small-batch desserts and can be used to make lava cakes with a gooey molten centre. The key to a yummy molten lava cake is to slightly underbake them so that the middle stays molten.

Melting the chocolate and butter

For the chocolate, it is recommended to use a good-quality chocolate bar with a high cocoa content (around 60-75% cocoa). You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate, or even chocolate chips if you prefer. Avoid using chocolate powder, as this may affect the molten texture of the lava cakes.

As for the butter, it is best to use unsalted butter. Regular unsalted butter is recommended over fancy butter with higher butterfat ratios. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but omit the salt in the rest of the recipe.

Combining the wet ingredients

To combine the wet ingredients for your lava cakes, you will need to melt the butter and chocolate together. You can do this by microwaving them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until they are fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt them over the stove using a double boiler method. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool for about 5 minutes, or until it is just warm to the touch.

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sugar together. You can use an electric beater to do this until the mixture is well blended. Add a pinch of salt if you wish.

Now, simply add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir until combined.

Adding the dry ingredients

To make lava cakes in an air fryer, you will need to add dry ingredients such as flour and sugar to your mixture. The process of adding and mixing these ingredients is important to ensure your cakes turn out well. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to adding the dry ingredients for air fryer lava cakes:

Firstly, gather your dry ingredients. For this recipe, you will need all-purpose flour and granulated white sugar. You may also choose to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. Ensure you are using the correct quantities as outlined in your chosen recipe.

Next, prepare your ramekins by greasing them with butter. Set them aside for now. If you don't have ramekins, you can use oven-safe dishes that fit inside your air fryer basket.

Now, it's time to melt your chocolate and butter. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, heating in 30-second increments and stirring until everything is melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler method on the stove. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

In a separate large bowl, combine your eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until they are well blended and the eggs are thoroughly beaten. You can use an electric beater to make this process easier.

Finally, it's time to add your dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until everything is combined. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can affect the consistency of your cakes. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage if desired.

Once your batter is ready, you can pour it into your prepared ramekins. Fill each ramekin about halfway, and then place them in the air fryer basket. Follow the temperature and timing guidelines provided in your chosen recipe for cooking.

Remember, the key to a delicious molten lava cake is to slightly underbake them so that the middle remains molten. Enjoy your homemade lava cakes with a scoop of ice cream, fresh berries, or a dust of powdered sugar!

Baking in the air fryer

Baking in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to make a delicious dessert without heating up your entire house. It's perfect for small batches and those with a sweet tooth who are short on time.

When baking in an air fryer, it's important to note that different brands of air fryers may cook at different speeds, so it's always good to keep an eye on your creation. Preheating your air fryer is also crucial as it helps the cake cook evenly.

For this lava cake recipe, you'll need to prepare your ramekins by greasing them with butter and, optionally, sprinkling some flour or cacao powder on them. Set them aside.

The first step in making the batter is melting the chocolate and butter together. You can do this in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or on a stove using a double boiler method. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool for about five minutes.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and salt with an electric beater until well combined. Then, add the flour and the chocolate mixture, stirring until everything is combined.

Now, it's time to fill your prepared ramekins with the batter. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175-180°C) for 7-10 minutes for a gooey, molten centre. If you prefer a thicker, less molten centre, leave them for about 9 minutes.

When the cakes are done, use a clean, thick dish towel to remove the hot ramekins from the air fryer. Allow the cakes to cool for about a minute, then use a butter knife to loosen the cakes from the ramekins and turn them over onto plates.

Your lava cakes are now ready to serve! You can enjoy them with a dusting of powdered sugar, or go the extra mile and serve them with fresh whipped cream, ice cream, fresh berries, or a combination of these.

If you're making these cakes in advance, simply prepare the batter and fill the ramekins, then cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the ramekins sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding a minute or two if needed for that perfect gooey centre.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve your lava cakes, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are some suggestions:

For a Simple Dessert:

• A dusting of icing sugar or powdered sugar can be the perfect finishing touch.
• Fresh whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries can also be great toppings.
• For an extra touch, add some chocolate shavings or a drizzle of berry jam.

For a Special Occasion:

• Serve the lava cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous helping of fresh berries, such as raspberries, for an elegant and decadent dessert.
• You can also top with whipped cream and berries, creating a beautiful contrast of colours and textures.
• For a truly indulgent experience, add some shaved chocolate on top.

Remember, the key to serving lava cakes is to keep the centre molten and gooey, so ensure you don't overcook them. Enjoy your delicious air-fried dessert!

Frequently asked questions