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Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes

When it comes to indulging your sweet tooth, few desserts are as tempting and delightful as a chocolate lava cake. The oozy, molten centre of rich, decadent chocolate makes it a favourite for many dessert lovers. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a special occasion or turn on the oven for hours to enjoy this treat. With the convenience of an air fryer, you can whip up Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cakes in no time!

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is a modern kitchen marvel that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it the crispy texture associated with frying but with much less oil. One of its more unexpected uses is baking. Air fryers heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures, making them perfect for baked goods like lava cakes. They typically cook faster than traditional ovens too, which means you can satisfy your chocolate cravings without too much wait.

Ingredients

To make these delicious lava cakes, you will need the following simple ingredients:

• 120g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• 60g unsalted butter
• 60g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 30g plain flour
• A pinch of salt
• Cooking spray (for greasing)

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ramekins (4-6 depending on size)
• Chocolate or icing sugar (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until both the chocolate and butter have melted and are smooth. This generally takes about 1-2 minutes.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until well combined. Add in the vanilla extract. Once mixed, pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Stir until smooth.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the plain flour and a pinch of salt until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make your cakes tough.

4. Prepare Ramekins: Coat your ramekins with cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder for an extra touch.

5. Fill Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes.

7. Air Fry the Cakes: Carefully place the ramekins in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your model and the size of your ramekins, so keep an eye on them! The edges should be firm, while the centre remains soft.

8. Serve: Once cooked, let the cakes rest for 1-2 minutes before carefully running a knife around the edges to loosen. Invert them onto a plate to reveal that glorious molten centre. Dust with icing sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

• Quality Chocolate: The flavour of your lava cakes largely depends on the quality of chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the best taste.
• Don’t Overcook: The key to the molten centre is to avoid overcooking. If in doubt, it’s better to slightly undercook them than let them become too firm.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to experiment with additions such as a pinch of espresso powder, orange zest, or a dash of liqueur to elevate the flavour profile.

Conclusion

With this Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Cake recipe, you can satisfy your dessert cravings in under 20 minutes! Whether you are hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or treating yourself after a long day, these individual lava cakes are sure to impress. Enjoy the blissful moment as you cut into the cake and watch the chocolate centre flow – it’s pure indulgence in every bite!