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Air Fryer Lava Chocolate Puddings - Rich, Gooey, and Ready Fast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Dark chocolate (good quality, 60–70% cocoa), 6 ounces (170 g), chopped
  • Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (115 g), plus more for greasing
  • Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Eggs, 2 large
  • Egg yolks, 2 large
  • All-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (30 g)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon (plus extra for dusting)
  • Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt, a pinch
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the ramekins: Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins. Dust the insides with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess. This helps the puddings release cleanly and adds a little extra chocolate flavor.
  2. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes. A hot air fryer gives you that quick set on the edges.
  3. Melt chocolate and butter: Combine the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Or melt over a pot of gently simmering water.
  4. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt until slightly thick and pale, about 45–60 seconds by hand. This adds a bit of lift.
  5. Combine wet ingredients: Slowly whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until smooth and glossy.
  6. Add dry ingredients: Sift in the flour and cocoa powder. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few small streaks are okay.
  7. Fill ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
  8. Air fry: Place ramekins in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for airflow. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7–10 minutes. Start checking at 7 minutes. The tops should look set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  9. Rest briefly: Let the puddings sit for 1 minute. This helps the edges set just enough to unmold while keeping the center molten.
  10. Unmold and serve: Run a thin knife around the edges. Invert each ramekin onto a plate and lift off. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, ideally with ice cream or whipped cream.