The air fryer Nutella lava cakes are an irresistible dessert combining a crunchy exterior with a creamy filling. Prepared in an air fryer, they become a quick and practical solution for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
The air fryer allows for a golden crust on the outside, keeping the inside soft and creamy. The aroma they emit while cooking is simply irresistible, and the final result is a small pleasure perfect for ending a meal with sweetness or for a special snack.
These air fryer Nutella lava cakes are ideal to serve accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply dusted with powdered sugar.
If you don’t have an air fryer, try this recipe for lava cakes.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 3 cakes
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for the air fryer Nutella lava cake:
- 2 medium eggs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (1.4 oz)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (1.4 oz)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (0.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons Nutella (heaping)
- as needed melted butter
- as needed unsweetened cocoa powder
- as needed powdered sugar
Tools for the air fryer Nutella lava cake:
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 3 Molds
Steps for preparing and cooking the lava cake in an air fryer:
In a bowl, place the eggs (at room temperature) and granulated sugar, and using electric beaters or a simple whisk, mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated (the mixture should not double in volume or become almost white). Add the sifted flour and cocoa powder, and mix well into the egg and sugar mixture.
Finally, add the Nutella (be sure to use 2 heaping tablespoons) and mix it into the batter until smooth and homogeneous.
Butter 3 disposable aluminum molds and instead of flouring them, use cocoa powder. This way, when the cakes are baked and you flip them onto the plate, they will appear beautifully dark. Fill the molds up to 2/3 full with the batter.
Place the molds on the rack of the air fryer (this ensures a more stable and even cooking).
Cook in the air fryer at 356°F for 5 minutes.
After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the air fryer Nutella lava cakes from the air fryer, flip them onto 3 small plates, dust them with powdered sugar, and serve immediately to achieve the wow effect when you open them with a teaspoon: a hot, steaming, and super delicious cream will flow out.
Tips:
If for some reason you exceed the cooking time, don’t worry, you have made delicious muffins.
If you want an even more indulgent version, place a spoonful of very cold or frozen Nutella in the center of each mold with already prepared batter for an extra Nutella heart.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes! You can store the cakes in the fridge (uncooked) in the molds and bake them at the last moment. Or freeze them and bake directly from frozen (increasing the cooking time by 2-3 minutes).
What kind of mold should I use?
Use disposable aluminum molds, silicone, or ceramic (if your air fryer can accommodate them). Ensure they are suitable for high temperatures.
How do I achieve a soft center?
The secret is a short and precise cooking time. If you overcook, the center will be cooked through and no longer liquid.
How do I know when it is ready?
The cake should be puffed but still soft in the center. It should not crack too much on the surface. Try touching the center with a finger: it should still be slightly ‘jiggly’.
Can I use other creams instead of Nutella?
Definitely! You can use pistachio cream, peanut butter, white chocolate cream, or firm jam.
