Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Mug Cake: A 10-Minute Indulgence

It’s 9 PM. The kids are finally asleep. The house is quiet. You’ve got 10 minutes before you crash.
And all you want is chocolate. I’ve been there. And let me tell you—this air fryer chocolate lava mug cake is the ultimate treat when you need a fast, indulgent dessert that tastes like you tried (but you absolutely didn’t). It’s the kind of sweet escape that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cosy Parisian café—while still in your dressing gown, hiding in the kitchen with a spoon.

As a full-time content creator and mum of three, this recipe is one of my favourite little hacks for turning a regular night into a soft, self-care moment. It’s rich, warm, gooey in the centre, and made with pantry staples and your trusty air fryer. Let’s bake your sanity back—one chocolate mug at a time.

Before we dive in—yes, I use my beloved Ninja Air Fryer for this recipe. I’ve tested a few, and this one has honestly changed how I cook dinner with three kids running around. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend it.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost.
All opinions remain my own.

Craving a rich, gooey dessert without turning on the oven? This air fryer chocolate lava mug cake is your soft, molten chocolate dream—ready in just 10 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chocolate Lava Mug Cake

• Ready in 10 minutes – start to finish (yes, really)
• One mug, no oven – perfect for late-night cravings or solo self-care moments
• Melty centre, rich flavour – like a restaurant dessert with no fancy effort
• Pantry-friendly – no special ingredients, just everyday magic
• Made for busy mums – because sometimes we need chocolate more than sleep

Charlotte Tip: This is the recipe to keep in your mental back pocket. It’s my secret weapon for when life feels chaotic, and I just need one thing to go right.

Ingredients

Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen. No fancy stuff. Just chocolate magic.

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 squares of chocolate (for the gooey lava centre)

Charlotte Tip: I use a Lindor truffle in the middle if I feel extra. It melts into the dreamiest core ever.

How to Make It in the Air Fryer

1. Melt Butter & Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together in 20-second microwave bursts. Stir until smooth.

2. Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, sugar, and vanilla to the bowl. Whisk well until fully combined and glossy.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. The batter should be thick and luscious.

4. Assemble the Mug

Grease a ramekin or oven-safe mug that fits in your air fryer. Pour half the batter, pop the chocolate square(s) in the middle, and cover with the remaining batter.

5. Air Fry It

Preheat your air fryer to 175°C (350°F). If you have a Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer, there is no need to preheat (Bonus).
Place your mug or ramekin in the basket and air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the top is set but the middle still looks slightly soft.

6. Serve & Swoon

Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to cool slightly (molten centre alert!). Then, either spoon it straight from the mug or gently tip it out onto a plate.

Charlotte Tip: Pair with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate “me time” dessert. Bonus points if you’re watching your comfort show while eating it.

Serving Ideas

• Top with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for contrast
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of melted chocolate
• Serve with berries for a romantic twist

Charlotte Tip: This is also the perfect dessert to impress Jack without making a mess (he HATES mess). Fancy vibes and minimal effort!

Before You Go

From Mum Mode to Melt Mode

This air fryer chocolate lava mug cake is more than dessert—it’s a mood reset in a mug. It’s for the mums who give their all, all day and just want something soft, warm, and chocolatey to call their own.

So light a candle, grab a spoon, and romanticise your evening with one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. If you try this and love it (you will), pin it to your favourite board on Pinterest and tag me in your mug cake selfies—I live for that gooey goodness too.