Are you craving a warm, gooey chocolate dessert that melts in your mouth but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Decadent lava cakes made in your air fryer are the perfect solution. These indulgent treats come together in just about 15 minutes, offering a quick yet impressive way to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of making the perfect lava cake in your air fryer. Along the way, we’ll provide expert tips, essential ingredient details, and step-by-step instructions to help you create a lava cake with a perfectly molten center. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered.
What is a Lava Cake?
A lava cake is a type of chocolate cake that has a rich, molten center. Unlike traditional cakes, which are fully baked throughout, lava cakes are intentionally underbaked in the center to create a “lava” effect when you cut into them. This warm, gooey chocolate filling contrasts with the firm outer cake, making for an indulgent and decadent dessert.
These cakes are often served in individual portions, making them a perfect choice for special occasions or a treat after a weeknight meal. Baking them in an air fryer makes the process even easier and quicker, with no preheating or long bake times required.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Lava Cakes?
Using an air fryer to bake lava cakes brings several advantages over traditional baking methods. Here’s why you should consider using your air fryer for this decadent dessert:
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Faster Cooking Time: Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, meaning your lava cakes will be ready in as little as 10 minutes.
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No Preheating Required: Unlike conventional ovens that require preheating, the air fryer is ready to go right away, saving you time and energy.
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Even Cooking: The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures that the cakes bake uniformly, so you’ll get the perfect molten center every time.
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Perfect for Small Batches: Since lava cakes are typically made in individual ramekins, air fryers are ideal for small-batch cooking.
Essential Ingredients for Decadent Lava Cake
Before you begin, gather these key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the rich, gooey center and tender outer layer that makes lava cakes so irresistible.
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Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and flavor, helping to create a soft and moist texture in the cake. It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.
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Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate is key to the flavor of your lava cake. Semi-sweet chocolate strikes the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, making it ideal for this dessert. You can use a chocolate bar or chocolate chips.
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Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure. A whole egg and an egg yolk are used for the best results.
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Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the richness of the chocolate.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: Just a small amount of flour is used to provide the cake structure while keeping the center soft and molten.
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Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
To prepare your decadent lava cakes, you’ll need a few essential tools:
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Air Fryer: Of course, the air fryer is the star of the show. Make sure you have a reliable one with a basket or tray that can accommodate small ramekins.
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Ramekins: Small, oven-safe ramekins are perfect for this recipe. You’ll need three 6-ounce ramekins, or you can use two larger ones depending on the size of your desired portions.
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Mixing Bowls and Electric Mixer: A large mixing bowl is needed to combine your ingredients, and an electric mixer will help you beat the eggs and sugar together quickly and effectively.
Notes
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Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so the cooking time may differ slightly. Start checking the cakes at 7 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook. For a runnier molten center, aim for a shorter cooking time (around 7 minutes), and for a thicker center, cook closer to 10 minutes.
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Don’t Overmix: When mixing the batter, be sure not to overmix it. Overmixing can result in dense cakes, so gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
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Greasing Ramekins: Be sure to grease your ramekins well to ensure the cakes come out easily after baking. You can use butter or non-stick cooking spray.
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Adjusting Portions: If you want to make fewer or more cakes, simply adjust the ingredient amounts. If you make fewer cakes, reduce the baking time slightly. If making larger cakes, increase the baking time by a couple of minutes.
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Molten Center: The key to a successful lava cake is the molten center. If the cakes come out too firm, try reducing the cooking time next time. If they are too runny, add an extra minute to the baking time.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 526
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 40g
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Saturated Fat: 24g
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Cholesterol: 182mg
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Sodium: 31mg
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Potassium: 235mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 26g
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Vitamin A: 884IU
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Calcium: 46mg
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Iron: 3mg
How to Make Decadent Lava Cakes in Your Air Fryer
Making decadent lava cakes in your air fryer is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfect lava cakes with a molten center in no time. Let’s walk through the process.
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
Start by greasing three 6-ounce ramekins with a small amount of butter or non-stick spray. This helps ensure that the cakes come out easily once they’re baked. Set the ramekins aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
Place the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and smooth. This should take about a minute in total. Once melted, set the bowl aside and let the mixture cool slightly before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the whole egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar together. You can use an electric mixer or whisk by hand for this. Beat the mixture until it becomes slightly fluffy and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. This will help to incorporate air into the mixture for a lighter texture in the cake.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the flour to the wet ingredients, then pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could cause the cake to become dense. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
Step 5: Fill the Ramekins
Evenly divide the batter between the three ramekins, filling each about halfway. This allows room for the cakes to rise while keeping the molten center intact. Don’t overfill the ramekins, or you might not get the gooey middle.
Step 6: Cook in the Air Fryer
Now, place the ramekins in your air fryer basket or tray. Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and cook for 7-10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the cakes. If you prefer a runnier molten center, aim for around 7 minutes. If you like it a bit firmer, go closer to 10 minutes.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
After cooking, carefully check the cakes to see if they are done. The top should look set, while the sides may slightly pull away from the ramekin. The key is to ensure the center remains soft and molten. If you’re unsure, you can gently touch the top with your finger – it should be firm to the touch but not hard.
Step 8: Cool and Unmold
Once done, remove the ramekins from the air fryer using tongs or a thick dish towel. The ramekins will be very hot, so be cautious! Let them cool in the ramekins for about a minute. This cooling period helps the cakes firm up just enough to avoid spilling when you remove them.
After cooling, use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges of the cake from the ramekin. Place a plate over the top of the ramekin, then carefully flip the ramekin over to release the cake onto the plate. If you greased the ramekins properly, the cakes should slide out easily.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cakes are unmolded, you can serve them immediately. These molten lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Top them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. The lava center will ooze out as soon as you cut into the cake, making for a stunning and delicious presentation.
Now that you know how to make the perfect lava cakes, let’s talk about how you can customize the recipe, store the leftovers, and make them ahead of time.
Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes Every Time
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Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your lava cakes depends heavily on the chocolate you use. Always opt for a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate bar. Avoid using chocolate chips, as they may not melt as smoothly.
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Don’t Overcook: The key to the perfect lava cake is a molten center, so make sure to keep an eye on your cakes as they cook. If you accidentally overbake them, don’t worry – they’ll still taste delicious, just without the gooey center.
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Check Your Air Fryer: Different air fryer models can cook at different rates, so be sure to check the cakes early. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook them for a bit less time.
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Let Them Cool Before Serving: Letting the cakes sit for a minute in the ramekins before unmolding them helps them hold their shape. This prevents the molten center from spilling out too quickly.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Lava Cakes
While lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh, you may have leftovers that need storing. Here’s how you can keep them fresh and warm when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
How to Store Lava Cakes
After the lava cakes have cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the cakes from drying out.
If you have already unmolded the cakes, it’s best to store them in a separate airtight container, as this helps preserve their texture.
Can You Make Lava Cakes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lava cakes in advance! Here’s how:
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Make the Batter in Advance: You can prepare the batter and fill the ramekins ahead of time. Once filled, cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
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Baking Later: When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the ramekins from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time to compensate for the cold batter.
Reheating Lava Cakes
To reheat leftover lava cakes while maintaining that perfect molten center:
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Microwave Method: Place the leftover lava cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds on medium power. This will warm it through without cooking it further, helping to keep the gooey center intact.
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Air Fryer Method: If you prefer to use the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cakes in the basket and reheat for 4-5 minutes, or until warm.
Make sure to keep the cakes covered when reheating in the air fryer to prevent them from drying out.
Customizing Your Lava Cake Recipe
While the traditional molten lava cake recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to take your air fryer lava cakes to the next level:
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Flavor Variations: Try adding a splash of coffee or espresso powder to the batter for a rich, mocha flavor. You can also experiment with other extracts, such as almond extract or orange zest, for a unique twist.
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Add-Ins: Before air frying, place a small piece of your favorite candy (like a caramel square, chocolate truffle, or peanut butter cup) in the center of the batter. This will melt inside the cake and add an extra layer of flavor.
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Healthier Options: For a lighter version, try substituting Greek yogurt for the butter, or use a low-sugar chocolate bar to reduce the calorie content. You can also try almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Storage
If you have leftover lava cakes, you can store them to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Refrigeration: Once the lava cakes have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cakes will retain their flavor and texture.
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Freezing: To store lava cakes for a longer period, you can freeze them. Allow the cakes to cool completely, then wrap each individual cake in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat leftover lava cakes, place them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds on medium power, or reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes. This will warm the cakes without overcooking the molten center.
Variations
While the traditional molten lava cake recipe is a classic, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to modify the recipe and suit your taste preferences:
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Flavor Variations:
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Coffee or Mocha Lava Cake: Add espresso powder or a splash of coffee to the batter for a rich mocha flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
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Mint Lava Cake: Stir in a few drops of mint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty twist.
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Orange Lava Cake: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a few drops of orange extract for a citrusy burst.
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Add-Ins:
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Caramel Lava Cake: Place a small caramel candy or caramel sauce in the center of the cake before air frying. It will melt and create a caramel-filled lava cake.
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Peanut Butter Lava Cake: For a nutty twist, add a spoonful of peanut butter in the center of the cake, or stir peanut butter into the batter.
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Nutty Lava Cake: Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added texture and flavor.
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Healthier Options:
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Gluten-Free Lava Cake: Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour to make the cake gluten-free.
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Low-Sugar Lava Cake: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
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Vegan Lava Cake: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
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FAQs On Decadent Lava Cake
Can I make lava cake in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! The air fryer is perfect for making lava cakes because it cooks them quickly and evenly. The circulating hot air helps create a perfectly baked outer layer while keeping the center molten. Simply follow the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious molten lava cake ready in no time.
Can I use my air fryer to bake cake?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a great alternative to traditional ovens for baking cakes. It provides even heat and faster cooking times. Whether it’s a chocolate cake, vanilla cake, or lava cake, your air fryer can handle it. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model and cake size.
How to heat up lava cake in an air fryer?
To reheat a leftover lava cake in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in the air fryer basket and heat it for about 4-5 minutes, or until warm. This method helps maintain the gooey molten center while ensuring the cake is heated through.
How to bake a chocolate cake in an air fryer?
To bake a chocolate cake in an air fryer, prepare your cake batter as you normally would, then pour it into a greased ramekin or cake pan that fits in your air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
Summary on Decadent Lava Cake
Making a decadent lava cake with your air fryer is quick, easy, and delicious. By following the steps outlined, you can have a rich, gooey dessert in less than 15 minutes, with minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply for a weeknight treat, air fryer lava cakes will impress everyone with their molten centers and incredible flavor.
Decadent Lava Cake Recipe Card
Short Introduction
These decadent lava cakes are made with rich semi-sweet chocolate and baked to perfection in the air fryer. With a gooey molten center, they are the perfect dessert for any occasion – easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
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6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
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4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
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1 large egg
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1 large egg yolk
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3 Tablespoons white granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Grease 3 6-ounce ramekins and set aside.
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Melt the butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, stirring every 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, beat the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined.
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Add the flour, melted chocolate mixture, and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth.
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Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each halfway.
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Place ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 7-10 minutes.
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Remove the ramekins from the air fryer carefully and let cool for 1 minute.
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Use a butter knife to loosen the cake from the ramekin and flip it onto a plate. Serve warm with whipped cream, berries, or ice cream.
Notes
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Air fryer cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on the cakes and check for doneness; the top should be set, and the center should be molten.
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For a firmer molten center, cook for 10 minutes. For a runnier center, aim for 7 minutes.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
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Calories: 526
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 40g
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Saturated Fat: 24g
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Cholesterol: 182mg
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Sodium: 31mg
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Potassium: 235mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 26g
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Vitamin A: 884IU
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Calcium: 46mg
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Iron: 3mg
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3
Calories: 526 per serving
Yield: 3 individual lava cakes
