Description
Enjoy a whimsical carnival-style treat with this Funnel Cake Donut recipe, perfect for frying or air frying at home. These golden, crispy donuts are light and fluffy on the inside, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and great for dipping in chocolate sauce or fruit preserves. Easy to make and fun to share!
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
- Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (optional variations)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough to properly fry the donuts.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
- Form the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
- Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
- Dust and serve: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with optional dips like chocolate sauce or fruit preserves.
- Alternative air fryer method – Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the donuts: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds designed for air frying. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- You can customize flavors by adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter.
- The air fryer method is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy donuts with less oil.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival dessert, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, easy dessert recipe, chocolate dipping sauce, cinnamon sugar donuts
