Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Introduction

Funnel cake donuts offer a delightful twist on a classic fair treat, combining the crispy, golden exterior with a soft, tender inside. Perfect for a special breakfast or an indulgent snack, these treats are easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 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 (for variations)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Step 5: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Step 7: While warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.
8. Step 8 (Air Fryer Option): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
9. Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds placed inside the air fryer basket.
10. Step 10: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the donuts are golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For a fruity variation, gently fold fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter before cooking.
• Use whole milk for a richer flavor, but any milk will work.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Adjust frying time slightly depending on the size of your spoonfuls to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover funnel cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or pop them in the toaster oven to restore crispness. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make the donuts stale more quickly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.

Is it possible to bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes, using an air fryer as described is a great alternative to frying. You can also bake them in a donut pan at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, but the texture will be less crispy than fried.

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

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4.9 from 643 reviews

Enjoy a delightful twist on classic funnel cakes with these Funnel Cake Donuts. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these donuts are easy to prepare either by traditional frying or air frying for a lighter version. Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, and serve with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or your favorite fresh fruit variations for a scrumptious treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) / 8 minutes (air frying)
• Total Time: 25 minutes (frying) / 18 minutes (air frying)
• Yield: 8–10 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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, for variations)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying the batter to a golden crisp.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
5. Fry the Donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes until the donuts are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain the excess oil.
7. Add Toppings: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for a flavorful coating. Serve immediately for best taste.
8. Air Fryer Alternative – Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F if opting for the lighter air-fried version.
9. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
10. Air Fry the Donuts: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds placed inside the basket. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even browning.
11. Serve Warm: Remove from air fryer, dust with powdered or cinnamon sugar, and serve immediately with dipping sauces or fruit variations as desired.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to ensure tender, fluffy donuts.
• You can substitute whole milk with any milk of choice, but whole milk yields the best texture.
• Frying temperature is crucial: maintain 350°F for perfectly cooked donuts.
• Air frying is a healthier alternative with slightly different texture but delicious results.
• Use parchment rounds or silicone molds in the air fryer to prevent sticking and keep donut shape.
• Feel free to add fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Serve immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Keywords: Funnel Cake Donuts, Fried Donuts, Air Fryer Donuts, Dessert, Sweet Treat, Cinnamon Sugar Donuts, Festival Food