Funnel Cake Donut Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain the excess oil.
- 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.
- Air Fryer Alternative – Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F if opting for the lighter air-fried version.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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