Description
This Funnel Cake Donut Recipe is a delightful carnival-style treat that brings the nostalgic flavors of classic funnel cakes into a fun, easy-to-make donut form. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these fried or air-fried donuts are dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and can be enjoyed plain or with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit variations. Perfect for a special dessert or festive treat.
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
Other
- 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
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) for frying funnel cake donuts.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or a small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry the donuts in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain oil: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Add toppings while warm: While the donuts are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar or roll them in a mix of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon for a cinnamon sugar coating. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Air fryer option – Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer a lighter version without frying in oil.
- Prepare basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape and cook in air fryer: Drop spoonfuls of the prepared batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds placed inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Finish and serve: Once air fried, dust the donuts with powdered sugar while still warm. Serve immediately with optional chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overmix batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature (350°F) for even frying and to prevent greasy donuts.
- If using an air fryer, use parchment rounds or silicone molds to hold the donut shape.
- Variations include adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter for added flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, as donuts can get soggy if left out too long.
- Use whole milk for richer flavor, but low-fat milk can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) or 8 minutes (air frying)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival dessert, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, easy dessert recipe
