Funnel Cake Donut

Introduction

Funnel cake donuts combine the crispy, golden charm of funnel cakes with the convenient shape of donuts. These sweet treats are perfect for frying or air frying, making them a delightful snack for any time of day.

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 oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
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 with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Step 7: While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
8. Step 8: To air fry, preheat air fryer to 375°F.
9. Step 9: Spray the basket lightly with oil.
10. Step 10: Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
11. Step 11: Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
12. Step 12: Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.

Tips & Variations

• For a flavor twist, add fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter before cooking.
• Use cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a warm, spicy coating.
• Serve with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping to enhance the taste.
• If frying, maintain the oil temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
• For air frying, make sure to flip the donuts halfway to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover funnel cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly and reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

While the recipe is designed for frying or air frying to achieve the classic texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes. The texture will be softer and less crispy.

What type of oil is best for frying funnel cake donuts?

Vegetable oil or canola oil with a high smoke point works best for frying. They ensure a crisp exterior without imparting unwanted flavors.

Funnel Cake Donut

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

Delight in homemade Funnel Cake Donuts, a crispy and golden treat perfect for a sweet breakfast or snack. These donuts can be fried traditionally for an authentic taste, or air-fried for a lighter version. Finished with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, they pair beautifully with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit for dipping, offering a versatile and indulgent experience.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 small donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

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 milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying & Finishing

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)

Optional Dipping and Variations

• Chocolate sauce for dipping
• Fruit preserves for dipping
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana for variations

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying the donuts to achieve a crispy texture.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine all the dry components evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Make Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
5. Fry Donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the donuts turn a golden brown color.
6. Drain Donuts: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Coat Donuts: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for added flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
8. Air Fryer Preparation (Optional): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
9. Shape & Cook in Air Fryer: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
10. Finish Air-Fried Donuts: After air frying, dust the donuts with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense and tough donuts.
• If preferred, use an instant-read thermometer to maintain exact oil temperature for frying.
• The donuts are best served fresh and warm for optimal texture and flavor.
• Variations include adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Use parchment rounds or silicone molds in the air fryer to help maintain shape and prevent sticking.
• For a healthier option, air frying reduces oil usage but still provides a crispy exterior.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, homemade donuts, chocolate sauce dipping, fruit preserves, breakfast treat