Funnel Cake Donut
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain Donuts: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- 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.
- Air Fryer Preparation (Optional): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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