Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Introduction

Funnel cake donuts combine the irresistible crispiness of traditional funnel cakes with the convenient bite-sized shape of donuts. These treats are perfect for a fun breakfast or a sweet snack, dusted with powdered sugar or coated in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

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 flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 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 to keep the donuts light.
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, or until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
7. Step 7: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves.
8. Step 8: For air fryer option: Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
9. Step 9: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
10. Step 10: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds to keep the shape.
11. Step 11: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For a fruity twist, gently fold fresh blueberries or mashed banana into the batter before frying or air frying.
• Use whole milk for a richer flavor but any milk will work.
• To keep donuts warm and crispy, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F) while frying in batches.
• Try rolling the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar for a classic flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.

Storage

Store leftover funnel cake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make funnel cake donuts without a deep fryer?

Yes, you can use a heavy deep pot with enough oil to submerge the donuts, or use the air fryer method described for a healthier alternative.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to reach 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small bit of batter; it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without burning.

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe combines the crispy, airy texture of classic funnel cake with the convenient, handheld form of donuts. Whether fried traditionally or air fried for a lighter option, these sweet treats are coated in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping. Perfect for a fun dessert or festive snack.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying) or 8 minutes (air frying)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 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 Cooking and Serving

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
• Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping

Optional Variations

• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there’s enough oil to submerge the donuts for frying.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.
5. Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry the donuts in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and cool: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Coat the donuts: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar for a delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
8. Alternative air fryer method – Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
9. Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
10. Air fry donuts: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds placed in the basket. Air fry the donuts for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and light.
• Ensure oil temperature is steady to avoid greasy donuts.
• Use parchment rounds or silicone molds when air frying to maintain shape and ease cleanup.
• Serve donuts warm for the best taste and texture.
• Optional ingredients like blueberries or mashed bananas can be gently folded into the batter for added flavor.
• The air fryer method is a healthier alternative to traditional frying with less oil usage.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts, easy dessert, carnival style treats