Funnel Cake Donut Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain and cool: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- 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.
- Alternative air fryer method – Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- 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