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Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a delightful twist on classic carnival funnel cakes by shaping the batter into individual donuts. These golden, crispy treats are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an irresistible finish. Perfect for a fun snack or dessert, these donuts can also be made in an air fryer for a lighter alternative without compromising the classic taste and texture.

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

For Frying and Topping

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional Add-ins & Toppings

  • Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
  • Fresh blueberries or mashed banana (for variations)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying the donuts.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine the dry components evenly.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
  5. Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry the donuts in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  6. Drain and cool: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  7. Add finishing touches: While the donuts are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
  8. Air fryer alternative: To make donuts in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil, drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds, and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure light and fluffy donuts.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying and to avoid greasy donuts.
  • Drain donuts well after frying to remove excess oil.
  • Use parchment rounds or silicone molds when air frying to prevent sticking.
  • Experiment with optional add-ins like blueberries or mashed bananas for unique flavor variations.
  • Serve donuts immediately after frying or air frying for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, carnival donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, easy dessert, powdered sugar donuts

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/funnel-cake-donut-recipe/