A Funnel Cake Donut is a fun carnival-style treat you can make at home. It is crisp outside, soft inside, and sweet.
introduction
This recipe makes small funnel cake-style donuts that you fry or air fry. They cook fast and taste like a fair treat. If you want other air fryer meal ideas, see easy air fryer chicken ideas for more simple recipes.
why make this recipe
You can make this at home with few ingredients. It is quick and fun to cook. Kids and guests like the sweet, crunchy outside and soft middle. You can change toppings for many flavors.
how to make Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
Mix dry and wet ingredients gently, then fry or air fry spoonfuls into rounds. Frying gives the classic crisp outside. Air frying is cleaner and still makes a nice donut. For ideas on air fryer donut methods and times, see air fryer donuts tips.
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)
Directions :
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 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.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
- For air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket lightly with oil. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds. Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
how to serve Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
Serve warm on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Offer chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping. Add berries or mashed banana on the side for a fresh touch.
how to store Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
Let donuts cool fully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day. For longer keep, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then move to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer until warm and crisp.
tips to make Funnel Cake Donut Recipe – A Fun & Easy Carnival-Style Dessert
- Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine.
- Keep oil at steady 350°F for even color.
- Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays stable.
- Use a slotted spoon to drain well before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry mix.
variation (if any)
- Cinnamon sugar: mix powdered sugar and cinnamon and roll donuts while warm.
- Chocolate dip: serve with warm chocolate sauce.
- Fruit twist: fold in mashed banana or top with fresh blueberries.
- Air fryer: cook as directed for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the batter ahead?
A: Yes. Keep it covered in the fridge up to 24 hours. Stir gently before frying.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: You can bake small spoonfuls on a greased tray at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, but they will not be as crisp as fried.
Q: How do I know oil is the right temperature?
A: Use a kitchen thermometer. If you do not have one, drop a tiny bit of batter in oil. It should sizzle and rise slowly.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
A: Yes, but whole milk gives a richer flavor and better texture.
Q: Are these safe for kids to help make?
A: Kids can help mix batter and dust donuts, but keep them away from hot oil.
Conclusion
This simple funnel cake donut recipe gives you fair-style treats at home with easy steps. For a classic funnel cake method and tips, check this detailed Funnel Cake Recipe – Sugar Spun Run. For more ideas on fun carnival-style desserts and serving suggestions, see this fun easy carnival-style dessert guide.
Funnel Cake Donut
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 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.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray the basket lightly with oil.
- Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
- Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
