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Delicious funnel cake donut served with powdered sugar and vibrant toppings.

Funnel Cake Donut

A fun carnival-style treat that is crisp outside, soft inside, and sweet, perfect for frying or air frying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 donuts
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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
  • Vegetable oil for frying Heat to 350°F (175°C)
Toppings and Variations
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
  • Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
  • Fresh blueberries or mashed banana For variations

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Frying
  1. Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
  2. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
  4. While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately.
For Air Fryer
  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  2. Spray the basket lightly with oil.
  3. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
  4. Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine. Keep oil at steady 350°F for even color. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry mix for extra flavor.