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Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

4.8 from 30 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic fair treat by transforming it into adorable, bite-sized donuts. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these donuts are easy to make at home whether you fry them traditionally or use an air fryer for a lighter version. Perfectly dusted with powdered sugar or a cinnamon sugar coating, these funnel cake donuts are fun to make and even more fun to eat, with optional add-ins and dipping sauces to customize your experience.

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 whole milk
  • 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 oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil to allow the donuts to float and cook evenly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and sweetness.
  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 batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts light and tender.
  5. Fry the donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crisp.
  6. Drain and cool: Remove the donuts from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.
  7. Finish and serve: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for added flavor. Serve immediately with optional chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit.
  8. Air fryer alternative: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds, air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts; a few small lumps are okay.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure donuts cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
  • If using the air fryer, ensure spoonfuls of batter are spaced so they don’t touch while cooking.
  • Try adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter for flavor variations.
  • Serve funnel cake donuts immediately for best texture; reheat briefly if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, fried donuts, carnival donuts, air fryer donuts, homemade donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts