Description
This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a fun and easy way to enjoy carnival-style desserts at home. Featuring a crispy exterior with a fluffy interior, these donuts can be prepared by traditional deep frying or air frying for a healthier alternative. Served dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and accompanied by chocolate sauce or fruit preserves, they make a perfect treat for gatherings or any indulgent snack time.
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 whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking and Serving
- Vegetable oil for frying (or spraying for air fryer)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- Chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping
Optional Variations
- Fresh blueberries
- Mashed banana
Instructions
- Prepare the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the right temperature for frying.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 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 gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Fry the batter: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Add toppings: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately for best taste.
- Air fryer preparation (alternative): Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
- Prepare doughnuts for air fryer: Drop batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds to keep their shape during air frying.
- Cook in air fryer: Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Finish air fryer donuts: Once cooked, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy donuts.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and fluffy.
- When air frying, use parchment or silicone molds to maintain the shape of the donuts.
- Try adding fresh blueberries or mashed banana to the batter for unique flavor variations.
- Serve immediately after cooking for best texture and taste.
- Use whole milk for a richer flavor, but other milk types can be substituted if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American