Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

Introduction

Funnel Cake Donuts are a delightful twist on a beloved fair treat, combining crispy golden edges with a soft, fluffy inside. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these easy-to-make donuts bring the fun of funnel cake right to your kitchen.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5: 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.
6. Step 6: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
7. Step 7: While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately with chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping.
8. Step 8: For an air fryer version, preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
9. Step 9: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
10. Step 10: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds suitable for the air fryer.
11. Step 11: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping the donuts halfway through cooking.
12. Step 12: Dust air-fried donuts with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a fruity twist, fold fresh blueberries or mashed banana gently into the batter before frying.
• Use whole milk for a richer batter, but you can substitute with any milk you have on hand.
• Try rolling the warm donuts in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a classic cinnamon sugar flavor.
• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to keep donuts crispy and prevent them from absorbing too much oil.

Storage

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat briefly in a warm oven or toaster oven to regain crispness. Avoid refrigeration as it may make the donuts soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes, you can use an air fryer as described in the instructions, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make cinnamon sugar for coating?

Mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. After frying, while donuts are still warm, roll them in this mixture to coat evenly.

Funnel Cake Donut Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

This Funnel Cake Donut recipe offers a delightful twist on classic funnel cakes by shaping the batter into donuts, which can be fried traditionally or air-fried for a healthier alternative. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these donuts are coated with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and can be served with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruit for dipping.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Other Ingredients

• 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

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 flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute leavening and flavor.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
5. Fry the Donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the donuts turn golden brown.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Coat Donuts: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar for a cinnamon sugar coating. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
8. Air Fryer Preparation: Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
9. Shape and Air Fry: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment paper rounds or silicone molds and place them in the air fryer basket.
10. Cook in Air Fryer: Air fry the donuts for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
11. Finish and Serve: After air frying, dust the donuts with powdered sugar and serve with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or fresh fruits like blueberries or banana variations.

Notes

• Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can result in tough donuts.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt donuts.
• For a lighter, less oily option, use the air fryer instructions instead of deep frying.
• Fresh blueberries or mashed banana can be added to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Serve donuts immediately for best texture and flavor, as they are best eaten fresh.

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, sweet treats, dessert recipes