Funnel Cake-Style Donuts
Enjoy nostalgic funnel cake donuts with a crispy exterior and tender inside, made easy with a simple batter that can be fried or air-fried for less oil.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk Whole milk preferred; can substitute with oat or almond milk for dairy-free
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
For Frying
- 1 cup vegetable oil For frying; or use oil spray for air fryer
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon For cinnamon-sugar coating
For Serving
- 1 cup chocolate sauce or fruit preserves For dipping
- fresh blueberries or mashed banana For variations; banana works well in the batter if folded gently
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not overmix.
Frying Method
- Using a spoon or small scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until evenly golden brown. Don’t crowd the pot.
- Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- While warm, dust with powdered sugar or roll in cinnamon-sugar.
Air-Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket lightly with oil.
- Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto parchment rounds or silicone molds.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden. Dust with powdered sugar after cooking.
Notes
Short-term: Keep cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Refrigeration is not necessary for plain donuts. Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a tray and transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven or air fryer to avoid sogginess.