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Quick and easy – No yeast, no long prep time, and ready in under 30 minutes Recipe

Quick and easy – No yeast, no long prep time, and ready in under 30 minutes Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

Funnel Cake Donuts are bite-sized, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treats inspired by classic carnival funnel cakes. This easy and quick recipe uses simple pantry staples and can be fried or air-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, brunch, or a nostalgic sweet snack, these donuts are customizable with variations like blueberry or cinnamon sugar coatings and served with delicious dipping sauces.

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
  • Ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating, optional)

Optional Variations and Dips

  • 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) to ensure the donuts cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Wet into Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir lightly until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts tender.
  5. Fry Donuts: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and puffed up.
  6. Drain Donuts: Remove the cooked donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  7. Add Toppings: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or roll them in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
  8. Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto parchment rounds or silicone molds inside the air fryer.
  9. Air Fry Cooking: Air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time until donuts are golden and cooked through.
  10. Finish and Serve: Remove donuts from the air fryer and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with chocolate sauce, fruit preserves, or your preferred dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for frying to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
  • Use whole milk for best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk if necessary.
  • For variations, fold fresh blueberries or mashed banana gently into the batter before frying.
  • Air fryer donuts may be less crispy than deep-fried but are a healthier alternative.
  • Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: funnel cake donuts, funnel cake bites, carnival dessert, mini donuts, easy dessert, fried donuts, air fryer donuts, cinnamon sugar donuts