Funnel Cake, Air-Fried: A Tasty, Quick Treat?

Funnel cakes are a sweet, crunchy, and delicious pastry that is usually served at carnivals and fairs. They are typically deep-fried, but can also be made in an air fryer. Air fryer funnel cakes are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried funnel cakes, as they use little to no oil. This makes them a lighter and less greasy option. Making air fryer funnel cakes is not complicated, and they can be whipped up pretty quickly. The batter is typically thicker than regular pancake batter and is piped onto an air fryer tray. The cakes are then cooked in the air fryer for a few minutes until golden brown. Air fryer funnel cakes are a perfect summer dessert and can be served with various toppings such as marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or strawberry sauce.

Air Fryer Funnel Cake recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of flour (all-purpose)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (kosher)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup of Greek yoghurt (non-fat)
• 1/4 cup of milk (any milk works)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Cooking spray

Method:

First, gather and prepare your ingredients. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (370°F-375°F also work).

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add sugar to your dry ingredients if using. In a separate bowl, mix your wet ingredients: Greek yoghurt, milk, and vanilla extract.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, gradually adding the dry to the wet and mixing until you have a smooth, uniform batter. The batter should be thicker than regular pancake batter. If your batter is too runny, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Pour your batter into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Pipe 12 funnel cakes onto your air fryer tray/basket, which should be prepared with cooking spray or a parchment paper liner. You can pipe your cakes into swirls or a more freeform, traditional funnel cake shape.

Spray the tops of the funnel cakes with cooking spray and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Finally, dust with powdered sugar and add any additional toppings such as sprinkles, whipped cream, or marshmallow fluff. Enjoy!

Tips:

• This recipe works best when piped into bite-sized pieces as they stay crispier than larger cakes.
• You can keep the funnel cakes warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest of the batter.
• Whole milk gives the best ratio of fat and acid for a fluffy interior, but you can substitute 1:1 with other milks, including non-dairy.
• The funnel cakes can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days.
• To reheat, put them back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 400°F.

Air Fryer Funnel Cake vs. deep-fried Funnel Cake

Overview

The funnel cake is a sweet, crunchy, and delicious pastry that is often served at carnivals and fairs. Traditionally, funnel cakes are deep-fried in hot oil, resulting in a greasy, crispy texture. However, with the advent of air fryers, it is now possible to make this treat in a healthier and less messy way.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make a funnel cake in an air fryer, you will need similar ingredients to the traditional method, including flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. The main difference lies in the preparation and cooking process.

For an air fryer funnel cake, the batter needs to be thicker than traditional recipes to hold its shape in the air fryer basket. The batter is typically poured into a piping bag or plastic bag, with the tip cut off to create a medium-sized hole. The air fryer tray or basket should be well-prepared with a liner or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

On the other hand, deep-fried funnel cakes are made by pouring the batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a swirling shape.

Taste and Texture

Both methods deliver a sweet and crunchy treat, but with some distinct differences. Air fryer funnel cakes have a light, fluffy, and airy texture, while still providing the yummy fried-dough goodness. They are a healthier alternative, with a crispy, golden brown exterior and a soft, crunchy result, minus the grease.

Deep-fried funnel cakes, on the other hand, are known for their greasy, crispy texture. They are typically sweeter due to being covered in powdered sugar to balance out the less sweet cake.

Serving Suggestions

Funnel cakes are typically served with a variety of toppings, including confectioners' sugar, cinnamon sugar, marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or fruit sauces like strawberry sauce. They can also be served with unique toppings like sliced bananas and honey or a savory twist with bacon bits and cheddar cheese.

Whether you choose to make your funnel cake in an air fryer or deep-fry it, you will be treated to a delicious, indulgent dessert. The air fryer method offers a healthier, less messy alternative to the traditional deep-frying process, resulting in a light and fluffy cake with a crispy exterior. However, the deep-fried method is a classic for a reason, delivering a greasy, crispy texture that is hard to resist. Ultimately, both methods will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back memories of joyful carnival experiences.

Air Fryer Funnel Cake calories

Air Fryer Funnel Cakes are a lighter alternative to the traditional deep-fried version of this treat, which is usually served at carnivals and fairs.

The calorie count for Air Fryer Funnel Cakes varies depending on the recipe used. One recipe estimates the calorie count to be 66 calories per cake, while another recipe calculates the calorie count to be 275 calories per serving. The difference in calorie counts can be attributed to variations in ingredients and serving sizes.

The recipe with the lower calorie count uses Greek yogurt in the batter, which results in a higher-protein content. This recipe also omits a significant amount of sugar, as the cakes are dusted with powdered sugar after cooking. Additionally, this recipe emphasizes the importance of using an air fryer instead of deep frying, as it reduces the amount of fat and grease in the final product.

On the other hand, the recipe with a higher calorie count may use more sugar and different proportions of ingredients, resulting in a higher calorie content per serving.

It's important to note that the serving size and number of servings per recipe can also impact the calorie count. The recipe with 66 calories per cake specifically mentions making 12 funnel cakes, while the other recipe does not specify the number of cakes produced.

When considering the calorie count of Air Fryer Funnel Cakes, it's essential to examine the ingredients used, the cooking method, and the serving size to get an accurate understanding of the nutritional value.

Air Fryer Funnel Cake reheating instructions

If you're looking to reheat your funnel cakes, there are a few simple methods you can use to get them warm and crispy again. Here are some detailed instructions to help you out:

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

• If your funnel cakes are stored in the refrigerator, take them out and bring them to room temperature.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F.
• Place the funnel cakes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Reheat for 1 to 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once warmed through and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve.

Reheating in an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• Place the funnel cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Warm them in the oven for about 3 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Reheating on a Stovetop:

• Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat.
• Place the funnel cakes in the pan and warm them for about a minute on each side.
• Ensure they are heated through and slightly crispy, then transfer to a plate and serve.

Tips for Reheating:

• It is best to reheat funnel cakes that have been cooled and stored properly.
• If your funnel cakes have toppings or fillings, consider removing them before reheating to prevent overheating or burning.
• Always keep an eye on your funnel cakes while reheating to avoid overcooking or burning.
• If you prefer your funnel cakes extra crispy, consider spraying them lightly with cooking spray before reheating.

Air Fryer Funnel Cake toppings

Air fryer funnel cakes are a delicious treat, perfect for summer. They are light, fluffy, and crunchy. While the funnel cake itself is not very sweet, it is typically covered in powdered sugar. However, there are several other toppings and serving suggestions to take your air fryer funnel cakes to the next level.

Powdered Sugar

The most common topping for funnel cakes is powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar. A dusting of this sweetens the cake and is often enough to balance the flavours.

Fruit

Fruit can be a great, slightly healthier, topping option. Strawberry pie filling or strawberry sauce is a popular choice to accompany the funnel cake. Alternatively, you could try Food By The Gram's air fryer grilled strawberry angel food cake for a more indulgent dessert.

Chocolate

For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of Nutella over the funnel cake is a tasty option.

Whipped Cream

A classic dessert topping, whipped cream can add a creamy texture to your funnel cake.

Cinnamon Sugar

For a sweet, crunchy topping, try a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.

Marshmallow Fluff

For an extra sweet treat, top your funnel cake with some marshmallow fluff.

Other Options

There are also a variety of other air fryer desserts that can be served alongside your funnel cakes, such as air fryer elephant ears, air fryer banana donuts, or air fryer apple dumplings.

Frequently asked questions