Funnel Cakes, Air-Fried: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Funnel cakes are a popular treat at carnivals and fairs, but they can also be made at home using an air fryer. This cooking method produces a similar texture and flavour to the traditional deep-fried version but with less fat and calories. The batter is typically poured through a funnel into hot oil, but when using an air fryer, a thicker batter is required to prevent dripping through the holes in the basket. This healthier alternative yields a delicious, crispy, and golden brown dessert.

Air fryer funnel cakes: a healthier alternative

A Carnival Treat, Lightened Up

Funnel cakes are a staple at fairs and carnivals. These sweet, crunchy pastries are typically made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, resulting in a greasy, crispy treat. But with an air fryer, you can enjoy funnel cakes with less fat and calories. Here's how to make this classic treat healthier without compromising on taste and texture.

A Modified Recipe for the Air Fryer

The traditional funnel cake recipe needs to be adapted for the air fryer. Deep-fried funnel cakes use a loose batter that would drip through the holes in the air fryer basket. For air frying, a thicker batter is required to hold its shape. This modified recipe may result in a slightly different texture, but it's still delicious and allows you to enjoy funnel cakes without the guilt.

Ingredients

To make air fryer funnel cakes, you'll need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk (whole milk, non-dairy, or Greek yogurt)
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil spray

Method

Here's a step-by-step guide to making air fryer funnel cakes:

• Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until you have a smooth, thick batter.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper if your air fryer oven accommodates it.
• Pipe the batter: Pour the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with a cut-off tip. Pipe the batter into the air fryer basket or tray in your desired shape, such as swirls or squares.
• Fry the funnel cakes: Place the funnel cakes in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve: Remove the cooked funnel cakes from the air fryer and dust them with powdered sugar. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or strawberry sauce.

A Tasty, Guilt-Free Treat

With an air fryer, you can indulge in funnel cakes without sacrificing your health goals. This modified recipe reduces the fat and calories associated with traditional deep-fried funnel cakes, making them a healthier alternative. So, go ahead and treat yourself to this airy, crunchy, and delicious dessert without the weight of guilt!

Ingredients and prep

Funnel cakes are a staple at fairs and carnivals. They are typically made by pouring loose batter through a funnel into hot fat, resulting in a sweet, crunchy, and delicious pastry. However, when making funnel cakes in an air fryer, you need to use a thicker batter to prevent it from dripping through the holes in the basket or crisper plate. Here is a guide on the ingredients and preparation process for making funnel cakes in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (1 cup)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon or 1 1/4 teaspoons)
• Salt (a pinch)
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Milk (any type)
• Egg (optional)
• Greek yogurt (optional)
• Vegetable oil spray or pump (optional)

Prep:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure they are thoroughly combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, and vanilla extract. If using Greek yogurt, add it to this mixture as well.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth and uniform batter. Be careful not to overmix, and stop mixing once there are no lumps or pockets of dry ingredients.
• If the batter seems too thin and runny, adjust the consistency by adding more flour, a little at a time. The batter should be thicker than regular pancake batter to hold its shape in the air fryer.
• Pour the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with one corner cut off. This will allow you to pipe the batter into the desired shape in the air fryer.
• Prepare your air fryer tray or basket by spraying it liberally with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper if your air fryer model allows it. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure a clean release of your funnel cakes.
• Pipe the batter onto the prepared tray or directly into the air fryer basket, creating swirls or your desired shape. Keep in mind that imperfection is fine for funnel cakes.
• Lightly spray the tops of the funnel cakes with cooking spray to ensure even cooking and a golden brown exterior.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F. The exact temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model and preferences.
• Place the basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and cook the funnel cakes for 3 to 5 minutes. For thicker cakes, you may need to cook them for a longer period.
• Flip the funnel cakes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Once the funnel cakes are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a platter or wire rack.
• Dust the cooked funnel cakes with powdered sugar. You can also get creative and add additional toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or strawberry sauce.
• Serve the funnel cakes while they are still warm, and enjoy this delicious treat!

Cooking methods

Funnel cakes are a type of fried dough, similar to doughnuts, fritters, and elephant ears. They are usually made by pouring a loose batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating a swirling shape. However, when making funnel cakes in an air fryer, the batter needs to be thicker to hold up in the basket and not drip through the holes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1-1/4 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup of whole milk Greek yogurt or regular milk
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil spray or cooking spray
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Method:

• In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using).
• In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg (if using), and vanilla extract.
• Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform batter forms. The batter should be thicker than regular pancake batter to hold its shape in the air fryer. If the batter is too thin, add more flour, a little at a time.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F.
• Grease the air fryer basket or tray with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
• Pour the batter into a pastry piping bag or a plastic bag with one corner cut off.
• Pipe the batter into the air fryer basket or tray. You can create swirls, twists, or any freeform shape you prefer.
• Lightly spray the tops of the funnel cakes with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
• Place the basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes.
• Flip the funnel cakes and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the cooked funnel cakes from the air fryer and dust them with powdered sugar.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Note: Some recipes suggest using parchment paper or aluminium foil in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. However, it is crucial to ensure that the parchment paper does not come into contact with the heating element, as it could catch fire.

Toppings and serving suggestions

Funnel cakes are typically served dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. You can also get creative and pile your favourite toppings onto your funnel cake. If you're watching your weight, you could opt for low-fat whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, or fresh fruit such as strawberries or apples. For a more indulgent treat, top with chocolate syrup or maple syrup. For a churro-style funnel cake, roll each cake into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. For extra protein, sprinkle with chopped nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or walnuts.

If you're serving funnel cakes to guests, you could set out a variety of toppings and let them build their own. Some other toppings to try include Nutella, marshmallow fluff, or strawberry sauce.

Funnel cakes are best eaten while still warm and crispy, so be sure to serve them fresh from the air fryer. They pair well with hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of milk.

Storing and reheating funnel cakes

Storing funnel cakes

If you have leftover funnel cakes, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze funnel cakes, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and flavour transfer.

Reheating funnel cakes

The best ways to reheat funnel cakes are using an oven, air fryer, or stove. Reheating funnel cakes in the microwave is not recommended as it can make them soggy and greasy.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350-400°F (175-200°C) and warm the cakes for 3-10 minutes. You can place the cakes directly on the middle rack or on a wire rack. Using a wire rack will allow hot air to circulate all around the cakes, crisping them from all angles. If you use a baking tray, preheat it in the oven first so the cakes aren't sitting on a cold surface.

Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350-370°F (175-190°C) and warm the cakes for 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Stove: Lightly oil a pan or melt some butter over medium-high heat. Add the funnel cakes and heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Frequently asked questions