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

Funnel cakes are a popular treat at carnivals and fairs, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer funnel cakes are a lighter, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy this sweet and crunchy pastry with less fat and calories. The key to making funnel cakes in an air fryer is to create a thicker batter that can hold up in the air fryer basket. The cooking process is also simplified, as there is no need for a pot of hot oil. Instead, a small amount of cooking spray or parchment paper is used to prevent sticking.

Air fryer funnel cake ingredients

Air fryer funnel cakes are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version of this treat. They are light, airy, and absolutely delicious!

• Flour (all-purpose)
• Baking powder
• Salt (optional)
• Eggs
• Milk (any kind)
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar (granulated or powdered)
• Cooking spray
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Greek yogurt (non-fat or plain)

Some recipes also call for:

• Whole wheat flour
• Nutmeg
• Butter

You can also get creative with your toppings, adding low-fat whipped cream, chocolate syrup, maple syrup, honey, or fresh fruit like strawberries or apples.

Now that you have your ingredients, you are ready to start making your air fryer funnel cakes!

Air fryer funnel cake recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of flour (all-purpose/whole wheat)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (kosher)
• 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt (nonfat/plain)
• 1/4-1/2 cup of milk (whole/any milk works)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• Cooking spray

Optional toppings:

• Marshmallow fluff
• Nutella
• Strawberry sauce
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate syrup
• Honey
• Cinnamon

Method:

• Prepare your dry and wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
• Combine the ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and combine until you have a uniform, thick batter. If the batter is too thin, add more flour.
• Prepare your air fryer: Spray your air fryer tray or basket generously with cooking spray or use a parchment paper liner.
• Pipe the batter: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the batter into your desired shape, keeping in mind that smaller pieces will stay crispier.
• Cook the funnel cakes: Set your air fryer to 370-400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
• Dust with powdered sugar: Remove the funnel cakes from the air fryer and dust with powdered sugar. You can also add additional toppings of your choice.
• Serve and enjoy: Your air fryer funnel cakes are now ready to be served!

Tips:

• If you want to make traditional funnel cake shapes, you can pour the batter through a funnel into hot oil in a swirling pattern, or use a piping bag or plastic bag.
• To keep the funnel cakes warm while cooking in batches, you can place them in an oven set at 200°F.
• For a healthier option, you can substitute whole milk with non-dairy milk.

Air fryer funnel cake toppings

Air-fried funnel cakes are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, but they can still be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas for air fryer funnel cake toppings to elevate your dessert:

Powdered Sugar

The classic topping for funnel cakes is powdered sugar. It adds a delightful sweetness and a nostalgic touch, reminding patrons of childhood fairs and festive gatherings. This simple topping is also inexpensive and can be enjoyed as a standalone or combined with other toppings.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit adds a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the funnel cake. Popular choices include strawberries, bananas, and mixed berries. For a cozy autumnal treat, try pairing it with baked cinnamon apples. You can also dip the fruit in chocolate sauce for an indulgent twist.

Fruit Fillings and Compotes

If fresh fruit isn't an option, fruit fillings and compotes are a delicious alternative. These toppings feature real fruit chunks in a thick, sweet, syrupy sauce. Canned or frozen varieties are a cost-effective and convenient option that adds a burst of fruity flavor to your cakes. Try pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Chocolate and Caramel Sauce

Chocolate and caramel sauces are familiar flavors that pair perfectly with the funnel cake's crispy exterior. Drizzle them over fresh fruit or enjoy them on their own. For an extra indulgent experience, combine chocolate sauce with other toppings like crushed Oreos or nuts for a cookies and cream flavor.

Whipped Cream

Light and creamy whipped cream is a delightful addition to funnel cakes, providing a cool and luscious contrast to the crispy fried texture. It can be paired with fresh fruit toppings, compotes, or sauces. Get creative and make your own whipped cream with seasonal flavors like cinnamon or espresso.

Nutella

Nutella, the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread, is another excellent topping option. Its creamy texture and irresistible sweetness make it a perfect pairing for funnel cakes. Drizzle it over the cakes, or take it to the next level by pairing it with fresh bananas or strawberries and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts.

Candy

Candy toppings bring an exciting mix of textures and familiar flavors to funnel cakes. Sprinkles add a burst of color and a satisfying crunch, while gummy candies like gummy bears offer a playful chewiness. For a richer experience, try chopped candy bars such as Snickers or Reese's for a chewy, chocolatey element.

These topping ideas will surely make your air fryer funnel cakes a delicious and indulgent treat!

Air fryer funnel cake vs. deep-fried funnel cake

Air fryer funnel cakes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried funnel cakes, which are traditionally made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil. Air fryer funnel cakes are made by pouring batter into a plastic bag or a squeeze bottle and then piping it into the air fryer. This method creates a light, tender, and delicious treat without the need for deep frying.

One of the main differences between air fryer funnel cakes and deep-fried funnel cakes is the texture. Air fryer funnel cakes have a thicker batter, which is necessary for the batter to hold its shape in the air fryer basket. This results in a different texture compared to the traditional thin and crispy deep-fried funnel cakes. However, the air fryer funnel cakes still have the same soft and crunchy result, without the grease.

Another difference is the cooking method. Air fryer funnel cakes are cooked at a lower temperature than deep-fried funnel cakes, which are cooked in hot oil. The air fryer circulates super-hot air to make the funnel cakes crispy and crunchy, but with less fat and calories. The cooking time is also shorter for air fryer funnel cakes, with a total cooking time of around 10 minutes, compared to deep frying which can take longer.

In terms of taste, both air fryer and deep-fried funnel cakes are sweet, crunchy, and delicious. The air fryer funnel cakes have a slight crunch on the outside and a fluffy interior. They can be served with a variety of toppings such as marshmallow fluff, Nutella, strawberry sauce, or a shower of confectioners' sugar.

Overall, air fryer funnel cakes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried funnel cakes, with less fat and calories. They have a different texture due to the thicker batter, but still deliver the same great taste as their deep-fried counterparts.

Air fryer funnel cake calories

Air fryer funnel cakes are a healthier alternative to traditional funnel cakes, which are deep-fried in oil. By using an air fryer, you can significantly reduce the number of calories in this sweet treat.

A typical funnel cake contains 33 WW points, which equates to around 330 calories. However, by making a few adjustments to the recipe and cooking method, you can create a lighter version that has just 2 WW points or 66 calories each. This is achieved by swapping out some ingredients, such as using Greek yogurt instead of pancake batter, and air frying instead of deep frying.

The calorie count for air fryer funnel cakes can vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and serving size. For example, one recipe suggests a serving size of four funnel cakes, with 160 calories per serving. Another recipe, which makes 12 funnel cakes, has a total of 275 calories per cake.

When making air fryer funnel cakes, it's important to note that the batter should be thicker than traditional funnel cake batter to hold its shape in the air fryer basket. This can be achieved by adjusting the amount of flour in the recipe. Additionally, it's recommended to use a well-prepped tray or basket liner to ensure the cakes don't stick and create a mess.

Frequently asked questions