Deep-Frying Delicious Funnel Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Funnel cakes are a sweet, crispy treat that can be made at home with a deep fryer. The batter is poured through a funnel into hot oil, creating a circular pattern as the batter swirls outward. While funnel cakes are typically enjoyed at carnivals and fairs, they can easily be made in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious funnel cakes in a deep fryer, as well as offer tips for achieving the perfect consistency and taste. So, get ready to bring the taste of the carnival into your home!

Choosing a deep fryer

Deep fryers are a great way to make funnel cakes and other fried foods at home. Here are some things to consider when choosing a deep fryer:

Temperature Control: Look for a deep fryer that allows you to set a desired temperature. This is important for frying foods like funnel cakes, as the oil needs to be at the right temperature to get the best results. Some deep fryers have a light indicator that lets you know when the oil has reached the set temperature.

Thermometer: While not all deep fryers come with a built-in thermometer, it is an important feature to look for. This allows you to monitor the oil temperature and ensure it stays within a safe range. Even if your deep fryer has a built-in thermometer, you may want to invest in a separate one to double-check the temperature.

Capacity: Consider the capacity of the deep fryer in terms of both food and oil. How much food do you plan to cook at once, and how much oil will the deep fryer need to accommodate that? The capacity you choose will depend on the number of people you typically cook for.

Design and Features: Deep fryers can come with a variety of features that can make the frying process easier and safer. Look for deep fryers with a wire basket for lowering and raising food, a vented and removable cover with a viewing window, and a timer to help you keep track of cooking times.

Safety: Always prioritize safety when working with hot oil. Choose a deep fryer with safety features like a non-slip base, an automatic shut-off function, and a cool-touch exterior to prevent accidental burns. Additionally, always follow safety guidelines when using a deep fryer, such as keeping a metal lid nearby to smother any potential fires.

Reviews: Before purchasing a deep fryer, be sure to read reviews from other customers to get a sense of the product's performance and durability. Look for reviews that mention the ease of use, cleaning, and overall satisfaction with the product.

By considering these factors, you can choose a deep fryer that is safe, easy to use, and well-suited to your needs, ensuring that you can make delicious funnel cakes and explore other fried foods with confidence.

Preparing the batter

To make funnel cakes, you'll need a few simple ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. The batter is simple to make and can be prepared in advance, so you can have fresh, hot funnel cakes whenever the craving strikes!

To start, combine the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. This includes the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and there are no lumps.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. This includes the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and have a smooth consistency.

Now, it's time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. While whisking the wet ingredients, gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixture. Continue stirring until the batter is smooth and has a cake-like consistency. It should be similar to pancake batter. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.

Once your batter is ready, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This is a great option if you want to make the batter in advance and fry your funnel cakes later.

Remember, the key to successful funnel cakes is achieving the right batter consistency. It should be thin enough to flow through the funnel or pouring vessel of your choice, but not too watery, as this will make a mess. If it's too thick, it won't pour out smoothly and will result in an overdone, crunchy mess. So, take your time to adjust the batter until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Heating the oil

Firstly, select an appropriate oil for frying. Oils with a neutral taste and a smoke point of 400°F or higher are recommended. Some good options include vegetable, canola, peanut, soybean, safflower, or sunflower oil.

Now, let's get into the heating process. If you're using a deep fryer, set your desired temperature—ideally, 370-375°F (187-190°C)—and wait for the oil to heat up. Most deep fryers will indicate when the desired temperature has been reached. If you're using a stovetop, the process is similar. Fill a medium-sized saucepan or heavy-bottomed pot with about 2-3 inches of oil and place it on the stove over medium-low heat. Use a candy or deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, ensuring it reaches 370-375°F.

A few important safety tips: Always use caution when frying. Keep the oil at a steady temperature and never leave it unattended. Additionally, always keep a metal lid nearby. If the oil reaches its smoking point and continues to cook, it could ignite. In such cases, quickly cover the pot with the metal lid. Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water.

Frying the cake

Now that your batter is ready, it's time to fry! Here are the steps to achieve that perfect, golden brown funnel cake:

• Heat your oil: Pour 2-3 inches of oil into your deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to a temperature between 365°F and 375°F (187-190°C). Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Prepare the batter: While the oil is heating, pour the batter into a funnel, squeeze bottle, or liquid measuring cup with a spout. If using a funnel or bottle, cover the opening with your finger. For a measuring cup, simply pour the batter directly into the cup.
• Drizzle the batter: Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, it's time to drizzle the batter into the hot oil. Hold the funnel, bottle, or cup several inches above the oil and slowly release the batter, moving your hand in a spiral or circular motion. This will create the signature swirl pattern of the funnel cake.
• Fry the cake: Fry the cake for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it turns a golden brown colour. Use tongs and a wide spatula to carefully flip the cake over.
• Drain and repeat: Remove the fried cake from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, making sure to maintain the oil temperature between batches.
• Dust with sugar: Finally, dust your freshly fried funnel cake with confectioners' sugar, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar. You can also get creative with other toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate sauce, or even crushed oreos!

Remember to be cautious when deep-frying. Keep the oil temperature steady and always stay close by. Enjoy making your delicious funnel cakes!

Draining and serving

Once your funnel cake is golden brown, carefully remove it from the hot oil. You can use tongs and a wide spatula to turn the cake over and drain any excess oil. Place the funnel cake on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining oil. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, ensuring the oil returns to the correct temperature between batches.

Before serving, dust your funnel cake with a generous amount of powdered sugar. You can also get creative with your toppings. Some popular choices include whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate sauce, Nutella, maple syrup, fruit or fruit sauce, cinnamon sugar, and even flaky salt to balance out the sweetness. If you're feeling extra indulgent, why not create a funnel cake ice cream sundae!

Funnel cakes are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the fryer. However, if you have any leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it won't crisp up the cake. Instead, pop them in a 350°F oven until heated through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions