Funnel Cake Fries: Air Fryer Style

Funnel cake is a classic fair food, and while it can be messy to make, it's also decadent and fun to eat. This recipe will show you how to make funnel cake fries in an air fryer, a healthier alternative to deep-frying, resulting in a delicious treat that's light, airy, and absolutely scrumptious!

Ingredients and measurements

The ingredients and measurements for making funnel cake fries in an air fryer are as follows:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (some recipes suggest lessening this amount)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 to 2 1/4 cups of whole milk
• Cooking spray, for frying
• Confectioners' sugar, for garnish
• Optional toppings: strawberry sauce, marshmallow fluff, Nutella, or other desired sauces or dips

Note: The above measurements can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences and the number of servings you wish to make.

Mixing the batter

To make funnel cake fries in an air fryer, you will need to start by mixing the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add sugar to the dry ingredients if you want a sweeter batter. Mix these ingredients well, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is combined.

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. You can also add yogurt to the wet ingredients for a higher-protein batter.

Once you have your dry and wet mixtures ready, it's time to combine them. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Be careful not to overmix the batter, and stop mixing once there are no lumps or pockets of dry ingredients. If the batter seems too thick, you can gradually add water (a tablespoon at a time) to thin it out. On the other hand, if the batter is too thin, you can add more flour to thicken it.

The consistency of the batter is important, especially if you plan to pipe it into the air fryer. It should be thicker than regular pancake batter to hold its shape. Once you're happy with the consistency, your batter is ready for the next step!

Piping the batter

Once you've prepared your batter, it's time to pipe it into the perfect funnel cake fries shape! Here's a detailed guide to help you pipe the batter like a pro:

Before you begin piping, it's important to choose the right piping tool. You can use either a piping bag or a squeeze bottle. If you opt for a piping bag, go for a large one to make it easier to fill and handle. For the squeeze bottle, choose one with a nozzle that allows you to control the flow of the batter.

Now, let's get your piping tool ready! If you're using a piping bag, cut off the end to create a medium-sized hole, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This will allow the batter to flow smoothly without being too thin or too thick. If you're using a squeeze bottle, you may need to cut a larger hole in the tip to get the right width for your funnel cake fries. Remember to secure the top of the piping bag or the lid of the squeeze bottle tightly to avoid any mess.

To make the process mess-free, place the filled piping bag upside down in a cup or glass. This will prevent the batter from running out until you're ready to pipe.

When you're all set, it's time to start piping! Hold the piping bag or bottle firmly and pipe the batter in long, straight lines, approximately 2-3 inches long, into the hot oil. Make sure you don't overcrowd the pan, as you'll likely need to cook the fries in batches.

If you're using an air fryer, you can pipe the batter directly onto the air fryer tray. Simply spread the batter into your desired shape, keeping in mind that thinner shapes may burn more easily. You can create traditional funnel cake swirls or get creative with your own designs!

Remember to work quickly and efficiently when piping the batter, as you want the fries to cook evenly. If you're having trouble releasing the batter from the piping bag or bottle, use kitchen shears to cut the batter as you pipe.

Now, you're all set to fry or air fry your perfectly piped funnel cake fries!

Frying the batter

Preparing the Batter:

Before frying, ensure your batter is ready by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining them. The dry ingredients typically include flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. For the wet mixture, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter but slightly thicker to hold its shape during frying. If your batter is too thick, gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, to adjust.

Filling the Piping Bag:

Once your batter is ready, it's time to fill your piping bag. You can use a large piping bag or a plastic ziplock bag for this step. Carefully fill the bag with the batter, then cut off the tip to create a medium-sized hole, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Ensure the bag is securely closed to avoid any spills. Place the bag upside down in a cup to prevent the batter from running out before frying.

Heating the Oil:

For frying, use a heavy-bottomed pot and fill it with about 2 inches of vegetable oil or another frying oil of your choice. Heat the oil to 375°F. It's essential that your oil is at the right temperature to ensure crispy funnel cake fries. You can test the oil by sprinkling a small amount of flour into it. If the oil sizzles, it's ready for frying.

Piping and Frying:

Once your oil is hot enough, it's time to pipe the batter into the oil. Pipe the batter in long, straight lines, approximately 2-3 inches long, directly into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, as you'll likely need to fry in batches. Fry each side for about 60 seconds or until golden brown. Use a metal slotted spoon to flip the fries carefully.

Draining Excess Oil:

After frying, remove the funnel cake fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. It's important to drain the excess oil to ensure the fries are not soggy.

Serving:

Funnel cake fries are best served hot and fresh. Dust them with powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar, or cinnamon sugar, and enjoy! You can also serve them with various dipping sauces, such as marshmallow fluff, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or strawberry sauce.

Reheating and Storage:

If you have leftovers, funnel cake fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until crispy.

Now you're ready to fry up some delicious funnel cake fries! Just remember to be cautious when working with hot oil, and always ensure your oil is at the correct temperature for the best results. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Serving the funnel cake fries

Funnel cake fries are best served immediately while they are hot and fresh. You can keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F (or 93.3°C) while you make additional batches.

Funnel cake fries can be served with a variety of toppings and dips. Dust them with powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar, or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. You can also serve them with toppings such as low-fat whipped cream, chocolate syrup, maple syrup, honey, marshmallow fluff, Nutella, chocolate sauce, frosting, icing, strawberry sauce, or caramel sauce.

If you have any leftovers, funnel cake fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer set to 400°F (or 204.4°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, or in an oven set to 450°F (or 232.2°C) for 3 minutes, until crisp.

Frequently asked questions