Funnel Cake Bites

These fun-sized funnel cake bites are everything you love about classic carnival treats—light, golden, and dusted in powdered sugar—but easier and faster to make at home. Perfect for parties, weekend treats, or even late-night cravings, they’re crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and ready in just about 15 minutes. No deep fryer needed—just a skillet, simple pantry ingredients, and a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil together until smooth.
3. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring continuously. Mix until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
4. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 2–4 minutes until the oil is hot (test with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle instantly).
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1 tablespoon each) carefully into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry each side for 60 to 90 seconds, flipping when the edges turn golden brown. The bites should puff up slightly and develop a crisp exterior.
7. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Immediately dust the warm funnel cake bites generously with powdered sugar. Serve fresh and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth magic.
9. Repeat with the remaining batter, reheating the oil between batches if needed to maintain even cooking.

Helpful Tips:
– Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for even-sized bites.
– Don’t skip the powdered sugar—it’s part of the iconic funnel cake flavor.
– If you’d like to add a twist, serve with warm chocolate, caramel, or berry dipping sauce.
– These are best served warm but can be reheated in an air fryer or oven for a few minutes to crisp up again.

FAQs:

Can I make funnel cake bites in advance?
They’re best served hot and fresh, but you can make them a few hours ahead and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive the crisp texture.

Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?
Air frying may not yield the same texture, but you can experiment by lightly spraying spoonfuls of batter and cooking at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil work best because they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Can I use a funnel to make traditional funnel cake shapes?
Yes! Use the same batter and pour it in a spiral motion into the oil using a funnel or piping bag to create the classic web-like funnel cake shape instead of small bites.

Can I flavor the batter?
Absolutely. Add a touch of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 3 minutes Total Time: 13 minutesCourse: Dessert Cuisine: American Servings: 36 Calories per bite: 62Author: Carrie Barnard

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