Description
These easy homemade funnel cake bites are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and made in the air fryer for a fuss-free, nostalgic dessert or snack. Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples, they’re perfect for parties, movie nights, or a quick sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2/3 cup (160ml) milk (whole or 2% preferred)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (unsalted preferred)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Batter should be thick but pourable; add a splash more milk if needed.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of batter (about 1 tablespoon each) into the air fryer basket, spacing them out.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Check at 6 minutes.
- Remove bites with tongs or spatula and transfer to a wire rack or plate. Let cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Repeat with remaining batter, spraying the basket between batches if needed.
- While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar using a sieve. Optionally, drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel, or top with sprinkles.
Notes
For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a pinch more baking powder. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use coconut oil instead of butter. For vegan, use a flaxseed ‘egg’ (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best results. Batter can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bites are best served warm and topped just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 bites
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: funnel cake bites, air fryer dessert, easy snack, carnival recipe, homemade funnel cake, kid-friendly, party treat, quick dessert, fair food, powdered sugar