Description
This Homemade Funnel Cake recipe uses the Instant Pot as a deep-fryer to create classic carnival-style funnel cakes that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. The batter is simple to make with basic ingredients like milk, eggs, sugar, and flour, and frying in the Instant Pot oil gives you control over temperature for perfect crispness. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy a fun treat made right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, enough to fill 2 inches of the Instant Pot
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Fill the Instant Pot with vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches. Set to sauté mode and monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer, heating the oil to 350°F. This process will take about 20-30 minutes to reach the correct temperature.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and water until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the sugar, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Finish the Batter: Slowly mix in the flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a thick and smooth batter forms with no lumps.
- Prep Piping Bag: Once the oil is at the correct temperature, pour the batter into a gallon-sized zip lock bag and snip off a small corner, or use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for better control when frying.
- Fry the Funnel Cake: Carefully squeeze the batter into the hot oil in random overlapping lines to form a freeform funnel cake shape. Leave enough space for the batter to expand. Fry for about 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and fry the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the cooked funnel cake using tongs or a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Once slightly cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar. Add any additional toppings you desire and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even frying and avoid greasy cakes.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs carefully to flip the funnel cakes without breaking them.
- For easier pouring, use a piping bag to control the shape and size of the funnel cakes.
- Serve funnel cake immediately as they are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
- Leftover funnel cake can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness.
