Description
Funnel Cake Fries are a fun and crispy treat inspired by the classic carnival funnel cake. This recipe creates light, crispy, golden brown strips of fried batter dusted with cinnamon sugar, perfect for sharing at fairs, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet, crunchy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup club soda (cold)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frying and Topping
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven. Attach a candy or frying thermometer to the side and heat the oil to a steady 375°F, adjusting heat to maintain between 370°F and 380°F for perfect frying temperature.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch until fully blended to create a consistent batter base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add whole milk, cold club soda, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, ensuring the club soda stays cold for lightness.
- Make the Batter: Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until no visible pockets of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter thick but still pourable with some lumps intact.
- Transfer Batter for Frying: Pour the batter into a 16-ounce squeeze bottle or pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip to allow precise control when frying.
- Squeeze Batter into Oil: When the oil reaches 375°F, carefully squeeze the batter into the oil in 3-inch zigzag strips, frying 3 to 4 strips at a time to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the strips for 2 to 2½ minutes, turning once halfway through, until they achieve a golden brown color without burning.
- Drain and Coat: Use a spider skimmer to transfer fries to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. While still hot, toss the fries in the powdered sugar and cinnamon mixture to evenly coat and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Maintaining the oil temperature between 370°F and 380°F is crucial for crispy fries.
- Cold club soda helps make a lighter batter with more air bubbles.
- Use a squeeze bottle or pastry bag for even and controlled fry shapes.
- Do not overcrowd the oil to prevent soggy fries.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
