Okay, imagine this: a warm evening, the sweet smell of fried dough wafting through the kitchen, and a plate piled high with tiny, golden-brown funnel bites just begging to be dipped in powdered sugar. That, my friend, is instant magic. These little bites? They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and so delightfully sweet that one bite turns into ten (don’t worry, I won’t judge). What I love most is how fast these funnel bites come together—it’s like having your own mini carnival right at home! Plus, they’re perfect for when you want a little indulgence but in bite-sized form.
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
3/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
How I Make It
Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until smooth; a few lumps are okay—overmixing can make these tough.
Step 2:
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, then heat to 360°F. To check the temperature, a candy thermometer is great, but you can also drop a tiny bit of batter in – it should sizzle and rise immediately.
Step 3:
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop small dollops of batter into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – giving each bite space helps keep them crispy.
Step 4:
Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bites are a deep golden brown and crispy all over.
Step 5:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bites to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6:
While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar and dig in immediately for that perfect sweet, crispy experience!
Variations & Tips
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice kick.
Mix mini chocolate chips or sprinkles into the batter before frying for a fun twist.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra tender bites.
For an easy dipping sauce, melt some chocolate chips or whip up a simple honey glaze.
To keep bites warm while frying in batches, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
If the oil starts to foam or smoke, reduce the heat to keep it steady at 350-360°F.
How I Like to Serve It
These funnel bites are a total hit at weekend brunches or casual family gatherings. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. And honestly, they’re the perfect snack for cool autumn evenings, when you want something sweet but not too heavy—a little indulgence that feels like a warm hug.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day — they’re best fresh but reheat well in a toaster oven.
If you don’t have a thermometer, keep the oil at medium heat and fry a test bite to adjust temperature.
Closing: Once you try these sweet & crispy funnel bites, you’ll see why they become a staple for everything from spontaneous treats to special occasions alike.
