There’s something magical about the smell of a carnival. You know the one—warm fried dough, popcorn drifting in the breeze, maybe a hint of cotton candy. Somewhere between the carousel music and the flashing lights, you spot the stand. And there they are: funnel cake fries.
Crispy, golden strips of deep-fried batter, still warm from the oil, generously dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a little easier to eat than a giant plate of traditional funnel cake, but just as indulgent. The first bite is all crunch, followed by soft, airy sweetness that practically melts on your tongue. If that doesn’t say “pure joy,” I don’t know what does.
In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about funnel cake fries—what they’re made of, where you’ve seen them (yes, even fast-food menus), and how you can whip up a batch right at home. I’ll even share my Crispy Carnival Funnel Fries recipe so you can skip the ticket lines and go straight to dessert.
Table of Contents
Crispy Carnival Funnel Fries
Ingredients
- vegetable oil for frying
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk 300 ml
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 240 g
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat to 375°F (190°C), checking with a candy thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until foamy and pale yellow. Whisk in milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking just until smooth but not overmixing.
- Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or large piping bag fitted with a ½-inch opening.
- Line a plate or wire rack with paper towels for draining fried fries.
- Pipe strips of batter into the hot oil, frying 5–6 at a time to prevent overcrowding. Fry about 1 minute per side, flipping until golden brown.
- Remove fries, drain on paper towels, and repeat with remaining batter, letting oil return to temperature between batches.
- Generously dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.
Notes
What Are Funnel Cake Fries Made Of?
Funnel cake fries are basically a portable, snackable twist on traditional funnel cakes. They use the same batter—a simple mix of eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—but instead of being poured in a circular pattern into the fryer, the batter is piped into thin strips. This gives you those fun, fry-shaped pieces that are perfect for dipping or just dusting with sugar and eating by the handful.
While classic funnel cakes are topped with mountains of powdered sugar, funnel cake fries are more versatile—you can roll them in cinnamon sugar, serve them with chocolate dipping sauce, or even drizzle them with chocolate buttercream frosting for a decadent twist.
The Recipe: Crispy Carnival Funnel Fries
This is my go-to version for funnel cake fries that taste like they came straight from the fairgrounds. The batter is easy to make, and the real secret is keeping your oil at the right temperature—375°F (190°C)—so you get that crispy outside without the greasy aftertaste.
Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups (300 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Directions:
1. Heat the oil:
Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat to 375°F (190°C), checking with a candy thermometer to maintain the temperature.
2. Make the batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until foamy and pale yellow. Whisk in milk and vanilla until smooth. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking just until smooth (no lumps!) but not overmixing.
3. Transfer to piping tool:
Pour the batter into a squeeze bottle or a large piping bag. If using a piping bag, place it in a tall glass for easier filling, then cut a ½-inch opening at the tip.
4. Set up a draining station:
Line a plate or wire rack with paper towels for draining the fries after frying.
5. Fry the funnel fries:
Once the oil reaches temperature, pipe strips of batter into the hot oil, frying 5–6 at a time to prevent overcrowding. Fry for about 1 minute per side, flipping with a slotted spoon until golden brown.
6. Drain and dust:
Remove fries, drain on paper towels, and repeat with remaining batter, letting the oil return to temperature between batches. Generously dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.
Does KFC Still Have Funnel Cake Fries?
KFC briefly added funnel cake fries to its menu in select locations, mainly as part of limited-time promotions. While it was a hit for those who tried it, as of now, these fries are not a regular menu item in most KFC stores.
That’s the bittersweet reality of fast-food “specials”—they come, they wow us, and then they vanish. Luckily, making them at home with this recipe means you don’t have to wait for KFC to bring them back. And bonus—you can pair them with Creamy 4th of July Party Punch for the ultimate fast-food-meets-fairground experience.
Does Burger King Still Sell Funnel Cake Fries?
Burger King made waves when they introduced funnel cake fries years ago, and fans still talk about them like a sweet dream. However, just like KFC, they were seasonal and have since been discontinued.
That doesn’t mean all hope is lost—you can easily recreate them at home. In fact, this Crispy Carnival Funnel Fries recipe will get you even closer to the original taste, especially if you pair them with a dark chocolate dipping sauce (here’s a Healthline breakdown of dark chocolate’s benefits if you need an excuse).
Why Do They Call Them Funnel Cakes?
The name comes from the traditional method of making them—pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil. The batter lands in overlapping swirls, creating that lacy, crispy pattern funnel cakes are known for.
With funnel cake fries, you still use the same batter, but instead of swirls, you pipe it into straight strips—kind of like what would happen if French fries and funnel cakes had a delicious little love child.
Toppings & Variations
One of the best parts about making funnel cake fries at home is how customizable they are. Here are some of my favorites:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over warm fries.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Swap powdered sugar for a cinnamon-sugar mix for a cozy fall vibe.
- Berry Bliss: Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a chocolate banana overnight oats-style fruity twist.
- Cookie Lover’s Dream: Serve alongside keto chocolate chip cookies for a crunchy-soft combo.
Pro Tips for Perfect Funnel Cake Fries
Temperature control is key
Too hot and they burn, too cool and they soak up oil. Keep it at 375°F (190°C).
Don’t overmix the batter
Gentle mixing keeps the fries light and airy.
Fry in batches
Overcrowding cools the oil and makes fries soggy instead of crispy.
Serve immediately
Funnel cake fries are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the fryer.
Pairing Ideas
If you really want to recreate the fair-at-home experience, pair your funnel cake fries with:
- A tall glass of cold lemonade
- A fruity punch (try my Creamy 4th of July Party Punch)
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup
How to Store Funnel Cake Fries
Let’s be honest—funnel cake fries rarely last long enough to store. But if you do have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To re-crisp, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.
Can You Freeze Funnel Cake Fries?
Technically yes, but they’re never quite the same after freezing. If you must, fry them halfway, let them cool, freeze on a tray, then finish frying when ready to eat. This helps them maintain their texture better.
Why Make Them at Home?
Because you control everything—fresh ingredients, portion sizes, and toppings. Plus, you can make them year-round instead of waiting for a fair or limited-time fast-food promo. And honestly? There’s something extra satisfying about biting into a warm, crispy fry that you made yourself—especially when you share it with friends or post a photo to Facebook or Pinterest.
Final Bite
Funnel cake fries are proof that sometimes, the best treats are the simplest ones. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can bring the joy of the fair right into your kitchen. Whether you dust them with sugar, dip them in chocolate, or get creative with toppings, they’re guaranteed to make any day feel like a celebration.
So grab your squeeze bottle, heat up that oil, and let the sweet, crispy magic begin.