In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well integrated.
In a separate bowl, crack the egg and add the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Gradually pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. It's fine if there are a few lumps; overmixing can lead to dense bites!
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.
Prepare a piping bag or a squeeze bottle by filling it with the batter for easy dispensing. If you don’t have either, you can fashion a makeshift piping bag by snipping a small corner off a resealable plastic bag.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the bites from sticking during cooking.
Squeeze the batter into the air fryer basket, creating whimsical swirling patterns and bite-sized spirals. Aim for approximately 8-10 bites per batch, ensuring there’s enough space for them to expand as they cook.
Air fry the funnel cake bites for around 5-6 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and turn a beautiful golden brown.
Once cooked through, carefully remove the bites from the air fryer. Dust them generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve these delightful funnel cake bites immediately, paired with optional creamy chocolate sauce or a tangy berry compote for dipping.
Notes
Serve immediately for the best taste, with optional dipping sauces.