The visitors opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Harry Wilson’s low effort beat Anthony Patterson, despite the keeper getting a hand on the ball.
Fulham substitute Andreas Pereira then added a second in the 59th minute, before Jack Clarke pulled one back 13 minutes from time.
It wasn’t to be for the Black Cats, though, as Layvin Kurzawa added a third for the Premier League side, before Jewison Bennette added a consolation goal for the hosts.
Here’s how Phil Smith rated each Sunderland player at the Stadium of Light:
1. Anthony Patterson - 6
Will perhaps feel he could have done better with Wilson’s opener, though he was perhaps unsighted by players in front of him. Unfortunate that a brilliant save from Mitrovic still resulted in the second goal as the striker manage to assist Periera. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney
2. Trai Hume - 6
Lost the ball in dangerous areas too often during the opening exchanges but had a good second half, crunching into tackles in now trademark fashion and getting forward when he could. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Danny Batth - 6
Felt he was fouled in the build up to Fulham’s third goal, but then promptly went up front and assisted Bennette with a thumping header. Steady at the back. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Aji Alese - 7
Showed really good energy to get forward throughout the game and it paid off when he was able to produce the assist for Clarke. 7 Photo: Frank Reid