Fairs have a way of testing just how far fried food can go. It’s not only funnel cakes and corn dogs anymore because if it can be battered, someone’s already dropped it in oil. Some of these creations make you curious enough to try, while others make you wonder who thought it was a good idea. Still, the smell of frying oil and the chaos of a fairground somehow convince people to hand over cash for them. It’s part of the thrill, part of the spectacle, and part of the reason these foods keep coming back. Love them or laugh at them, they’ve become legends you can’t ignore.
Deep Fried Insects
Deep fried insects might not be the first thing you’d think of at the fair, but they’ve become a curiosity people line up to try. Dropping them into hot oil gives them a crunch that’s hard to match, and while the idea might raise eyebrows, they’re surprisingly rich in protein. For adventurous eaters, it’s one of those rare chances to taste something you’ll definitely talk about long after the fair is over.
Deep Fried Oreos
These cookies don’t need much help in the popularity department, yet deep frying has turned them into a fairground classic. The batter creates a golden shell that melts into the cookie, so every bite is soft, sweet, and just a little gooey. It’s messy, indulgent, and one of those treats people go out of their way to find once the fair rolls into town.
Deep Fried Ice Cream
On paper, hot oil and frozen ice cream don’t make sense, but at the fair it works like magic. A crisp outer shell holds in the frozen center, so you get both temperatures in one bite. It’s a strange mix that somehow feels indulgent and refreshing at the same time, making it a crowd favorite at both food stands and restaurants that have embraced the idea.
Deep Fried PB&J
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich already hits the nostalgia button, but fairs have taken it one step further. Dipping the sandwich in batter and frying it gives it a crispy crust with a melty, sweet inside. It’s familiar enough to feel comforting but over the top enough to feel like an experience, which is exactly what fair food is all about.
Deep Fried S’mores
The campfire favorite doesn’t stay outdoors for long once the fair season starts. Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers are packed together, dunked in batter, and fried until they turn into one gooey bundle. It’s sticky, messy, and impossible not to enjoy if you grew up making s’mores under the stars.
Deep Fried Snickers
Candy bars already have everything going for them, but a dip in the fryer turns them into something completely different. The heat melts the chocolate and caramel inside, so you bite into a soft, molten center wrapped in a crunchy outer layer. It’s one of the most popular fair treats because it takes something people already love and makes it feel brand new.
Deep Fried Butter
The idea sounds extreme, but fairgoers have embraced it because it’s as over the top as it gets. A small piece of butter is battered, fried, and served as a golden bite that’s equal parts rich and outrageous. It’s not something most people would eat every day, but fairs aren’t about moderation, and that’s exactly why this one has become a legend.
Deep Fried Pickles
What started as a Southern snack has become a fairground staple across the country. The salty tang of the pickle holds up beautifully against the crunch of fried batter, making it a snack that balances bold flavor with crisp texture. Dip them in ranch or eat them straight out of the basket, and you’ll see why people swear by them.
Deep Fried Coke
Turning soda into something you can eat feels impossible until you see it at the fair. The cola gets worked into a batter, fried, and served with whipped cream or powdered sugar on top. It’s sweet, a little bizarre, and exactly the kind of creation that explains why fairs have a reputation for pushing food to extremes.
Deep Fried Bacon
Bacon is already beloved, but frying it takes things to another level. The batter clings to each strip, creating a crunchy coating while the bacon inside stays salty and chewy. It’s the type of snack that pairs perfectly with other fair favorites and feels almost too on-brand for the overindulgence fairs are known for.
10 Foods Only Americans Eat For Breakfast
Ever wondered why some folks around the world think American breakfasts are, well, a bit out there? It’s not just the portion sizes; it’s what’s on the plate too. From sugary cereals and pastries to bacon and eggs piled high, American breakfasts are a league of their own. These 10 breakfast choices leave the rest of the world scratching their heads, wondering if we’re all just having dessert for breakfast.
Read it Here: 10 Foods Only Americans Eat For Breakfast
10 Fast Food Fries Ranked From No, Thanks To Yes, Please!
Who’s got the best fries in the fast food game? It’s a hot topic that can spark endless debate. We took on the tasty task of ranking fries from popular fast food joints and ranked them in our humble opinion from worst to best. Grab your ketchup (or mayo, we don’t judge) and see where each chain stands in the ultimate fry showdown. Do you agree?
See Them Here: 10 Fast Food Fries Ranked From No, Thanks To Yes, Please!
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
