Fun at the Fair
Sometimes, nothing hits like fair food. You go and enjoy the rides, get flung about on roller coasters, and then you head for the food stands and pick up a tasty treat. Suddenly your tastebuds are exploding! Remember that feeling - and these 20 delicious state fair foods?
Corn Dogs
Corn dogs hit the scene in the 1940s, when vendors decided to dip hot dogs in cornmeal batter and fry them on a stick for easy eating. They became a state fair staple almost overnight. At home, you can make them by coating hot dogs in a thick cornmeal batter, sliding them on skewers, and frying until golden.
Funnel Cake
Originating from Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, funnel cakes became a fairground favorite in the mid-20th century. The airy, crispy swirls dusted with powdered sugar are practically a rite of passage for young Americans. Some folks enjoy them with whipped cream or ice cream on top.
Cotton Candy
Believe it or not, cotton candy was invented by a dentist in 1897. Originally called “fairy floss,” it became a carnival classic for its whimsical texture and colors. But modern-day dentists will tell you, try not to eat too much of it! All that sugar will rot your teeth.
Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are a staple at every big fair, but you can make them yourself at home too. Just melt caramel candies with a splash of cream, dip your apples, and let them set on wax paper. They’re especially popular to make at Halloween.
Elephant Ears
These giant, fried pieces of dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar first showed up at fairs in the 1960s and have been delighting crowds ever since. They’re essentially oversized fried pastries—crispy outside, soft inside. Some people call them “beaver’s tails” as well.
Fried Oreos
Deep-fried Oreos are a newer fair invention, taking off in the early 2000s. A booth at the Texas State Fair is often credited for making them famous. To recreate them at home, dip Oreos in pancake batter and fry until golden – but to be honest, this is another one you shouldn’t overindulge in.
Turkey Legs
The giant roasted turkey legs that feel like something out of medieval times first gained fame at the Texas State Fair, but they’re popular at ren faires as well. If you want them at home, you can roast or grill seasoned turkey legs low and slow until juicy and tender.
Lemon Shake-Ups
Lemon shake-ups became fair staples in the Midwest around the 1940s. They’re made by shaking lemon juice, sugar, water, and ice in a cup until frosty and tangy. So simple and easy, but so refreshing at a crowded fair.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles first appeared at fairs in the 1960s, being popularized by the magnificently named Bernell "Fatman" Austin. His descendants still keep a specific fried pickle recipe secret, but nothing is stopping you from making your own at home.
Candy Apples
Long before caramel apples, candy apples were invented in 1908 by a New Jersey candy maker experimenting with red cinnamon coating. Their glossy, hard shells became a fair classic. To make them at home, dip apples into a hot sugar syrup dyed red, then let them harden on wax paper. You can add sprinkles to them too!
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or roasted corn on the cob, often dipped in butter and salt, has been a fairground favorite for generations now. Some states add chili powder, lime, or cheese for flair. Whatever your state has, it’s no doubt part of a fine food history.
Sno-Cones
Sno-Cones are a part of American women’s history, as it was them who began making flavored ice in the 19th century when times were hard. The cheapness of the snack made it spread like wildfire, and now it’s popular at fairs.
Flying Saucers
These are the cousin of elephant ears – they’re more or less the same thing, just smaller. To make them at home, fry small pieces of dough until puffed, then dust with sugar or drizzle with honey for that authentic fair taste.
Deep-Fried Twinkies
A fairly (fair-ly!) new carnival snack. Deep-fried Twinkies were invented in 2002 and they caused a sensation instantly. Some people loved them, others thought they were disgusting. But they’ve more than stood the test of time so far.
Popcorn Balls
Popularized during the early 20th century, popcorn balls were cheap, sweet, and perfect for fairs. To make them, mix popped popcorn with a hot syrup of sugar, corn syrup, and butter, then shape into balls before it cools. Some folks like to add marshmallows too.
Ice Cream Cones
It’s said that the ice cream cone made its big debut at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, where vendors started serving ice cream in rolled waffles when dishes ran out. Whatever really happened (others have found evidence of ice cream cones in Ancient Rome) the idea stuck, and cones became a permanent fair treat.
Churros
Though originally Spanish, churros soon became fair favorites in the USA, especially in the Southwest. These crispy fried sticks of dough, often drizzled in chocolate, are perfect for eating as you wander round the fair. To make your own, pipe dough into hot oil, fry until golden, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Fried Cheese Curds
Fried cheese curds became popular at fairs in Wisconsin in the 1970s. Americans simply love fried foods! To make your own fried cheese curds, all you gotta do is coat cheese curds in flour, dip in batter, and fry until golden.
Soft Pretzels
Pretzels have German roots and appeared at American fairs as early as the 1800s. Back in the day, fairgoing people were so wild for pretzels that there was even an amusement ride company named after them. They created a dark ride called “The Pretzel.”
Krispy Kreme Sloppy Joe
This creation came along in 2013 and debuted at the San Diego County Fair. It’s basically a Sloppy Joe, but in a Krispy Kreme donut bun. Opinions were divided, as you can imagine – some loved it and some thought it was the most horrible fair food ever created. But it’s nostalgic now!
