13 State Fair Treats To Try On Your Next Road Trip

Food at state fairs becomes outrageous, entertaining, and irresistibly extravagant. A trip to a local fair would not be complete without sampling at least one (or five) of the renowned fair foods, whether you’re travelling through the Midwest, the South, or somewhere in between. These 13 state fair treats, which range from deep-fried everything to sugary classics on sticks, are not only guilty pleasures but also a part of the peculiar culinary heritage of America. Let’s head to the fairgrounds with your appetite in tow.

1. Deep-Fried Oreos

Deep-fried Oreos are one of the most iconic fair foods. These chocolate sandwich cookies have a crispy exterior and a warm, melty centre because they are dipped in pancake-like batter and fried until golden. For a sweet finish, powdered sugar is then sprinkled over them. Rich, nostalgic, and the ultimate indulgence, this treat is best enjoyed hot and right away. They taste like childhood wrapped in a golden embrace, which is why they have become a mainstay at fairs across the country.

2. Corn Dogs

Hot dogs, which are hot dogs skewered on sticks, dipped in thick cornmeal batter and deep-fried until golden crisp, have been a classic for decades. Usually served with ketchup or mustard, the crunchy outside and juicy centre make for the ideal combination. Nothing compares to a freshly fried corn dog from a fair stand, even though many people have had a frozen version at home. They are tasty, portable, and almost a state fair staple.

3. Funnel Cakes

The highlight of sweet fair fare are funnel cakes, which are created by pouring batter in circular patterns through a funnel into hot oil and then frying until crispy. Although powdered sugar is typically placed on top, they can also be stuffed with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or fruit. They are best eaten fresh and with friends because they are soft inside and crispy on the outside. This Instagram-worthy treat, which brings nostalgic, sugary joy, has fairgoers lining up early.

4. Fried Cheese Curds

Fried cheese curds, which are bite-sized cheese nuggets that are breaded and fried until gooey inside and crispy outside, are native to dairy-loving regions. They are frequently served with marinara or ranch for dipping. The curds have a cult-like following because they “squeak” when bitten when they are fresh. They are particularly common at Midwest fairs like those in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and they make the ideal savoury contrast to the sweet fair fare.

5. Giant Turkey Legs

One of the most striking—and delectable—fair fare is roasted or smoked turkey legs. They weigh more than a pound each and are cooked until they are juicy and deeply browned, with a salty, smoky flavour all over. Eating these meaty wonders is gratifyingly primal and full of protein. With one of these in hand, you’ll feel like royalty—or a mediaeval knight—whether you’re strolling through the fairgrounds or enjoying a picnic.

6. Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are now a state fair favourite because they are crispy, salty, and slightly tart. Slices of battered and deep-fried dill pickles are frequently served with ranch or hot dipping sauce. While the outside has a crunch that makes you want more, the hot oil softens the vinegar bite. They strike the ideal balance between sour and savoury whether they are served as spears or chips, especially when paired with iced tea or cold lemonade.

7. Elephant Ears

Large, thin pieces of fried dough, usually topped with cinnamon sugar, are called elephant ears. They have a caramelised crunch that makes every bite irresistible, and they’re flatter and crispier than funnel cakes. Their large, ear-like shape is the source of their name. They’re fun to eat and easy to hold, especially when exploring fair booths. Elephant ears provide basic ingredients with maximum flavour, making them a regional favourite at many fairs in the Midwest and South.

8. Chocolate-Covered Bacon

Chocolate-covered bacon is exactly what it sounds like, so lovers of sweet and salty foods rejoice. Bacon strips are dipped in melted chocolate, usually milk or dark, and occasionally sea salt or nuts are sprinkled on top. It is surprising, decadent, and strangely well-balanced because the rich chocolate and the bacon’s smoky fat go well together. What began as a novelty has gained a devoted following, with many claiming it’s one of the greatest fair food mashups ever created.

9. Deep-Fried Snickers

Snickers is the most popular deep-fried candy bar, which is a mainstay of the “why not?” fair food scene. The nougat, caramel and peanuts are melted into a gooey, warm centre when the chocolate bar is battered and fried. It is frequently covered with chocolate sauce or powdered sugar. It may not be light, but every bite combines sweet, salty, soft, and crispy flavours to create an unforgettable treat.

10. Lemon Shake-Ups

A cool contrast to all the fried decadence is a lemon shake-up. To make it frothy, muddle fresh lemon wedges with water and sugar, shake with ice, and serve in tall cups. The freshness cuts through heavier foods, and the tart and sweet balance is perfect. They’re easy to make but incredibly satisfying, especially on hot days when zingy flavour and hydration are needed. You can find them at practically every fair stand.

11. Walking Tacos

A walking taco is a brilliant fairground invention. Cut open a small bag of corn chips or tortillas, then add taco meat, cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream on top. Use a fork to eat it right out of the bag. It’s portable, satisfying, and combines the ease of fair food with all the comforts of taco night. At state fairs, variations with pulled pork, chilli, or vegetarian options are also well-liked.

12. Deep-Fried Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese that has been deep-fried is just as rich as it sounds. Breadcrumb-coated chunks of creamy macaroni are fried until the outside is crisp and golden. Every bite is a gooey dream because the inside remains soft and cheesy. This treat is offered in larger wedge-shaped portions or as bite-sized nuggets. Despite being a more recent addition to the fair scene, its rich, comforting flavour has already won it devoted fans.

13. Cinnamon Rolls Bigger Than Your Head

Without the renownedly enormous cinnamon rolls, no list of state fairs would be complete. Soft, doughy spirals that are drenched in cream cheese frosting and soaked in buttery cinnamon sugar are typically served warm and are intended to be shared—or not. Some varieties have flavoured frostings or are baked in cast iron pans. They are the ultimate sugar bomb and the ideal way to cap off your culinary exploration of the fair.