As we continue to face the cold weather of the winter season, we can't help but wait for what's in store as the warm weather inches closer and closer. One thing that immediately comes to mind is fair food. There's nothing more fun than exploring the fairgrounds on a hot summer day with friends and family. And the only thing that can make that experience even better is delicious food! Here are 20 of the most popular, delicious fair foods that we can't wait to devour when summer comes around.
1. Funnel Cakes
Fried, crispy, and sweet, what more could you ask for out of the perfect fair food? Funnel cakes are the quintessential snack at any fair, turning heads with their intricate, web-like appearance. Made by pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil, not only is it fun to watch, but your mouth will start watering the moment you see them come out crispy and golden. Finished off with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, the light, airy texture of this sweet treat is to die for.
Image by LuAnn Hunt from Pixabay
2. Corn Dogs
A classic staple of American fairs, the corn dog is a tasty handheld snack perfect for any time of the day. It features a hot dog wrapped in a thick layer of sweet and savory cornmeal batter that's deep-fried to golden perfection. It's got the best crispy exterior and a soft, juicy interior that makes this snack a great one, especially when you dip it in some mustard or ketchup (or both!).
3. Cotton Candy
Cotton candy, also known as fairy floss, is a magical treat for children and a nostalgic one for adults. It's made by spinning sugar into fine strands, and then gathering them all up into one large, fluffy cloud. It's fun to watch your cotton candy come to life, but it's even more fun getting to eat it! That melt-in-your-mouth experience can't be replicated by anything else.
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4. Fried Oreos
Everyone loves Oreos as they are, but deep frying them? Now that's taking it one step higher. With a fun twist on the familiar cookie, fried Oreos are a sinful indulgence. Dipped in a sweet batter and deep-fried until they're wonderfully crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside, it's definitely a lot to take in. And if things weren't sweet enough for you, it's often dusted off with some extra powdered sugar, making this a calorific bomb of sweetness.
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5. BBQ Turkey Legs
Not into sweet things as much? If you're craving something more savory and hearty, a giant BBQ turkey leg should definitely do the trick. These massive smoked turkey legs are super tender and slathered in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce. They're not just delicious, they're also incredibly filling and satisfying to eat.
Photo by Micah Ransom on Unsplash
6. Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are a sweet treat that'll bring back some great memories. Caramel and apples? Now that's a match made in heaven. Crisp apples are dipped into hot caramel, creating a sweet and sticky coating that perfectly complements the fruit's tartness. You can get them with a variety of toppings like nuts or chocolate chips, making it a decadent dessert. Just be careful! They can be difficult to get a bite into.
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7. Elephant Ears
No, not actual elephant ears! We mean elephant ears as in the delicious flat pieces of fried dough that's covered in cinnamon sugar! It's a simple yet irresistible fair food that everyone loves. That perfect combination of crispy dough and the sweet toppings is unmatched.
Arge300exx on Wikimedia Commons
8. Deep-Fried Butter
Deep-fried butter might sound outrageous, but it's a surprisingly delightful treat. Butter is wrapped in dough and deep-fried, resulting in a dish that’s crispy on the outside with a surprisingly creamy and rich interior. It’s often served with glazes or sauces for an extra flavor kick.
Ryan from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
9. Kettle Corn
The ultimate fair snack, kettle corn provides the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavours, all in an easy-to-eat format! Popped in large kettles, this popcorn is tossed with just the right amount of sugar and salt to create the most addictive snack. The best part is that its not heavy at all, so you can happily munch away as you peruse through the rest of the fair.
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10. Blooming Onion
Visually stunning and equally tasty, a blooming onion is a fun fair food that's great for sharing. A whole onion gets cut up to resemble a flower before it gets battered and thrown into the deep fryer. The result? Plenty of crispy onion petals to share with friends and family, served with a delightful dipping sauce. Great for feeding large groups!
Anonymous on Wikimedia Commons
11. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob isn't anything special, but its simplicity is what makes it shine. A beloved fair food, fresh ears of corn are grilled to perfection, showcasing a beautiful char that enhances their natural sweetness. Usually slathered with butter and seasoned with salt, it's a great snack that allows you to enjoy the flavours of summer.
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12. Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries are a classic fair food that's so hearty and indulgent. Because really, who doesn't love fries and cheese? Crispy french fries that have been fried to golden perfection, are smothered in a warm, spicy chili that's topped off with a generous helping of melted cheese. While this one isn't great for carrying around because it's a messy eat, you won't complain given how flavourful and delicious each bite will be.
RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia Commons
13. Deep-Fried Pickles
Tangy and crispy, deep-fried pickles will give you everything you want in the perfect fried snack. Dipped in batter and fried until nice and crispy, the crunchy exterior is complemented by the juicy, sour interior. The sourness will definitely help you to cut through some of the heavier foods you've eaten throughout the day. Served with ranch dressing, deep-fried pickles are certainly one of the more unique but tasty fair snacks offered.
Wisconsin Denizen on Wikimedia Commons
14. Sausage and Peppers
For something a bit more savory and filling, sausage and peppers is a fair food that'll satisfy your cravings. Italian sausages are grilled and served with a delightful mix of sauteed peppers and onions. This combination, often thrown into a soft bun, is one of the more heartwarming meals offered at the fair.
15. Candy Apples
Similar to caramel apples but with a twist, candy apples are a fair food classic. Dipped in a bright red, hard candy coating, these sweet apples have a crisp, sugary shell that contrasts nicely with the tart apple inside. It's a super nostalgic treat that'll bring back fond memories and delicious sweet bites.
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16. Snow Cones
Snow cones are just what you need on a hot summer day at the fair. They're so so refreshing and have a nice burst of flavour to them. Shaved ice is piled high in a paper cone or cup, and then drenched in sweet, brightly coloured syrups. It's the ideal icy treat to help you cool down so you can enjoy the rest of the fair.
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17. Loaded Nachos
A crowd-pleaser no matter where you are, loaded nachos are a fantastic option to grab if you're with a group of people. Easy to share and just as tasty to eat, these nachos will satisfy everyone's preferences. A bed of crispy tortilla chips is topped with melted cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, and sometimes chili or pulled pork. Just the description sounds divine, doesn't it?!
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18. Deep-Fried Twinkies
Ah yes, it doesn't get more American than a deep-fried Twinkie. This classic American snack cake is taken up a notch when deep-fried at the fair. Coated in batter and fried until golden, you end up with a crispy outer layer and a warm, creamy interior. Dusted with powdered sugar, t's awfully decadent and hard to resist, just don't think too much about the calories when you're eating it.
Liface at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
19. Roasted Nuts
Simple yet fun to snack on, roasted nuts are a classic fair food. Almonds, pecans, and peanuts are roasted with a flavourful blend of spices and sugar, resulting in a warm, crunchy, and slightly sweet snack. They're just the thing to hold you over as you wander through the fairgrounds. It's a great little appetizer!
Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
20. Gyros
We love handheld meals when it comes to fairs, theme parks, or outdoor events, and Gyros are the perfect example of a great one. Gyros bring a Mediterranean flair to American fair food. Slices of seasoned lamb or chicken are piled into a soft pita bread, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. This dish is a flavorful and somewhat healthier option for fair-goers.
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