By Lauren Dana Ellman
While some folks flock to carnivals and state fairs for rides, fun, and games, others visit solely for the fair food. But what if we told you that you can enjoy these classic carnival-inspired party bites right from the comfort of your home? We’ve rounded up the best recipes for carnival and state fair food that runs the gamut from mini corn dog-inspired bites to sugar-dusted churros. It’s great crowd-pleasing party food for a birthday or other celebration.
Thanks to hacks like store-bought dough, these recipes take less than 30 minutes to prepare and require ten or fewer ingredients and (in some cases, less than five!). We’ve even got some healthier twists, like air-fried or oven-baked instead of fried. So skip the lines and whip up a few of these state fair treats.
Mini Spicy Corn Pups
Corn dogs are all the more adorable in miniature size — and no, we won’t tell if you end up eating the entire batch. The addition of jalapeños adds an extra-flavorful kick, while the use of turkey hot dogs (as opposed to the standard pork and/or beef) lowers the caloric intake without compromising on flavor. Not only does this gluten-free recipe come together in 30 minutes with a box of cornbread mix, but it’s also made in a mini muffin pan — read: no frying required — which you (very likely) already have on hand.
Get the recipe: Mini Spicy Corn Pups
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herbed Cheese
Sweet corn on the cob slathered with warm butter is a fair food staple, and you can easily make it at home with an elevated twist. Our recipe calls for creamy gruyere cheese plus parsley-infused butter to take this nostalgia-inducing side dish or snack to the next level.
Get the recipe: Corn on the Cob with Herbed Cheese
Air-Fried Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Crispy, sweet, fragrant, and piping hot: It’s no wonder why churros are such a fan-favorite dessert. For a lightened-up version of these treats, pop them in the air fryer instead of frying them in oil. The gooey chocolate-hazelnut dipping spread, which can be heated in the microwave, is just the icing on the cake.
Get the recipe: Air-Fried Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Air-Fried Sandwich Cookies
No trip to the carnival is complete without an order of fried sandwich cookies, but what if we told you that you can make your own in the air fryer? Store-bought crescent dough significantly cuts down the prep time. Bonus: It requires just four ingredients and less than 20 minutes of your time!
Get the recipe: Air-Fried Sandwich Cookies
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Crunchy and juicy, this air fryer fried chicken is one for the books. The longer you let the drumsticks marinate in the buttermilk mixture—anywhere from one to 24 hours—the more tender the meat will be. Best of all, they’re sure to appease kids and adults, picky eaters included!
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Arepas with Cheese
Stuffed with cheese and pan-fried, these flat round cornmeal cakes from South America are a popular street food that can be enjoyed any time of day or night — yes, breakfast, too! Whether enjoyed plain or topped with avocado or beans, there’s no denying how delicious (and easy!) they are.
Get the recipe: Arepas with Cheese
Chicken Yakitori
Did you really go to a fair if you didn’t eat something grilled on a stick? These Japanese skewers are more street food than carnival fare but they’d be right at home at any modern state fair. They’re full of flavor thanks to ingredients like fresh ginger, mirin, and green onions, and are good as a snack or a meal.
Get the recipe: Chicken Yakitori
Pretzel Hot Dogs
This delicious treat—which works as a party snack, appetizer, or easy weeknight dinner—combines two carnival favorites: hot pretzels and hot dogs. It’s also incredibly easy to make since it calls for store-bought pizza dough (no need to make your own from scratch). Kids and kids-at-heart are sure to love it. Make sure there’s plenty of ketchup and mustard for dipping.
Get the recipe: Pretzel Hot Dogs
Blackberry Lemonade
What goes best with carnival food? Lemonade, of course. For a terrific taste of summer all year long, look no further than this ultra-refreshing blackberry version, which offers the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. It’s family-friendly for hot days, and adults can add sparkling wine to turn it into an epic — and effortless — big-batch cocktail (add seltzer for a refreshing mocktail).
Get the recipe: Blackberry Lemonade
Waffle Nacho Fries
Instead of using tortilla chips for nachos, this recipe calls for — you guessed it — frozen waffle fries. These are not only reminiscent of tasty carnival eats but they’re big enough to serve as the perfect vehicle for health-conscious toppings. So go ahead and load ‘em with black beans, shredded cheese, avocado, and heaping amounts of fresh salsa. For a heartier version, top with lean ground meat as well.
Get the recipe: Waffle Nacho Fries
Caramel Apples
There’s no denying the fact that the carnival classic candy apples are delicious, and they’re actually quite easy to make right at home. In terms of toppings, options abound, from peanut butter cups to candy bar crumbles, to cereal. The more creative, the better!
Get the recipe: Caramel Apples
Air-Fried Pickles
Crunchy, tangy, and oh-so-addicting, fried pickles are a Southern staple that has withstood the test of time — and it’s one of those dishes that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Crispy breadcrumbs and an air fryer are all you need to recreate the classic deep-fried carnival dish. Serve ‘em with your dipping sauce of choice — though we’re partial to chipotle ranch dressing.
Get the recipe: Air-Fried Pickles
Easy Mardi Gras Beignets
While you may not think of beignets when thinking about your local carnival, they’re shockingly similar to the pillowy Italian zeppoles common to carnivals in the Northeast. And you can easily make them at home with pancake mix as the base for the dough. Yes, they’re fried to get that classic puffy, crisp exterior, but a little indulgence is good for you every now and then. A dusting of powdered sugar takes these treats to the next level.
Get the recipe: Easy Mardi Gras Beignets
Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn 
Homemade caramel sauce is (much) easier to make than you think since all you need is a few ingredients and a microwave. While the caramel delivers a hefty dose of sweetness, bacon adds a salty, meaty savoriness, ground chipotle brings an extra kick, and popcorn brings it all together. The result? An unexpected, delicious combination of flavors.
Get the recipe: Spicy Caramel Bacon Popcorn
Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears
Also known as palmiers, these bakery and fair food favorites are incredibly easy to make at home and look impressive. You’ll need just four ingredients to make them, including store-bought puff pastry sheets. Their flaky texture and sweet buttery flavor make these cookies one of our favorite crowd-pleasing desserts. This is a fun treat to make with kids.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears
Mini Grilled Steak Gyros
These handheld gyros are just like your favorite carnival eats, but in a mini flavor-packed bite. A homemade spice blend of oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, cumin, and salt amps up the flavor to really pack a punch when chowing down. We love them with tzatziki, onion, tomato, and lettuce—but stuff your pitas with whatever toppings you love.
Get the recipe: Mini Grilled Steak Gyros
Lauren is an avid traveler and foodie who has cherished memories savoring Champagne in Champagne, tucking into authentic poke in Hawaii, and, of course, indulging in sfogliatella in Italy. When she’s not on the go or pecking away at her laptop, you can find her in the kitchen, where she loves baking banana bread (a COVID-19 fad she’s yet to outgrow) or using her air fryer to make easy, effortless dinner.
