Bring the fun and nostalgic flavor of the state fair right to your own kitchen with these incredible Deep Fried Marshmallows! Created by Jennifer Fishkind, this wildly popular treat features a warm, gooey, melty center encased in a crispy, golden pancake batter coating. Dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or top with sprinkles for a quick, decadent dessert experience that never fails to delight.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes (+ 30 mins freezing) |
| Cook Time | 1 minute per batch |
| Total Time | 6 minutes active |
| Servings | 20 marshmallows |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Carnival / Fair Food |
Why This Recipe Works
The secret weapon of this recipe is freezing the marshmallows beforehand. Freezing them keeps the interior firm during frying, preventing the marshmallow from melting too fast and bursting out of the batter before the crust can set. Additionally, mixing the batter just until combined and keeping it slightly lumpy creates a thick, light crust that fries up perfectly crisp instead of turning tough or soggy.
Ingredients
The Frying & Batter Essentials
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large marshmallows | 20 | Frozen for at least 30 mins |
| Buttermilk pancake mix | 1 ⅓ cups | Pearl Milling Company recommended |
| Whole milk | ⅔ cup | |
| Large egg | 1 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ tsp | |
| Canola oil | For frying | 3–4 inches deep in pot or fryer |
Optional Toppings
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | Sifted, for dusting |
| Chocolate sauce | For drizzling |
| Whipped cream | For serving |
| Rainbow jimmie sprinkles | For a fun finish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Prep and Heat Oil
- Place your large marshmallows in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before starting. They must remain frozen until you are ready to coat and fry them.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and top with a wire rack. Set aside.
- Add enough canola oil to a large, heavy-duty pot to fill it 3–4 inches deep (or use an electric deep fryer). Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C), monitoring carefully with a candy thermometer if using a stove pot.
Phase 2: Mix the Batter
- In a small bowl, whisk together the whole milk, room-temperature egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate large bowl, add the buttermilk pancake mix and create a well in the center. Pour the milk mixture into the well and whisk gently just until combined. Note: Leave the batter slightly lumpy; over-mixing creates a tough coating! The batter should be thicker than traditional pancake batter.
Phase 3: Fry and Serve
- Drop 4 to 5 frozen marshmallows into the batter. Using your fingers, quickly and completely coat each marshmallow on all sides.
- Carefully drop the coated marshmallows into the hot oil. Fry for 25–30 seconds per side (roughly 1 minute total per batch) until lightly golden brown, gently flipping with a slotted spoon if needed.
- Using a slotted spoon, lift the fried marshmallows out of the oil and transfer them to the wire rack to drain any excess oil. Repeat with remaining batches.
- Plate the deep fried marshmallows, lightly dust with sifted powdered sugar, and top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately!
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t Skip the Freeze: Warm or room-temperature marshmallows will melt instantly in hot oil and burst through the batter, creating a messy disaster. Keep them frozen until the exact moment you coat them!
Manage Your Oil Temperature: Keep your oil between 365°F and 375°F. If the oil is too cold, the batter will absorb too much grease and turn soggy; if it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the coating cooks through.
Don’t Overcrowd: Stick to frying 4 or 5 marshmallows at a time. Overcrowding drops the temperature of the oil too quickly.
Conclusion
Deep Fried Marshmallows are a quick, incredibly fun treat that brings carnival flavor right into your kitchen. With a crispy golden shell and a warm, gooey chocolate-ready center, they are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering!