1. Giant Pickle
Feeling a little salty? Grab a giant pickle! These oversized dill delights are not only crunchy and tangy but also a refreshing contrast to the heavy fair fare. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about eating a pickle on a stick—it’s a crunchy delight that’s surprisingly hydrating!
2. Cotton Candy
Nothing screams childhood quite like cotton candy. Fluffy, sugary, and often a brilliant shade of pink or blue, this treat is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. Watching it being spun right before your eyes is pure magic, and it’s the perfect sweet treat to share with friends.
3. Corn on the Cob
Is there anything more nostalgic than biting into a freshly grilled corn on the cob? Often slathered in butter and sprinkled with salt, this simple treat is a must-have. The sweet, juicy kernels burst with flavor, making it a perfect snack to fuel your fair adventures. Plus, it’s a bit healthier than some of the other options!
4. Fried Oreos
If you’ve never tried a fried Oreo, you’re in for a treat! These crunchy cookies are coated in batter and deep-fried to create a crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and chocolatey. It’s like dessert and carnival ride in one bite! Pair them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and you’ll be floating on cloud nine.
5. Turkey Legs
Walking around the fair with a giant turkey leg in hand feels almost regal. These meaty marvels are smoked or roasted to perfection, offering a hearty, satisfying snack that will make you feel like royalty. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s a true state fair tradition!
6. Fried Green Tomatoes
A Southern classic, fried green tomatoes are a deliciously tangy treat that you won’t want to miss. Slices of unripe green tomatoes are breaded and deep-fried until golden and crispy, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Often served with a zesty dipping sauce, they strike the perfect balance between savory and slightly tart. Not only do they showcase regional flavors, but they also add a refreshing twist to the fried food lineup at the fair. Plus, they make for a fantastic conversation starter!
7. Funnel Cake
You simply can’t go to a state fair and not indulge in a funnel cake! This crispy, fried delight is drizzled with powdered sugar and often topped with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream. Each bite is a perfect mix of crunch and sweetness that will have you reminiscing about the fair long after it’s over.
8. Cheesy Curds
These gooey, golden nuggets of joy are a true Midwestern treasure. Fried cheese curds are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside, making them irresistible. They often come with a side of ranch or marinara for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
9. Sweet Potato Fries
Looking for something a bit healthier? Sweet potato fries are a great choice. Crispy, slightly sweet, and often seasoned with spices, they’re the perfect combination of flavors. Pair them with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat!
10. S’mores on a Stick
Take a classic campfire treat and make it even more portable with s’mores on a stick. Marshmallows are toasted, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in graham cracker crumbs, making them a convenient sweet treat. It’s like taking a bite of summer nostalgia with you as you explore the fair!
11. Candy Apples
Candy apples are a vibrant, crunchy treat that can be found at any fair. The hard candy shell provides a satisfying crunch before revealing the tartness of the apple underneath. They’re as fun to eat as they are to look at, making them a must-try!
12. Deep-Fried Cheesecake
If you’re a cheesecake lover, deep-fried cheesecake will take your taste buds on a wild ride. Creamy cheesecake is coated in batter and fried until golden, creating a dessert that’s crispy on the outside and rich on the inside. It’s indulgent, delicious, and definitely something you’ll want to try!
13. Bacon-Wrapped Everything
At the fair, bacon is practically its own food group! Whether it’s bacon-wrapped hot dogs, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, or even bacon on a stick, this savory delight takes your snacking to a whole new level. It’s the ultimate treat for bacon lovers!
14. Kettle Corn
Sweet, salty, and perfectly crunchy, kettle corn is a fair classic. The smell wafting through the air is enough to draw you in, and once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. It’s a great snack to share (or not!) as you stroll through the fairgrounds.
15. Ice Cream Sundae
Finally, no state fair experience is complete without a classic ice cream sundae. Piled high with toppings and drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce, this cold treat is the perfect way to cool off. It’s a sweet ending to a day filled with adventure and delicious discoveries.
