Fair Play: State Fair Snacks Worth the Yearly Wait
Nostalgic Food
“People love fried food, and a fair or another big public celebration feels, I suppose, like a good time to indulge. What I think has become trendier during the past couple of years are fried sweets and nostalgic food items, things like jelly beans and Kool-Aid that people really enjoyed as kids. The jelly beans first appeared at the Massachusetts State Fair, also known as the Big E, in 2011 — the jelly beans were first dipped in funnel cake batter before being fried, and look almost like little doughnuts or fritters.“
—Lauren Haslett, Editor, Delish.com
Funnel Cake
“My favorite treat at any fair is always a hot fried funnel cake completely covered in a snowstorm of powdered sugar!”
—Katie Holdefehr, Editorial Assistant, Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen
Fried Chicken Skin
"I have found something at the Texas State Fair that sounds amazing and right up my alley — deep fried chicken skin. YUM! The folks at Crispies at the Texas State Fair take chicken skin, batter it, and then deep fry it into golden, crispy chunks of chicken magic: a decadent, indulgent, insane celebration of the best part of fried chicken. Of all the kooky things vendors batter and fry at state fairs, this one is actually one of those genius, ‘why didn't anyone think of this sooner?’ creations."
—Sherry Rujikarn, Assistant Food Editor, Good Housekeeping
Deep Fried Butter
"I have been both intrigued and revolted by the idea of deep-fried butter at the Iowa State Fair. It sounds like a heart attack on a stick!"
—Cathy Lo, Associate Food Editor, Good Housekeeping
Fried Sweets
"When it’s fair time, I cannot help myself — I immediately beeline for fried sweets. I used to be a fried candy bar kinda girl or fried Oreos (yum!) but my current absolute favorite? Fried chocolate chip cookie dough! Just be careful — molten hot chocolate chips can be dangerous."
—Kelly Stoddard, Senior Editor, GoodHousekeeping.com
Mexican Corn on the Cob
"Ever since I can remember, I looked forward to the county fair every summer growing up in San Diego. I loved the standard fair goodies like popcorn and fudge when I was a kid, but as an adult, my favorite treat is the grilled Mexican corn on the cob. Served hot off the grill and slathered in lime mayo, chili powder, and Mexican cheese (with just a hint of cilantro), it's an indulgent snack, and I can never get enough!"
—Nicole Price Fasig, Editor, GHRI, GoodHousekeeping.com
Corny Dog
“In Texas, where I grew up, there’s a saying that everything is bigger and better. As far as state fair food goes, it’s hard to beat a Fletcher’s Corny Dog. The piping hot batter is melt-in-your-mouth buttery goodness with just a hint of sweetness. And, unlike other fair foods, this one won’t get your hands dirty.”
—Angela Kwan, Editor, GoodHousekeeping.com
How Hooters Is Plotting A Comeback
This Is What Happens When You Eat Too Many Strawberries
7 Melatonin-Rich Foods For A Better Nights Sleep
The Truth About 'Love Island's' Food & Drink Rules
