Crispy Deep Fried Marshmallows: The Carnival-Style Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve ever been to a state fair, amusement park, or carnival, you know the irresistible magic of fried sweets. From funnel cakes to fried Oreos, the crisp exterior and warm, gooey interior create a combination that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. But there’s one treat many people have never tried — and it’s shockingly delicious: Crispy Deep Fried Marshmallows.

This dessert is exactly what it sounds like — fluffy marshmallows dipped in a simple batter, fried until golden, and served hot. The marshmallows melt slightly into a creamy, gooey interior while the outside becomes light, crispy, and golden brown. It’s a perfect bite: sweet, airy, warm, and fun to make.

Deep-fried marshmallows take only a few minutes to prepare, require very little equipment, and deliver huge payoff. They’re perfect for parties, movie nights, holidays, sleepovers, or anytime you want to serve something surprising and delightful. If you love s’mores, hot chocolate, or any marshmallow dessert, this will instantly become a favorite.


Why You’ll Love Crispy Deep Fried Marshmallows

1. They’re quick and easy

This recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

2. Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing

Marshmallows, crispy batter, powdered sugar — what’s not to love?

3. Perfect texture

The outside is crisp and golden, while the inside becomes molten and creamy.

4. Minimal ingredients

You probably already have everything you need.

5. Great for dipping

Chocolate, strawberry sauce, caramel, peanut butter sauce — everything works.

You can even eat them on skewers, dust them with cinnamon sugar, or roll them in crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-style version.


Ingredients

For the Marshmallows

  • 20–24 large marshmallows
  • ½ cup cornstarch (for dusting to prevent sticking)

For the Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Frying

  • Vegetable or canola oil (enough for deep frying)

Toppings

  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Cinnamon sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil.
    Pour oil into a deep pot or large skillet (2–3 inches deep). Heat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prep the marshmallows.
    Dust marshmallows lightly with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  3. Make the batter.
    In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
    In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla.
    Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter.
  4. Dip the marshmallows.
    Using a fork or skewer, dip each marshmallow into the batter, coating fully.
  5. Fry.
    Carefully lower each marshmallow into the hot oil.
    Fry for 1–2 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown.
  6. Drain.
    Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towels.
  7. Finish with toppings.
    Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
  8. Serve immediately.
    Enjoy while warm and gooey inside.

Crispy Deep Fried Marshmallows

Golden, crispy marshmallows with a warm gooey center, dipped in batter and fried to perfection. A fun and irresistible carnival-style treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Carnival
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

Marshmallows
  • 20-24 marshmallows large
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch for dusting
Batter
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frying
  • oil for frying

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Deep pot or skillet
  • Tongs
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Heat frying oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Dust marshmallows with cornstarch.
  3. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; whisk milk, egg, and vanilla separately.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form batter.
  5. Dip marshmallows in batter and coat fully.
  6. Fry 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Drain and serve with powdered sugar or dipping sauces.

Notes

Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness.

Tips for Perfect Deep Fried Marshmallows

Use cold marshmallows

Chill them for 10–15 minutes before frying — they hold their shape better.

Keep oil at 350°F

Too hot and the marshmallows expand too much; too cool and they absorb oil.

Use a thick batter

A good coating protects the marshmallow and prevents bursting.

Work in small batches

The marshmallows fry quickly — avoid overcrowding the pot.

Serve immediately

They’re best hot and fresh, with the interior molten and creamy.


Delicious Flavor Variations

S’mores Marshmallows

Roll fried marshmallows in crushed graham crackers and drizzle chocolate.

Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallows

Toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.

Chocolate Stuffed Marshmallows

Push a chocolate chip into each marshmallow before frying.

Caramel Marshmallows

Serve with a salted caramel dipping sauce.

Coconut Crunch

Dip in shredded coconut while still warm.


Serving Ideas

  • Serve on skewers
  • Add to dessert boards
  • Drizzle with sauces
  • Pair with hot cocoa
  • Serve with fruit for dipping
  • Plate on powdered-sugar-dusted board for parties

Perfect for:

  • Sleepovers
  • Family gatherings
  • Backyard parties
  • Holidays
  • Game nights
  • Birthday celebrations

They are a guaranteed conversation starter and dessert that people talk about long after eating them.


Make-Ahead & Storage

Because marshmallows melt after frying, they are best eaten fresh. However:

  • Batter can be made 1 day ahead
  • Marshmallows can be dusted ahead of time
  • You can reheat in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes, but interior may harden slightly

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