We’ve always been fans of unexpected twists on simple treats, and our deep fried marshmallow recipe takes the classic campfire favorite to new heights. Picture soft, fluffy marshmallows coated in a crispy shell that delivers a delightful crunch with every bite—it’s the ultimate indulgent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
This fun creation draws inspiration from fairground favorites, offering a quick way to elevate your snack game. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, we’ll show you how to whip up this crowd-pleaser with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
In our deep-fried marshmallow recipe, we start with the core elements that create that irresistible crispy exterior and gooey interior. We’ve selected straightforward, common ingredients to keep this fairground-inspired treat simple yet indulgent.
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need, organized by the order we use them in preparation:
- Marshmallows: 1 bag (about 10 ounces) of large marshmallows – these fluffy staples serve as the heart of our deep-fried delight, providing the soft, melty center that contrasts perfectly with the crunch.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup – we use this first in the batter base to build a light, airy coating that fries up golden brown.
- Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons – added next to the batter for a touch of sweetness that enhances the marshmallows’ natural flavor without overwhelming it.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon – this helps the batter rise slightly during frying, ensuring our deep-fried marshmallows achieve an ideal crispy texture.
- Egg: 1 large – beaten and incorporated into the batter mixture to bind everything together and add richness.
- Milk: 1/2 cup – we mix this in to create a smooth, pourable batter that coats the marshmallows evenly.
- Vegetable oil: 4 cups (for frying) – use a high-smoke-point oil heated to 350°F, as it’s essential for achieving that perfect deep-fried finish without greasiness.
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (for dusting) – sprinkled on at the end to add a sweet, elegant finish to our deep-fried marshmallows, making them party-ready.
Required Tools and Equipment
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients for this irresistible deep-fried marshmallow treat, we turn our attention to the essential tools that ensure a smooth and safe preparation process. Having the right equipment not only simplifies the steps but also helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior and gooey interior we love in this fairground-inspired delight.
To make deep-fried marshmallows successfully, we recommend the following tools and equipment. We’ve organized them in the order they’ll be used, with brief notes on their roles for clarity:
- Mixing Bowl (Medium-sized): We use this first to combine our dry ingredients like flour and baking powder, ensuring even mixing without spills.
- Whisk or Fork: Essential for blending the batter smoothly; we rely on this to incorporate the egg and milk for a lump-free coating.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we always use these to measure ingredients precisely and avoid inconsistent results.
- Deep Frying Pan or Pot: This is where the magic happens—we need a pan at least 3 inches deep to safely hold enough vegetable oil for frying, preventing overflows and ensuring even cooking.
- Candy Thermometer: For optimal results, we attach this to monitor oil temperature, aiming for 350°F to 375°F to get that golden, crispy shell without burning the marshmallows.
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs: We use these tools to carefully lower and remove the marshmallows from the hot oil, minimizing splatters and making handling safer.
- Paper Towel-Lined Plate: After frying, we place the treats here to drain excess oil, keeping our deep-fried marshmallows light and not greasy.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve or Sifter: Finally, we use this to dust the finished treats with powdered sugar, creating an even, elegant finish.
With these tools in hand, we’re fully equipped to move forward and dive into the frying steps, transforming simple marshmallows into a decadent crowd-pleaser.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft these delightful deep-fried marshmallows with a crispy exterior and gooey center.
Prep the Marshmallows
First, we prepare the batter to ensure our marshmallows achieve that perfect golden crunch. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients together using a whisk until fully blended for an even mixture.
Next, in the same bowl, add 1 beaten egg and 1/2 cup of milk to the dry mixture. Whisk vigorously until the batter forms a smooth, lump-free consistency—aim for a texture similar to pancake batter, which coats the marshmallows evenly without dripping excessively.
Finally, take 12 large marshmallows and dip each one individually into the batter, using tongs for a neat coating. Ensure every side is fully covered, then place the coated marshmallows on a plate to set for about 5 minutes. This step sets the stage for a satisfying contrast of textures when fried.
Fry the Marshmallows
To achieve the ideal fry, we heat our oil to the precise temperature for a safe and even cook. Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (use a candy thermometer for accuracy).
Once the oil is ready, carefully lower 3–4 coated marshmallows into the hot oil at a time using slotted spoons or tongs—avoid overcrowding to prevent sogginess. Fry each batch for 1–2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy shell while the interior stays soft and melty. The aroma of sweet, toasty goodness will fill your kitchen, signaling perfection.
After frying, remove the marshmallows promptly and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This quick step ensures they remain light and not greasy, preserving their indulgent appeal.
Serve
For an elegant finish, we dust our freshly fried marshmallows with powdered sugar to enhance their visual allure and subtle sweetness. Using a fine-mesh sieve, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of powdered sugar over the warm treats until lightly coated.
Serve these deep-fried marshmallows immediately while hot for the best experience—the crispy outer layer paired with the gooey center creates a mouthwatering sensation that’s ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick dessert. Pair with fresh fruit or a dip like chocolate sauce if desired, but they’re delicious on their own.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this deep-fried marshmallow adventure with you. It’s a simple way to turn everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that delights with its crispy outside and gooey center.
As we wrap up, remember these treats bring joy to any gathering. Give it a try and let us know how yours turn out—we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for deep-fried marshmallows?
To make deep-fried marshmallows, you’ll need large marshmallows, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, a beaten egg, milk, vegetable oil for frying, and powdered sugar for dusting. These common ingredients create a crispy shell with a soft interior, perfect for a quick, indulgent treat.
What tools do I need to prepare this recipe?
Essential tools include a medium mixing bowl for batter, a whisk or fork for blending, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a deep frying pan or pot, a candy thermometer to monitor oil at 350°F, slotted spoons or tongs for handling, a paper towel-lined plate for draining, and a fine-mesh sieve for dusting powdered sugar.
How do I make the batter for deep-fried marshmallows?
Start by mixing flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl. Add a beaten egg and milk, then whisk until smooth. This simple batter coats the marshmallows perfectly for frying, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
How long does it take to fry the marshmallows?
Frying takes about 1-2 minutes per batch in oil heated to 350°F until golden brown. Total prep time is around 15-20 minutes, including making the batter and dipping. Fry in small batches for even results and safety.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed, or use alternatives like almond milk for regular milk. Avoid substituting marshmallows, as they provide the signature soft center. Always test changes to maintain texture and flavor.
How should I store leftover deep-fried marshmallows?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, as they lose crispiness quickly. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat in an oven to restore texture. Best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste.