Do you remember that magical moment at the fair when you first bit into a warm, crispy Deep Fried Oreo? The crackle of golden batter giving way to a soft, melty center is pure nostalgia in every bite. I’ve been making these at home for years—ever since my cousin dared me to recreate our favorite carnival dessert after a particularly memorable county fair trip. Now, they’re my go-to treat for summer barbecues and last-minute parties. There’s something so special about turning ordinary Oreos into these little bites of happiness—and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be just as obsessed as we were that summer!
Why You’ll Love These Deep Fried Oreos
There’s a reason these golden little bites disappear faster than you can say “fair food” at every party I throw. Here’s why they’re absolute keepers:
- Crispy outside, melty inside: That magical contrast of crackly batter and soft cookie center is pure carnival perfection.
- Ready in 20 minutes: Faster than waiting in line at the state fair! (My kids call these our “emergency dessert” for last-minute gatherings.)
- Crowd-pleasing magic: I’ve never seen anyone—kids or adults—resist these warm little treats at summer barbecues or potlucks.
- Nostalgia in every bite: That boardwalk treat flavor transports me right back to sticky-fingered summer nights watching fireworks.
- Air fryer friendly: Craving that crunch without deep frying? I’ll show you how to adapt them (perfect for smaller batches!).
Deep Fried Oreos Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your pantry right now! The magic is in the proportions, so measure carefully for that perfect fair-style crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the batter:
- 1 cup pancake mix (my secret weapon for foolproof crispiness!)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes the richest batter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference)
- For frying:
- 12 standard-size Oreos (don’t use Double Stuf—they get too gooey)
- Vegetable oil (enough for 2-inch depth in your pot)
- For serving:
- Powdered sugar (I use about 1/4 cup for generous dusting)
How to Make Deep Fried Oreos
Making these magical treats is easier than you think—just follow these simple steps for that perfect crispy shell and gooey center. I’ve fried hundreds of Oreos over the years (my neighbors can vouch for it!), and these techniques never fail me. Let’s get that oil bubbling!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter for Deep Fried Oreos
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, and vanilla until it’s smooth as satin—no lumps allowed! For extra crispness, I sometimes pop the batter in the fridge for 10 minutes (but honestly? They’re fabulous either way). This is your golden armor for those Oreos!
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil to 375°F—this is the sweet spot for crunch without greasiness. Dip each Oreo fully into the batter using a fork, letting excess drip off. Carefully slide 2-3 into the oil (crowding makes them soggy!). Fry for about 90 seconds until they’re that perfect fairground gold. My pro tip? Drain them on paper towels with a slotted spoon—it keeps them crisp. And trust me, that first bite of warm, powdered sugar-dusted bliss? Worth every second.
Expert Tips for the Best Deep Fried Oreos
After countless test batches (my family happily served as taste testers!), I’ve nailed down the little tricks that take these from good to “fair-worthy” amazing. Here’s what makes all the difference:
- Thermometer is key: That 375°F oil temp isn’t just a suggestion—I learned the hard way that even 25 degrees cooler gives you greasy, sad Oreos.
- Keep the heat steady: I always fry in small batches so the oil doesn’t dip too much (a splash of water should sizzle instantly when it’s ready).
- Powdered sugar timing: Dust them the second they come out—it sticks better to the warm, slightly oily surface in that perfect fair-style coating.
- Batter matters: After one too-thick batch resembling Oreo dumplings, I now aim for a consistency like heavy cream—thin enough to drip but thick enough to cling.
Trust me—serve these piping hot with cold milk, and you’ll be the hero of any summer gathering!
Air Fryer Deep Fried Oreos (Easy Alternative)
Listen, I get it—sometimes you want that fairground magic without the vat of bubbling oil! That’s why I love making air fryer fried Oreos for quick weeknight treats. Just coat your Oreos as usual, give them a spritz of oil (I use coconut oil spray for extra crispness), and air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes. They won’t have quite the same deep-fried crunch (my oldest swears he can taste the difference), but they’re still wonderfully crispy outside with that iconic melty center—plus way easier to clean up after! Perfect for satisfying that carnival craving without the mess.
Serving and Storing Deep Fried Oreos
Here’s the deal—these golden beauties are meant to be devoured immediately while they’re still piping hot from the fryer! I always set out a big plate dusted with powdered sugar (that snow-like coating is half the fun), and for special occasions, I’ll drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel. Pro tip: Keep a stack of napkins nearby—these are gloriously messy!
Now, if you miraculously have leftovers (rare in my house!), resist the fridge—cold fried Oreos turn soggy and sad. Instead, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes to bring back that perfect crispy magic. But honestly? They’re happiest eaten fresh, standing around the kitchen with sticky fingers and big smiles.
Deep Fried Oreos FAQs
Over the years, I’ve answered every imaginable question about these irresistible treats. Here are the most common ones – with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use gluten-free pancake mix?
Absolutely! My cousin’s gluten-free version works great—just ensure your mix contains xanthan gum for proper binding. The texture comes out slightly lighter but still delicious.
How do I prevent soggy centers?
Two tricks: keep oil at 375°F (use that thermometer!) and don’t overcrowd the pot—fry 2-3 Oreos at most. Greasy = sad, crispy = happy!
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil’s high smoke point makes them ideal. I tried peanut oil once—it worked but masked that classic Oreo flavor. Stick to neutral oils.
Can I freeze Deep Fried Oreos?
Technically yes, but honestly? They lose their magic. The freezer turns that perfect crisp into chewiness. Better to make them fresh—they’re ready in 20 minutes!
Nutrition Information
Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients/brands used.
If you liked this recipe, check out my other desserts!
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PrintDeep Fried Oreos
A classic fair-style dessert with a crispy outside and soft center, perfect for parties and summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 Oreo cookies
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
- Whisk pancake mix, milk, egg, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
- Dip each Oreo into the batter, coating evenly.
- Fry 2-3 Oreos at a time for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, chill the batter for 10 minutes before frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature.
- For air fryer version: Spray coated Oreos with oil and air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Oreo
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg