If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of crispy, gooey, and sweet, deep fried marshmallows are a must-make treat. This recipe transforms simple marshmallows into a golden, crunchy delight with a luscious, melty center that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a nostalgic carnival-style snack, or simply want to indulge in a creative dessert, deep fried marshmallows deliver a unique flavor and texture experience that’s hard to beat.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making deep fried marshmallows at home—from the ingredients and step-by-step process to creative serving suggestions and tips for perfect results. Plus, I’ll answer all your burning questions in the FAQs section. Ready to dive into the world of crispy, golden marshmallow magic? Let’s get started!

Why Deep Fried Marshmallows Are So Special

Marshmallows on their own are soft, sweet, and fun, but frying them takes the experience to a whole new level. When you deep fry marshmallows, the exterior crisps up beautifully while the inside becomes warm and molten. This contrast in textures creates a delightful sensation that’s both crunchy and chewy.

What makes deep fried marshmallows particularly exciting is their versatility:

Perfect for parties: They’re bite-sized, easy to eat, and crowd-pleasers.
Great for kids and adults alike: Who doesn’t love the nostalgia of marshmallows and the excitement of fried treats?
Customizable toppings: From powdered sugar to chocolate drizzle and sprinkles, you can tailor them to any occasion or flavor preference.

Plus, making deep fried marshmallows at home is surprisingly simple, and with the right batter and frying technique, anyone can nail the perfect crispy coating with a molten center.

Ingredients for the Best Deep Fried Marshmallows

The magic behind the perfect batch of deep fried marshmallows lies in the ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:

20 large marshmallows — These are the stars. Freezing them for at least 30 minutes before frying is crucial to maintain their shape and prevent melting too fast.
1⅓ cups buttermilk pancake mix — This gives the batter a light, fluffy texture that crisps up beautifully when fried.
⅔ cup whole milk — Adds richness and thins the batter to just the right consistency.
1 large egg — Helps bind the batter ingredients together and adds structure.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract — Adds subtle sweetness and aroma to the batter.
Canola oil — Ideal for deep frying due to its high smoke point. You’ll need enough to fill your pot 3 to 4 inches deep.
Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or any topping you love to add a personal twist.

Step-By-Step Directions: How to Make Deep Fried Marshmallows

Step 1: Freeze the Marshmallows

Begin by placing the marshmallows in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This chilling process is essential because it firms them up, ensuring they don’t melt instantly when dipped in hot oil. Frozen marshmallows hold their shape better and produce that perfect molten center we all crave.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Slowly add the buttermilk pancake mix, stirring gently until the batter reaches a slightly thick but pourable consistency. The batter should coat the marshmallows evenly without dripping excessively.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour canola oil into a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan, filling it to about 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy. Maintaining the correct temperature is vital to ensure a crispy outside and properly cooked inside without soaking up too much oil.

Step 4: Coat the Marshmallows

Working in small batches, dip each frozen marshmallow into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before frying to avoid large clumps forming in the oil.

Step 5: Fry the Marshmallows

Carefully lower the coated marshmallows into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side, or until the batter turns a beautiful golden brown. The quick frying time ensures the outside crisps up without burning, while the inside melts into gooey goodness.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove the fried marshmallows with the slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate syrup, or sprinkle colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Perfect Deep Fried Marshmallows Every Time

Freeze marshmallows thoroughly: Don’t skip this step. Frozen marshmallows hold up better and give you that gooey center without turning into a melted mess.
Maintain oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F. Too hot, and the batter burns; too cool, and the marshmallows absorb excess oil.
Fry in small batches: Crowding the pot lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy marshmallows.
Use buttermilk pancake mix: It’s the secret ingredient for a light, crispy batter that tastes great and fries up perfectly.
Serve immediately: Deep fried marshmallows are best eaten fresh and warm to enjoy the contrast of textures.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Deep Fried Marshmallows

While traditional powdered sugar or chocolate syrup toppings are fantastic, why not mix things up a bit? Here are some fun ideas:

S’mores style: Serve with a side of graham crackers and melted chocolate for a quick s’mores fix.
Drizzle with caramel or raspberry sauce for a gourmet twist.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a warm spice flavor.
Top with crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds for extra crunch.
Serve with ice cream: The hot, crispy marshmallows paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.

Nutritional Information & Serving Suggestions

Each serving of deep fried marshmallows contains approximately 120 calories, making them a relatively light indulgence compared to many other fried desserts. Since they’re bite-sized, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or as an occasional treat.

Pair your deep fried marshmallows with:

Fresh fruit platters
Cold milk or coffee
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Hot chocolate for an extra cozy dessert

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of pancake mix?
A: Pancake mix includes leavening agents and a bit of sugar, which help make the batter light and crispy. Using regular flour alone may result in a denser coating. You can experiment by adding baking powder and a bit of sugar to regular flour for a similar effect.

Q: How long should I freeze the marshmallows?
A: At least 30 minutes is recommended. Freezing longer won’t hurt and can make handling easier.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! Use a plant-based milk like almond or soy, a flax egg or other egg substitute, and ensure your pancake mix is vegan-friendly.

Q: What oil is best for frying marshmallows?
A: Canola oil is preferred because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but vegetable oil or peanut oil also work well.

Q: How do I store leftover deep fried marshmallows?
A: These treats are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 1 day and reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.

Q: Can I bake marshmallows instead of frying?
A: Baking won’t give you the crispy exterior that frying does, but you can broil marshmallows for a toasted effect.

Conclusion

Making deep fried marshmallows at home is a fun, indulgent way to enjoy a nostalgic carnival favorite with a homemade twist. With simple ingredients like frozen marshmallows, pancake mix, and a few pantry staples, you can create a crispy, golden treat bursting with warm, gooey sweetness. By following the tips and techniques in this guide, your deep fried marshmallows will come out perfectly every time—crispy on the outside, melting deliciously on the inside, and ready to delight everyone at your table.

Whether served with powdered sugar, drizzled chocolate, or your favorite creative topping, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a beloved dessert staple. So, grab your fryer and get ready to enjoy the ultimate deep fried marshmallows experience today!

Crispy Deep Fried Marshmallows Recipe | Easy Golden Gooey Treats

Author: Mary

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

20 large marshmallows (freeze for at least 30 minutes)
1⅓ cups buttermilk pancake mix
⅔ cup whole milk
1 large egg (room temperature)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Canola oil (for frying, enough to fill 3–4 inches deep in your pot)
Powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, or sprinkles (optional toppings)

Instructions

Freeze the Marshmallows:
Place the marshmallows in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before starting. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
Prepare the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the buttermilk pancake mix, stirring until just combined. The batter should be slightly thicker than regular pancake batter but still pourable.
Heat the Oil:
Pour canola oil into a deep pot, filling it to a depth of 3–4 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the correct temperature.
Coat the Marshmallows:
Working in small batches, dip the frozen marshmallows into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
Fry the Marshmallows:
Carefully lower the coated marshmallows into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for about 30 seconds per side, or until golden brown. Be attentive, as they cook quickly.
Drain and Serve:
Remove the fried marshmallows from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup and add sprinkles, if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.