Easy Deep Fried Brownies Recipe: Crispy, Gooey & Utterly Decadent

Imagine your favorite rich, chocolatey brownie. Now, imagine it dipped in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection, then dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Deep Fried Brownies! They are not just easy to make, but they are an absolutely delicious and truly decadent treat that will elevate your dessert game to an entirely new level. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: a warm, gooey chocolate center encased in a perfectly crisp shell. It’s simple to prepare but feels utterly luxurious, bringing the irresistible magic of fairground food right into your home kitchen.

This recipe transforms a classic brownie recipe into irresistible, bite-sized fried brownie balls, each delicately coated in a simple pancake batter before taking a dip in hot oil. The result is a wonderfully satisfying dessert, often found at state fairs, now made accessible for any home cook. Generously coated in powdered sugar, these tasty little treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If you love unique fried desserts, you might also enjoy my recipes for Deep Fried Marshmallows, Deep Fried Pop Tarts, or even explore 25 Best Cotton Candy Desserts for more whimsical ideas. You’ll also undoubtedly fall in love with these Funnel Cake Recipes!

Why This Recipe Works

There’s something truly magical about deep-frying a brownie, and this recipe delivers on all fronts. It takes an ordinary brownie to an extraordinary level. The beauty of these fried brownie bites lies in the incredible textural contrast they offer. When you bite into one, you first encounter a thin, crisp, golden-brown exterior, perfectly fried to a delightful crunch. This gives way to a surprisingly warm, soft, and unbelievably gooey chocolate interior that’s still rich and decadent. The pancake batter creates a light, slightly sweet coating that complements the rich brownie without overpowering it, making each bite an absolute delight.

Beyond the taste, this recipe is remarkably easy to follow, even for beginner fryers. Using a boxed brownie mix simplifies the process significantly, allowing you to focus on the fun part: frying! The chilling step for the brownie balls is crucial for maintaining their shape and ensuring that gooey center. This combination of ease and spectacular results makes it a fantastic dessert for parties, special occasions, or just a fun weekend treat. It’s a unique dessert experience that will surely impress anyone who tries it. While you’re on a brownie kick, be sure to also try Mini Brownie Cupcakes, Brownie Cookies Recipe, Buckeye Brownies Recipe, or explore 25 Powdered Sugar Desserts for more sweet inspiration.

Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these basic tools to make your deep-frying experience smooth and safe:

• Large Deep Pot or Deep Fryer: Essential for safely frying the brownies.
• Candy/Deep Fry Thermometer: Crucial for monitoring oil temperature.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the brownie mix and the pancake batter.
• 9×13 Baking Pan: To bake your initial batch of brownies.
• Cookie Scoop (optional but recommended): Helps create uniform brownie balls.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Skimmer: For safely transferring brownies to and from the hot oil.
• Wire Rack with Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
• Whisk: For blending the batter ingredients.

Ingredients for Deep Fried Brownies

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to create these incredibly delicious deep-fried treats. Most are pantry staples, making this recipe convenient and accessible.

• Brownie Mix: One standard package, typically for a 9×13 inch pan. While a boxed mix is super convenient and ensures consistent results, feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe if you prefer. Just ensure the brownies are fully baked and cooled.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need a good quantity for deep frying the brownie fritters. Opt for a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
• Powdered Sugar: This is for dusting generously on top of the warm, fried brownie bites, adding that classic fairground dessert look and a touch more sweetness.

For the Crispy Batter

The secret to that perfect crispy coating is a simple pancake batter, which fries beautifully to create a golden shell.

• Pancake Mix: Any brand you love will work perfectly here. It provides a convenient base for the batter.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the batter together and create a smooth consistency.
• Milk: I prefer using whole milk for a richer batter, but reduced-fat milk or even a non-dairy alternative can be used if desired. It helps achieve the right consistency for dipping.
• Vegetable Oil (for batter): A small amount of oil in the batter helps make it extra crispy.

The complete list of ingredients with precise measurements and detailed recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Deep Fried Brownies

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of indulgent deep-fried brownie balls. Precision and patience are key for the best results!

Step 1: Bake the Brownies. Prepare your favorite brownie mix (or homemade recipe) according to the package instructions. Bake them in a 9X13 prepared baking pan. It’s crucial to allow the brownies to cool completely once they come out of the oven. This step is vital for easy handling and forming the brownie balls.

Step 2: Cut and Portion. Once completely cooled, carefully remove the harder edges from the brownies. Then, cut the remaining brownies into approximately 24 even squares. The edges are often tougher and don’t roll as well, so removing them ensures uniform, tender brownie balls.

Step 3: Roll and Chill. Take each brownie piece and gently roll it into a compact ball. Aim for a consistent size for even frying. Once all the brownie balls are formed, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is critical as it helps the brownies hold their shape better when dipped in batter and fried, preventing them from crumbling in the hot oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter and Oil. While your brownie balls are chilling, begin heating your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. In a separate large mixing bowl, stir together all the pancake batter ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Dip and Coat. Once the oil is at the correct temperature, retrieve your chilled brownie balls. Dip each brownie ball into the prepared pancake batter, ensuring it’s completely and evenly covered. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing it into the hot oil.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection. Carefully place a few battered brownie balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or spider skimmer, until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color on all sides. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Garnish immediately with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy them warm!

Serving Suggestions for Fried Brownies

These deep-fried brownie bites are a showstopper on their own, especially with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. However, you can make them even more indulgent with these delicious additions:

• Ice Cream: A scoop of No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream or a rich chocolate ice cream creates a heavenly hot-and-cold contrast.
• Sauces: Drizzle them with warm homemade caramel sauce, a rich chocolate sauce, or even a raspberry coulis for a fruity twist.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
• Nuts and Sprinkles: For extra crunch and color, sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or your favorite sprinkles.
• Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.

Serve these deep-fried brownie delights immediately while they are still warm and gooey inside for the best experience.

Storage and Reheating

While deep-fried brownies are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers if necessary. Refrigerate any remaining fried brownie bites in an airtight container. To prevent them from sticking together, place parchment paper in between layers. They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

To reheat, I recommend using an air fryer or oven to help bring back some of their crispiness. Pop them into an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or in an oven at the same temperature until warmed through. Microwaving is an option, but it will result in a softer texture rather than crispy. While the fried exterior might not be as perfectly crisp as when fresh, the warm, gooey interior will still be delightful.

Expert Tips for Perfect Fried Brownies

Achieving perfectly deep-fried brownies is easy with a few insider tricks:

• Use a Cookie Scoop: When forming your brownie balls, a cookie scoop makes the process much quicker and ensures that all your brownie bites are roughly the same size. Uniform size is key for even cooking.
• Chill the Brownie Bites Thoroughly: This is a non-negotiable step! Allowing the brownie balls to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before frying helps them firm up. This prevents them from disintegrating in the hot oil and helps them maintain their spherical shape, ensuring that distinct crispy exterior and gooey interior.
• Monitor Oil Temperature Closely: Consistency in oil temperature is paramount. Aim for 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cold, the brownies will soak up too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the batter will burn before the brownie inside is properly warmed through. A deep-fry thermometer is your best friend here.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the brownie bites in small batches. Overcrowding will drop the oil temperature significantly, leading to greasy brownies. Give each brownie ball enough space to fry evenly.
• Drain Excess Oil: Always transfer your fried brownies to a plate lined with paper towels immediately after removing them from the oil. This helps to absorb any excess grease, ensuring a crisp, less oily finish.
• Enough Oil is Crucial: Ensure you have at least 3 inches of vegetable oil in your deep frying pan. This allows the brownie balls to be fully submerged and cook evenly from all sides.
• Use Day-Old Brownies: If you’re baking your brownies from scratch, making them a day ahead can actually improve their texture for frying. Slightly drier brownies are easier to roll and hold their shape better.
• Powdered Sugar Immediately: For the best aesthetic and taste, dust with powdered sugar as soon as they come out of the oil and have drained briefly. The slight warmth helps the sugar adhere.

More Deep Fried Desserts to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the magic of deep-frying desserts, there’s a whole world of deliciousness waiting for you. Expand your repertoire with these other fantastic fried treats:

• Fried Oreos: A classic fair treat, these are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly addictive.
• Deep Fried Cheesecake: Crispy on the outside, creamy and rich cheesecake on the inside – pure bliss!
• Deep Fried Honey Buns: Transform store-bought honey buns into a warm, glazed, fried delight.
• Fried Cookie Dough: For raw cookie dough lovers, this takes it to a whole new level of indulgence.
• Funnel Cake Recipe: Recreate the iconic, airy, and sweet classic fair food right in your kitchen.
• Canned Biscuit Donuts Recipe: An incredibly simple way to make homemade donuts using canned biscuits.

These Deep Fried Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They embody comfort, decadence, and a touch of fun that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a unique treat, or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Don’t hesitate to give them a try!

Make this delicious dessert today and come back to leave a comment. I love hearing from you and seeing your wonderful creations!