Homemade Deep Fried Oreos: Your Guide to Perfect Fair-Style Treats

Craving the irresistible taste of classic Deep Fried Oreos? Now you can enjoy this beloved carnival treat right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price! This incredibly simple recipe requires only six basic ingredients, allowing you to whip up a batch of decadent fried Oreos that taste exactly like the ones from your favorite fair or state carnival. Forget long lines and expensive vendors; delightful, crispy, and gooey deep-fried goodness is just minutes away.

We absolutely adore deep-fried Oreos when visiting the fair, and after numerous attempts, we’ve perfected a homemade version that is truly spectacular. The magical combination of a warm, crispy exterior, a soft, melted Oreo interior, and a dusting of sweet confectioner’s sugar creates a treat that’s impossible to resist. It’s a sensory experience that brings the joy of the carnival directly to your home.

If you’re a fan of fried desserts, be sure to also try our Deep Fried Marshmallows for a fluffy, toasted delight, or our easy Funnel Cake with Pancake Mix for another fairground classic made simple.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these homemade deep-fried Oreos have become a household favorite. Often, the craving for a truly unique dessert hits when the local carnival isn’t around. This recipe provides an instant solution, bringing that nostalgic taste and texture of fair food directly to you, without the need to wait or travel. It’s perfect for satisfying those spontaneous sweet cravings!

Beyond convenience, the simplicity and affordability are major selling points. With a minimal list of just six common kitchen ingredients, preparing these treats couldn’t be easier. My kids, who are self-proclaimed deep-fried Oreo connoisseurs from countless fair visits, enthusiastically declared this homemade version an absolute triumph. They confirmed it tasted just as authentic and delicious as their fairground favorites, perhaps even better because they were made with love at home!

Making deep-fried Oreos at home also transforms dessert preparation into a fun, interactive activity. It’s a fantastic way to involve children in the kitchen (with adult supervision during frying, of course) and create lasting memories. Plus, the cost savings are substantial. Buying these treats at an event can quickly add up, but making them from scratch ensures you get a generous quantity of warm, gooey, perfectly fried cookies for a fraction of the price, making it an incredibly frugal and satisfying option for any sweet tooth.

Essential Ingredients for Deep Fried Oreos

Creating these golden, crispy deep-fried Oreos is surprisingly simple, thanks to a short and sweet ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Oreo Cookies: The star of our show! We typically opt for the classic, regular-sized Oreos for their perfect cookie-to-creme ratio, which becomes wonderfully warm and melted when fried. However, feel free to experiment with any of your favorite Oreo varieties.
• Pancake Mix: This is our secret weapon for an effortlessly perfect batter. Any brand of pancake mix will work beautifully, providing a quick and easy base. For those who enjoy from-scratch cooking, our homemade pancake mix recipe is also an excellent option.
• Egg: A single large egg is crucial for binding the batter ingredients together, ensuring a smooth consistency and helping the coating adhere perfectly to the cookies. Using a room temperature egg can help achieve a more uniform batter.
• Milk: We recommend whole milk for the richest, most decadent batter and overall flavor. The fat content contributes to a tender interior. However, reduced-fat milk can also be used if preferred, with minor changes to the texture.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this both as an ingredient in the pancake batter and, more importantly, for deep frying the Oreos. Ensure you have enough oil to submerge the cookies completely during frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Powdered Sugar: The final touch! A generous dusting of powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a beautiful, classic fairground aesthetic to your freshly fried Oreos.

You can find the precise measurements for each of these ingredients in the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Variations and Toppings

While classic deep-fried Oreos are fantastic on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and even the Oreo flavors themselves! These simple variations can elevate your homemade treats to new levels of deliciousness.

• Toppings Galore:
  • Cinnamon Sugar: For a churro-like twist, skip the powdered sugar and toss your hot fried Oreos in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar.
  • Chocolate Syrup: A drizzle of chocolate syrup adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, complementing the Oreo flavor.
  • Hot Fudge Sauce: For a truly indulgent experience, a warm, rich hot fudge sauce is unbeatable.
  • Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you prefer a buttery, sweet alternative to powdered sugar, a luscious caramel sauce makes for an incredible addition.
  • Whipped Cream & Ice Cream: Serve your warm fried Oreos with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful hot-and-cold dessert sensation.
  • Sprinkles: For a festive touch, especially if serving at a party, add some colorful sprinkles!
• Oreo Flavor Adventures: Don’t limit yourself to the original! I’ve personally tried and loved frying various Oreo flavors, each offering a unique twist:
  • Double Stuf Oreos: For an extra creamy, melted center.
  • Golden Oreos: A vanilla-flavored cookie and creme, offering a lighter, buttery taste when fried.
  • Mint Oreos: The minty creme creates a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy batter.
  • Birthday Cake Oreos: Funfetti creme adds a festive, sweet surprise.
  • Seasonal Flavors: Keep an eye out for holiday-themed or limited-edition Oreos to experiment with!
• Oil Selection: While vegetable oil is standard and works well, you can also use other oils with high smoke points like canola oil or peanut oil. These oils are ideal for deep frying as they can reach high temperatures without burning, ensuring your Oreos fry evenly to a perfect golden brown without imparting an off-flavor.
• Vanilla Extract in Batter: For an extra layer of flavor in your pancake coating, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter mixture. It enhances the sweetness and aroma, making the crispy shell even more delightful.

How to Make Fried Oreos Step-by-Step

Making these deep-fried Oreos is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step will ensure perfect, fair-quality results every time. Follow these simple instructions for a truly indulgent treat:

Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil. Begin by pouring about 3 inches of vegetable oil (or another high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil) into a heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven, or your deep fryer. Place the pot over medium-high heat. It’s crucial to use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for a steady 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature is key to preventing greasy Oreos (if too cold) or burnt exteriors (if too hot).

Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter. While the oil heats, prepare your pancake batter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, egg, milk, and the two teaspoons of vegetable oil. Whisk all the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and relatively lump-free. The consistency should be thick enough to cling to an Oreo cookie, but not so thick that it becomes clumpy. If it seems too thin, add a little more pancake mix; if too thick, a splash of milk will help.

Step 3: Dip and Fry. Once your oil reaches 350°F and the batter is ready, carefully dip each Oreo cookie into the pancake batter, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Use tongs or a fork to lift the coated Oreo, allowing any excess batter to drip off. Gently place the battered Oreo into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry only a few Oreos at a time to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden. Allow the Oreos to fry for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally with your tongs or slotted spoon to ensure even browning. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color all over the crispy coating. Once they’ve reached this perfect hue, carefully remove the deep-fried Oreos from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider, allowing any excess grease to drain back into the pot.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil. Transfer the hot, fried Oreos to a serving plate or baking sheet generously lined with paper towels. The paper towels will efficiently absorb any lingering excess oil, ensuring your treats are crispy and not greasy. You can also place them on a wire rack set over paper towels for even better drainage and air circulation.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately. Once drained, gently transfer the warm deep-fried Oreos to your serving platter. Finish them off with a generous sifting of powdered sugar over the top. This classic touch adds sweetness and enhances their visual appeal, giving them that authentic fairground look. Serve these delightful treats immediately while they are still warm and the Oreo inside is perfectly melted.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While deep-fried Oreos are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, right after frying, you can store any leftovers to enjoy later. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Be aware that the crispy exterior will soften considerably once stored.

When it comes to reheating, to best revive their texture, I highly recommend reheating them in hot oil. This method will help restore that coveted crispy outside. You can briefly refry them at 350°F (175°C) for about 1-2 minutes until they are heated through and the coating is crispy again. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer or even a conventional oven to crisp them up, though deep-frying offers the best results for replicating the original texture. Remember, these are truly at their peak when served warm and fresh, so prioritize immediate enjoyment!

Pro Tips for Perfect Deep Fried Oreos

Achieving deep-fried Oreo perfection is easier with a few expert tips. Keep these in mind to ensure your homemade treats are as good as, if not better than, the ones from the fair:

• Master the Oil Temperature: This is arguably the most crucial tip for successful deep frying. Always use a deep-frying thermometer to ensure your oil is consistently at 350°F (175°C).
  • Too Cold Oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter will absorb too much oil, resulting in greasy, soggy Oreos.
  • Too Hot Oil: If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn and become dark brown before the Oreo inside has a chance to fully warm and soften, leading to an unpleasant texture.
  • Correction: Adjust your heat as needed between batches. If the temperature drops, let it come back up before adding more Oreos.
• Perfect Batter Consistency: The batter needs to be just right to properly coat the Oreos.
  • Too Thin Batter: If your batter is dripping excessively off the Oreos, it’s too thin. Gradually add a tablespoon or two more of pancake mix until it reaches a consistency that coats the cookie well and doesn’t run off instantly.
  • Too Thick Batter: If the batter is clumpy or too heavy, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it’s smooth and easily coats the cookie.
• Don’t Waste Leftover Batter: Don’t throw away any leftover pancake batter! It’s a versatile base for frying other sweet snacks. Get creative and try dipping and frying chocolate chip cookies, Twinkies, or even small pieces of cheesecake for another delightful fried dessert. Fried fruit slices like banana or apple also work wonderfully.
• Serve Deep-Fried Oreos Fresh: For the ultimate experience, serve your deep-fried Oreos immediately after they’ve been fried and lightly cooled for a moment. This is when the batter is at its crispiest and the Oreo creme is wonderfully melted and warm. While they can be made a few hours ahead, their texture will begin to change, becoming softer over time.
• Thoroughly Drain Excess Grease: After removing the Oreos from the hot oil, always place them on a plate lined with several layers of paper towels or a wire rack set over paper towels. This step is vital to absorb any excess oil, ensuring your treats are deliciously crispy and not greasy or heavy.
• Frying Safety First: Always exercise caution when deep-frying. Never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a lid nearby to smother any flames if necessary, and ensure a fire extinguisher is accessible. Keep children and pets away from the hot oil. Carefully dispose of cooled oil once you’re finished.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: Frying too many Oreos at once will significantly drop the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking and greasy results. Work in small batches to maintain optimal oil temperature and achieve consistent golden-brown perfection.

More Oreo Desserts to Explore

If you’re an Oreo enthusiast, there’s a whole world of delicious desserts waiting for you. Here are some other fantastic Oreo-inspired recipes to try:

• Oreo Dirt Cake Recipe
• Oreo Poke Cake Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Oreos
• Air Fryer Oreos
• Oreo Truffle Recipe – 3 Ingredient No Bake Oreo Balls

More Fried Dessert Ideas

Beyond Oreos, the world of fried desserts offers endless indulgent possibilities. If you loved these, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious fried treats:

• Deep Fried Bananas Recipe
• Deep Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• Fried Ice Cream
• Deep Fried Cheesecake
• Fried Apple Pies
• Funnel Cake Recipe

Don’t wait for the next fair to enjoy these delectable deep-fried Oreos. Make them today and bring the carnival experience home! Please leave a comment and let us know how much you enjoyed this recipe once you give it a try.

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Deep Fried Oreos

4.84 from 54 votes

Enjoy Deep Fried Oreos at home for a fraction of the price! You only need 6 ingredients to make this decadent recipe for fried Oreos. It tastes just like the ones at the fair.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 9 minutes mins

Servings 20

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Calories 97

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

• ▢ 20 Oreo cookies
• ▢ 1.5 cups pancake mix any kind will work – or our homemade pancake mix
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 cup milk
• ▢ 2 teaspoons vegetable oil plus more for frying
• ▢ 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

• Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot.
• Place the pancake mix, egg, milk and 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a bowl. Stir to combine.
• Dip each Oreo into the batter, then place in the oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over.
• Place the Oreos on a serving plate and sift powdered sugar over the top.

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Nutrition Facts

Calories 97kcal, Carbohydrates 13g, Protein 2g, Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 16mg, Sodium 113mg, Potassium 64mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 7g, Vitamin A 56IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 39mg, Iron 1mg

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