Deep Fried Marshmallows

Posted on October 18, 2025

The Best Easy Deep Fried Marshmallows Recipe You’ll Ever Try

It was one of those rainy Saturday afternoons where nothing quite made sense. You know the type—sudden thoughts of nostalgia hit, and you find yourself reminiscing about childhood favorites. For me, it was a time spent at summer camp, gathered around a fire, roasting marshmallows to golden perfection. There was always a moment of chaos when someone accidentally dropped one into the fire, and we all gasped, melting faces of horror. I swear, time stood still as everyone whispered a silent prayer for that marshmallow’s return. Spoiler alert: it never happened.

After several years of perfecting my own kitchen skills, I stumbled upon an easy weeknight dinner idea that brought back those campfire vibes but added a twist—deep frying marshmallows. I honestly didn’t expect the result to be life-changing. But, let me tell you, those fluffy little clouds of sweetness turned into golden bites of pure joy! The mere thought still makes me giddy.

This recipe not only brings back those cozy memories but also embodies the kind of comfort that can brighten the gloomiest days. It’s messy. It’s fun. And, oh boy, is it indulgent. It’s like unearthing a hidden treasure in a treasure chest filled with “no regrets” (unless you eat too many!). So, let’s get into the details of how you can create your own culinary adventure and enjoy some healthy comfort food in an utterly decadent way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Easy: I mean, seriously, who can mess up battering marshmallows? This is literally foolproof.
Crowd-Pleaser: Invite friends over for a movie night, and guess what? They’ll remember this for years to come.
Perfect for Leftovers: If by some miracle you have extras, they’re just as delightful the next day. Trust me, reheating those golden bites is well worth it.
You Can Do It: It’s so simple, you’ll feel a little bit like a cooking wizard. You could probably whip this up before your Netflix show even starts, and you’ll look super impressive.
Freedom to Play: This recipe is versatile; you can dip them in chocolate sauce or caramel and try different toppings. Your call!
Feels Like a Hug: Seriously! As you take a bite of the crispy outer layer, you get that soft, gooey marshmallow goodness inside—that’s a warm hug from the inside out.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Aside from the nostalgic memories wrapped up in every gooey bite, there’s something truly magical about deep frying marshmallows. The batter forms a light, golden blanket around these fluffy treats, creating a wonderful contrast in texture. The crispy exterior gives way to the soft and chewy inside, as you bite into them, hot and comforting. It’s the unexpectedness of this recipe that makes it special—you think you know marshmallows, but then they surprise you. And honestly, who doesn’t love a fun kitchen experiment that ends up tasting amazing?

Ingredients

20 jumbo marshmallows: These are crucial! Regular-sized ones just don’t have that over-the-top gooeyness we’re going for.
1 cup pancake mix: It’s the perfect base for the batter—light, fluffy, and oh-so-tasty. Plus, who has time to make a batter from scratch?
⅔ cup water: This is where you can adjust for consistency. Too thick? Add more water. Too thin? A little more pancake mix will do.
Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil works best here. Avoid anything too fragrant, or you’ll mask that sweet marshmallow flavor.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): This adds a dreamy finish, but it’s totally up to you if you want a sugary kick.
Chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping (optional): Because let’s be honest, everything is better with a drizzle or dip of chocolate, right?

When it comes to budget-friendly recipes, this is a winner! Not only are the ingredients cheap, but it also requires minimal prep time and equipment.

Pro Tips:

Make sure your oil is heated to 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and it will burn; too cold, and you’ll just have soggy marshmallows. We don’t want that!
Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pot. It’s tempting to dump them all in at once, but they’ll cook unevenly. A few at a time is the way to go.
Use toothpicks or short skewers for easy dipping and frying. Just don’t stick them too far into the marshmallows—you don’t want them sticking out all awkwardly like a circus tent!

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Let’s talk about the process, shall we? I’ll guide you through this so you can avoid my earlier kitchen disasters. The first time I made deep-fried marshmallows, let’s just say… oops, I accidentally dropped in too many at once and ended up with a hot marshmallow soup. Yeah, not my finest moment.

1. Gather Your Supplies

First things first, clear off that kitchen counter. Gather all your ingredients and tools, including a large pot or deep fryer, slotted spoon, and a bowl for the batter. Ooh, the excitement begins here!

2. Prep Your Marshmallows

Grab those jumbo marshmallows and skewer one with a toothpick or skewers—this is key for easy dipping. I always end up munching on a few of the little guys while doing this, but I firmly believe that’s part of the experience.

3. Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and water until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter. You want the consistency to coat the marshmallows without sliding off. Adjust with more water or mix as needed. Honestly, it’s more forgiving than your high school math teacher. You got this!

4. Heat the Oil

In a pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Don’t rush this part! I’ve learned from painful experience that nothing good comes from a hot oil disaster. I once tried to rush it, and well, let’s just say I ended up with a smoky kitchen and a lot of splatters.

5. Dip and Fry

Now, for the fun part! Dip each marshmallow into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Carefully lower it into the hot oil. Be cautious, as hot oil can start popping—don’t want to be the latest contestant in an oil splash showdown! Depending on your fryer size, do this a few at a time. Fry for about 30–45 seconds, turning occasionally until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Hello, crunchy goodness!

6. Drain and Dust

Once they’re fried to golden perfection, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Then, if you’re feeling a little fancy, dust them with powdered sugar. Voilà! Now you’re officially ready to serve them.

Honestly, just sitting there in front of your freshly deep-fried marshmallows is bliss. The smell wafts through the room, sweet and enticing. You’ll catch yourself daydreaming about the first bite.

Tips for Best Results

Heat management is key. Keep an eye on your oil temperature; too hot means burnt marshmallows, and too cold means soggy messes. Find that happy medium!
Work in small batches to ensure uniform frying. The last thing you want is to have some undercooked and some overcooked.
Experiment with batter flavor. Add a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for added depth—hello, mouthwatering aromas!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit dietary needs or preferences:

Gluten-Free: Substitute pancake mix with a gluten-free blend that works for you.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based milk alternative combined with a vegan pancake mix, and you’ve got yourself a dairy-free treat.
Flavor Upgrades: Try rolling your marshmallows in crushed nuts or sprinkles after frying for some added crunch and sweetness. Think about making it a “party in your mouth” experience!

Serving Suggestions

If you’re like me, you can’t resist pairing these deep-fried marshmallows with something delicious. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce elevates this sweet treat to a decadent dessert. Serve them warm, fresh out of the fryer, and you’ll find they are the perfect accompaniment to a cozy movie night or even a sleepover. Pair them with a latte or hot cocoa, and trust me, that’s perfection!

And if you’re feeling a bit cheeky, why not chase your bites with a fun rom-com? There’s just something about this combo that feels like an absolute hug on a plate.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let’s be real: leftovers might not last long once these beauties come out. But if you manage to have some left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds (but beware, as they’ll get gooey!).

Pro tip: don’t reheat in the oven! I learned the hard way with a batch that ended up as a sticky pancake. It was like cleaning a culinary crime scene.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Okay, so here’s a little secret: these marshmallows are best eaten fresh, but if you must, freeze the cooked marshmallows (once cooled) individually on a baking sheet. After they’re frozen, toss them into a freezer-safe bag. When the craving strikes, just reheat them for 15 seconds in the microwave!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the right oil temperature: I can’t stress this enough; use a thermometer! You want the oil hot enough to fry but not so hot that it catches fire.
Using too much batter: Trust me, nobody likes a marshmallow that looks like a batter blob. Dip just enough to coat, and let that excess drip off.
Overcrowding the frying pot: I’ve definitely tried cramming in too many marshmallows at once, and trust me—it’s a recipe for disaster. Stick to a few at a time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of jumbo?
Absolutely, but keep an eye on your frying time, as they’ll cook faster.

Can these be made in advance?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze them for later. Just know the texture won’t be the same once they’re reheated!

What’s the best way to serve these?
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, and don’t forget the powdered sugar dusting! Pairing them with whipped cream will also elevate your dessert game.

How long do deep-fried marshmallows last?
If stored properly, they can last for about 1–2 days at room temperature.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Large pot or deep fryer
Slotted spoon for easy retrieval
Skewers or toothpicks for dipping
Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
A thermometer for checking oil temperature (trust me, it’ll save you a lot of hassle!)

Final Thoughts

Making deep-fried marshmallows takes me straight back to my carefree camp days, but they also remind me how simple joys can turn into cherished memories. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with family and friends, these bites offer up warmth and happiness in every crunch and gooey bite.

If you’ve never made them, I encourage you to dive in and enjoy the messiness of it all. Cooking is meant to be fun, and this recipe is a delightful testament to that notion.

Remember, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! You never know who might need a little deep-fried sweetness in their life. Happy cooking!