Carnival Food Recipe Roundup

Carnivals and fairs all across America are canceled this year thanks to Covid and this has me absolutely devastated. My favorite way to ring in fall every single year is to eat my weight in fried food at The Big E. This multi-state fair is only about 20 minutes from where I live. I usually like to go at least twice, if not more. Something about walking around the fair, shopping for flannel, fall beer in hand, planning out what I’m going to eat in 20 minutes, and then in 40 minutes, and then in 60 minutes etc. etc. just fills my happiness cup right the heck up. So, a few months back when I found out that The Big E was canceled for 2020 just like everything else fun under the sun, I was quite sad indeed.

And then I had an idea. I reasoned, since I was missing fair food this year, I thought some other foodies out there might be crying themselves to sleep at night over the potential lack of fried Oreos in their stomachs as well. So my idea was, why not just make all the same foods I love, right in the comfort of my own home? (Read: sweatpants.) I can do it healthier, and probably cheaper too. So that’s exactly what this recipe roundup is meant to do! I have to warn you, however, I highly suggest owning an air fryer before you start scrolling. You really kinda need one to have a good time here, and the last thing I want to do is get your hopes up. Here’s the air fryer I have and I absolutely love it.

So let’s get started! We’ll do savory to sweet, but if you’re a rebel and like to eat dessert first (hey I get it, life’s uncertain) I won’t tell!

First up – carbs! Does this shock anyone? You know I need potatoes on the daily to function.

Next up – wings! I’ve got a few different options for you to choose from here.

Now it’s time for some other appetizer-type foods you may have spotted around your local fair!

A nice, hot bowl of soup can be just the ticket on a cool fall evening.

Burgers and pizza! Some people like to play it safe when they go to the fair. That’s cool by me and I’ve got something for them too!

Okay, we’ve reached my personal favorite. It’s time for something sweet!

And there you have it! 27 fabulous ideas that will have your family thinking they’re at the fair after all! Now that all is said and done, only one question remains. What are you making first?!