The Minnesota State Fair is, in my opinion, the most fun experience you can have in the Twin Cities.

It’s the second largest state fair in the U.S., attendance-wise, behind Texas. In 2016, 1.9 million people visited the fair.

It’s a grand 12-day event. And my favorite part about it – no surprise here – is the food!

Minnesota State Fair Recipes

I’m thrilled to be teaming up with other bloggers to bring you 8 Minnesota State Fair copycat recipes. If you can’t make it to the fair, you can still enjoy the food with these fun recipes:

What Do You Eat At The Fair?

What’s the one food you HAVE to get when visiting the Minnesota State Fair (or your local county or state fair?)

I always get the fried green tomatoes. Be sure to try them if you go to the fair this year. They’re in the same booth as the corn fritters (they’re also really good!) The booth is located on the south side of Dan Patch Avenue, between Underwood and Cooper streets.

This recipe is inspired by the corn fritters. I considered making fried green tomatoes, but I wasn’t confident that I could do the originals justice.

About The Recipe: Corn Fritters With Maple Butter

When I go to food at the Minnesota State Fair, I don’t hold back. It’s by far my favorite food event of the year. I like to try a variety of new foods, and I don’t think about nutrition at all.

This is how you should approach this recipe: It’s not healthy. But it’s delicious.

These fritters walk the line between dessert and appetizer. Imagine a less-sweet donut with corn inside, finished with a decadent maple butter glaze.

Another great thing about this recipe? The cost. Pantry staples like flour, eggs, and creamed corn make this recipe extremely affordable.

Deep Frying 101

If you’re leery of deep frying, don’t be. Here are answers to some questions you may have:

Do I need a deep fryer? No. You can use a heavy pot instead.

No. You can use a heavy pot instead. What kind of oil should I use? Peanut oil is considered the best oil for deep frying. I used canola oil. You can also use coconut oil, vegetable oil, safflower oil, or avocado oil. A high heat oil is best suited for deep frying.

Peanut oil is considered the best oil for deep frying. I used canola oil. You can also use coconut oil, vegetable oil, safflower oil, or avocado oil. A high heat oil is best suited for deep frying. How hot does the oil have to be? You’ll need to heat the oil to 365F. If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a bit of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is probably hot enough. If it doesn’t sizzle, keep heating the oil.

You’ll need to heat the oil to 365F. If you don’t have a food thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a bit of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is probably hot enough. If it doesn’t sizzle, keep heating the oil. Can I reuse leftover oil? You can reuse leftover oil once or twice. Once the oil has cooled, pour it through a fine-meshed sieve lined with paper towels or cheese cloth to remove any leftover fried bits. Store the oil in a cool, dry place. What to make? Try: Breakfast croquettes Thanksgiving leftover croquettes Spicy buttermilk chicken and waffle bites

You can reuse leftover oil once or twice. Once the oil has cooled, pour it through a fine-meshed sieve lined with paper towels or cheese cloth to remove any leftover fried bits. Store the oil in a cool, dry place. What to make? Try: How do I dispose of excess oil? DO NOT pour leftover oil down the drain. Pour oil into a sealed container (a leftover glass jar works well) and throw it away.

Get other MN State Fair copycat recipes: