Carnival food is messy, over-the-top, and completely worth it. There’s just something about sugary fingers and buttery paper plates that brings out everyone’s inner kid. With the right Carnival Treats, you can recreate that fairground magic right at home—no ticket required. These crowd-pleasers are fun to make, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to cause a few sticky smiles. Consider it your excuse to embrace a little chaos in the sweetest way possible.

Air Fryer Strawberry Cupcakes

Air Fryer Strawberry Cupcakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.
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Real strawberries bring fresh flavor to a quick mix. The cakes stay soft and hold frosting without sinking. Garnish with sliced berries for color. Serve chilled on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Strawberry Cupcakes

Air Fryer Zeppole Fried Dough Balls (From Pizza Dough)

Air Fryer Zeppole Fried Dough Balls (From Pizza Dough). Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Pizza dough turns into soft, bite-size puffs with a light golden crust. Toss with powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve with warm Nutella or jam. They reheat well for snacks later.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zeppole Fried Dough Balls (From Pizza Dough)

Air Fryer Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Air Fryer Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Cocoa and pumpkin team up for a rich, balanced cupcake. The air fryer gives a gentle rise and a soft crumb. Finish with simple cream cheese frosting. They’re a nice change from plain chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes

Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

A cherry center adds sweetness to a light chocolate base. Cupcakes bake fast and release clean from liners. Top with whipped cream or a cherry glaze. They’re great for birthdays or weeknight treats.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes

Publix Sugar Cookies Recipe

Publix Sugar Cookies Recipe. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

These cookies bake up soft in the center with lightly crisp edges. The dough chills well and cuts into clean shapes. Top with simple icing and sanding sugar. They hold their texture for a few days.
Get the Recipe: Publix Sugar Cookies Recipe

Copycat Hostess Powdered Donettes

Copycat Hostess Powdered Donettes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Mini doughnuts fry up light and then get a generous powdered sugar coat. The crumb stays soft, and the sugar sticks without clumping. Serve with coffee or milk. Store in a tin to keep them fresh.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hostess Powdered Donettes

Air Fryer Andes Mint Cupcakes

Air Fryer Andes Mint Cupcakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Chocolate batter bakes evenly in the air fryer and stays moist. A minty frosting or chopped mints on top adds a cool finish. They’re easy to portion and decorate. Keep a few in the fridge for quick desserts.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Andes Mint Cupcakes

Air Fryer Twinkies

Air Fryer Twinkies. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Snack cakes gain a crisp shell while the center stays creamy. They cook fast and can be finished with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel. Try different coatings like crushed cookies for fun. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twinkies

Air Fryer Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

Air Fryer Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Chocolate cookie crusts support creamy strawberry cheesecake filling. The air fryer bakes them evenly with minimal cracking. Chill before serving for clean slices. They’re portioned perfectly for small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Strawberry Mini Cheesecakes

Air Fryer Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Air Fryer Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Batter bakes right inside flat-bottom cones, so serving is simple. The cones stay crisp while the cake stays tender. Add frosting and sprinkles for party flair. Kids love that there’s no extra plates to wash.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Air Fryer Apple Pie Pops

Air Fryer Apple Pie Pops. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Small pie rounds on sticks bake evenly and hold their shape. The filling stays juicy without leaking. Brush with cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style touch. They’re easy to pass around at parties.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Pops

Air Fryer Elephant Ears

Air Fryer Elephant Ears. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Puff pastry or simple dough fries up flat and golden with a cinnamon sugar coating. The texture is flaky, and it keeps a pleasant crunch. Serve warm for the best bite. Add them to your Carnival Treats list for an easy crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Elephant Ears

Air Fryer Turkey Cupcakes

Air Fryer Turkey Cupcakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Vanilla or spice cupcakes get decorated with candy “feathers” for a seasonal look. They bake evenly and cool fast, which speeds up decorating. Use store-bought frosting to keep prep short. They’re fun for classroom or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Cupcakes

Easy Air Fried Oreos With Pancake Batter

Easy Air Fried Oreos With Pancake Batter. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

These cookies get dipped in quick pancake batter and air fried until light and crisp. Inside stays warm and gooey without being messy. Dust with powdered sugar and serve right away. They’re simple enough for a fast dessert at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fried Oreos With Pancake Batter

Air Fryer Oreo Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Oreo Egg Rolls. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Crushed cookies and cream cheese fill crisp wrappers for a warm dessert roll. They seal easily and cook fast. Dust with sugar and serve with chocolate sauce. They’re a playful pick for Carnival Treats fans.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oreo Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Cinnamon Churro Bites

Air Fryer Cinnamon Churro Bites. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Small dough pieces cook up crisp, then get rolled in cinnamon sugar for a classic finish. They stay light, yet they hold their shape after cooling. Serve with chocolate or caramel sauce. Kids can help toss them in sugar.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Churro Bites

Air Fryer Funnel Cakes

Air Fryer Funnel Cakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

A quick batter streams into the basket and cooks into tender, lacy cakes. They hold powdered sugar well and don’t turn greasy. Stack a few and serve with berries. This belongs in any Carnival Treats roundup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Funnel Cakes

Instant Pot Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Instant Pot Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

These bars blend banana pudding mix with marshmallow and cereal for a chewy square. They set up cleanly and cut without crumbling. Store chilled for a firmer bite, or room temp for a softer feel. Great for lunch boxes or bake sales.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Instant Pot Funnel Cakes

Instant Pot Funnel Cakes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Bread rolls around strawberries and cream cheese, then cooks to a light crunch. A cinnamon sugar coating adds a little sweetness. Serve with maple syrup for dipping. It’s a quick breakfast-for-dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Funnel Cakes

Air Fryer Strawberry French Toast Roll-up

Air Fryer Strawberry French Toast Roll-up. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Bread rolls around strawberries and cream cheese, then cooks to a light crunch. A cinnamon sugar coating adds a little sweetness. Serve with maple syrup for dipping. It’s a quick breakfast-for-dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Strawberry French Toast Roll-up

Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff

Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Marshmallow fluff melts smoothly for extra-chewy bars that hold together well. A little butter keeps them soft for days. Press into a lined pan and cool before cutting. Add chocolate chips for a quick upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Fluff

Air Fryer Fruity Pebbles Treats

Air Fryer Fruity Pebbles Treats. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Cereal bars pick up bright color and crunch, yet still slice cleanly. The air fryer helps set them without heating the whole kitchen. Pack them for picnics or after-school snacks. A white chocolate drizzle adds a neat finish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fruity Pebbles Treats

Fruity Pebbles Banana Pops

Fruity Pebbles Banana Pops. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Frozen banana halves get coated in yogurt and cereal for a chilled snack. They set firm and don’t drip much. Wrap individually for grab-and-go treats. Kids enjoy choosing their own toppings.
Get the Recipe: Fruity Pebbles Banana Pops

Easy Acorn Donut Holes

Easy Acorn Donut Holes. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

Cake doughnut holes get dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts for a cute acorn look. They set quickly and travel well. Serve on a platter with toothpicks. They’re a fast fall snack for parties.
Get the Recipe: Easy Acorn Donut Holes

Air Fryer Fried Dough

Air Fryer Fried Dough. Image Credit: Fork to Spoon.

This shortcut dough puffs nicely and browns evenly in the air fryer. A brush of butter helps the sugar stick while keeping the center soft. Cut into shareable pieces for parties. It fits right in with classic Carnival Treats.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Dough