National Junk Food Day: Sweet Treats You Can Make with Your Toastmaster Faves

July 21 is National Junk Food Day, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, today’s the day to let it run wild. From crunchy, melty, gooey snacks to candy-covered creations, we’re showing you how to take your favorite kitchen appliances from Select Brands and turn them into a full-on sugar party.

No deep fryers, mixers, or complicated baking required, just your air fryer, toaster oven, and popcorn maker. Let’s turn up the flavor and celebrate junk food the homemade way.

Skip the Snack Aisle, Make It Yourself

What makes junk food so lovable is that it’s indulgent and playful. When you make it at home, you’re in control of the toppings, the twists, and the over-the-top combinations. It’s DIY dessert chaos, and it’s the most fun you’ll have in the kitchen all year.

Below are five sweet recipes made with your favorite kitchen MVPs. They’re easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough to post.

1. Air Fryer Glazed Donut Holes with the TRU 8 Quart Air Fryer

Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and dripping with sugary goodness.

You’ll Need:

• Refrigerated biscuit dough
  
• Melted butter
  
• Cinnamon sugar
  
• Glaze (1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla)

How To Make It:

1. Cut biscuit dough into quarters and roll into balls.
   
2. Preheat the TRU Air Fryer to 350°F. Place balls in the basket, spaced apart.
   
3. Lightly brush with butter and air fry for 5–7 minutes until golden.
   
4. While warm, roll in cinnamon sugar or dip in glaze.
   
5. Let glaze set before serving.
   

Extra Tip: Want a surprise inside? Pipe in jelly or hazelnut spread after cooking.

2. S’mores Dip in the Toastmaster Toaster Oven

This is what happens when campfire vibes meet toaster convenience.

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
  
• Graham crackers or pretzel sticks
  
• Oven-safe ramekin or small dish

How To Make It:

1. Preheat Toastmaster Toaster Oven to 375°F.
   
2. Layer chocolate chips at the bottom of the ramekin.
   
3. Top with marshmallows and bake for 6–8 minutes, until golden and gooey.
   
4. Serve warm with dippers.

Flavor Twist: Mix in peanut butter cups, caramel squares, or a layer of cookie butter beneath the chocolate. 

3. Sweet & Salty Candy Popcorn in the Toastmaster Popcorn Maker

A crunchy, colorful mix that disappears way too fast.

You’ll Need:

• Popcorn kernels
  
• Mini pretzels
  
• Melted butter
• M&M’s or candy of choice
  
• White chocolate or milk chocolate drizzle

How To Make It:

1. Pop a batch of popcorn in your Toastmaster Stir Popcorn Maker.
   
2. Toss with melted butter and a pinch of salt while still warm.
   
3. Mix in crushed pretzels and candies.
   
4. Drizzle with melted chocolate and spread onto a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden.

Make It Yours: Try peanut butter chips, mini marshmallows, or cereal clusters for a trail-mix-inspired twist.

4. Strawberry Cheesecake Dessert Nachos in the Toastmaster Toaster Oven

Crispy graham tortilla chips + creamy cheesecake + fruity syrup = YES.

Cheesecake Mixture:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  
• ½ cup powdered sugar
  
• ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
  
• 3 tsp lemon juice
  
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  
• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  

Tortilla “Chips”:

• 7 graham crackers, blended into crumbs
  
• 2 tsp brown sugar
  
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
  
• Small flour tortillas
  
• Melted butter for brushing
  

Toppings:

• Strawberry syrup
  
• Birthday cake whipped cream (or regular whipped topping)
  

How To Make It:

1. Preheat Toastmaster Toaster Oven to 350°F.
   
2. Cut tortillas into triangles. Brush with melted butter and press into the graham sugar mixture on both sides.
   
3. Place on a lined tray and bake 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
   
4. While chips bake, blend cheesecake mixture ingredients until smooth and fluffy.
   
5. Once chips cool, top with cheesecake dollops, strawberry syrup, and whipped cream.
   

Optional Add-Ons: Fresh strawberries, mini white chocolate chips, or sprinkles for a birthday cake vibe.

The Appliances Behind the Magic

You don’t need a professional bakery setup to make creative desserts at home, just these three Select Brands staples:

• Air Fryer: Perfect for quick sweets with crispy edges and golden finishes.
  
• Toaster Oven: Ideal for smaller bakes, melting, or toasting without heating the whole kitchen.
  
• Popcorn Maker: More than a movie-night essential, it’s a base for sweet and salty snack combos.
  
  

Tips for Junk Food Joy

• Work in small batches if you're layering or decorating, sugar hardens fast.
  
• Line your trays to make cleanup painless.
  
• Customize toppings to match your candy drawer or what’s already in the pantry.
  
• Serve warm when possible. Melty chocolate and gooey fillings always hit harder.
  

Celebrate Junk Food Your Way with Select Brands

National Junk Food Day is all about living deliciously, and you don’t need to leave the house to make it feel special. With a few staple ingredients, your go-to appliances, and a sense of adventure, you can whip up homemade sweets that are wild, nostalgic, and undeniably fun.

Ready to snack like a pro?
Grab your air fryer, toaster oven, or popcorn maker and recreate one (or all) of these sweet, craveable recipes. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us using #selectbrands we want to see how you celebrate Junk Food Day your way!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these recipes with any air fryer, toaster oven, or popcorn maker?

Yes, these recipes can be made with most air fryers, toaster ovens, and popcorn makers. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and wattage of your appliance, so keep an eye on your food as it cooks. Always refer to your appliance's user manual for recommended temperature settings and capacity guidelines. Small adjustments can help you achieve the best results every time.

Can I customize these dessert recipes with different toppings?

Absolutely. One of the best parts of making homemade treats is adding your favorite flavors and toppings. Swap candies, drizzle different chocolates, add sprinkles, fresh fruit, crushed cookies, or flavored syrups to make each recipe your own. These recipes are easy to adapt using ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Can I prepare these desserts ahead of time?

Some recipes can be made in advance, while others are best enjoyed fresh. Candy popcorn stores well in an airtight container for several days, making it a great make-ahead snack. Dessert nachos and s'mores dip are at their best when served warm, while donut holes taste freshest the day they are made. Preparing ingredients ahead of time can make assembly even quicker when you're ready to serve.

What are some fun ways to serve these desserts for a party?

Arrange the treats on a dessert board with bowls of extra toppings, dipping sauces, and candies so guests can customize their own creations. You can also set up a DIY dessert station where everyone builds their favorite combination. Serving warm desserts alongside cold ice cream or whipped cream creates an even more indulgent experience. These recipes are perfect for birthdays, movie nights, game days, and National Junk Food Day celebrations.

What kitchen appliances are best for making quick homemade desserts?

Small kitchen appliances make dessert preparation faster and more convenient without using a full-size oven. An air fryer creates crispy treats in minutes, a toaster oven is perfect for baking and melting, and a popcorn maker makes fresh popcorn for sweet snack mixes. These versatile appliances can be used for far more than everyday meals, making them valuable additions to any kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, they help turn everyday snacks into fun homemade desserts.