If you’re craving a warm, cozy dessert that melts in your mouth, this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is just the ticket. These homemade fried apple pies feature tender, cinnamon-spiced apples tucked inside flaky puff pastry, then fried until golden and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar—pure comfort in every bite.

A white plate holds seven golden brown, rectangular fried pastries stacked in a slightly uneven pile. Each pastry has a textured, crimped edge and is dusted with a fine layer of cinnamon sugar, giving them a sparkling, slightly rough surface. To the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth caramel sauce, glossy and rich in color. A small green mint leaf rests near the bottom left of the plate, adding a touch of fresh color. The background shows a white marbled surface with a green apple and a blue and white striped cloth partially visible in the top area. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I could eat these crispy fried apple pies every day once fall rolls around. They’re not just a treat for your taste buds but surprisingly straightforward to make at home.

Homemade with love: Unlike store-bought, these pies are made from scratch with fresh Granny Smith apples for that perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Golden and crispy: The puff pastry fries up beautifully flaky and crisp, making every bite utterly addictive.
Quick preparation: With just 15 minutes prep and cook times, plus a short chill, you’ll have dessert ready faster than you’d expect.
Customizable serving: Serve them as is or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, look for high-quality ingredients that will elevate those simple flavors. Puff pastry is your crisp, flaky wrapper, and tart Granny Smith apples make the filling sing with just the right touch of zing.

Flat lay of a small stack of thawed puff pastry sheets, a white ceramic bowl filled with diced green Granny Smith apples, a small white bowl of golden brown sugar, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of ground cloves, a small white bowl with a few cubes of fresh yellow butter, a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl containing granulated white sugar, and a small white bowl of amber caramel sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff pastry sheets: This flaky, buttery base crisps up so beautifully when fried, giving you that irresistible outer shell.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, keeping the filling balanced and fresh-tasting.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that complement the apples perfectly.
Cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice, essential for any apple dessert.
Nutmeg: A hint of earthiness that rounds out the spice profile.
Ground cloves: Adds a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the apples.
Butter: Enriches the filling with a silky texture and boosts flavor.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly gooey, not runny, while frying.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for that finishing sugary crunch on the outside.
Caramel sauce: Optional but highly recommended to dip or drizzle for extra indulgence.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point and enough depth to submerge the pies safely.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to adapt for dietary needs or add a seasonal twist, these pies welcome your personal touch.

Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve swapped the puff pastry for a gluten-free dough before and still ended up with a flaky crust – just be sure to chill the dough well before frying for best results.
Apple Mix-Up: Using a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples adds a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. It’s a small change but really elevates the flavor.
Spice It Differently: Beyond the classic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, I love adding a pinch of cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist that’s unexpected and delicious.
Healthier Alternative: Instead of deep frying, you can bake the pies at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. The texture differs slightly but still satisfies that apple pie craving with less oil.
Seasonal Flair: Stir in some diced pears or cranberries into the apple filling during fall for a festive spin on these fried pies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe

The image shows a white plate with four golden-brown rectangular fried pastries stacked closely together. One pastry on top is opened at the end, revealing small, shiny, cooked apple pieces inside with a light glaze. The pastries have a crunchy-looking texture dusted with a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, giving them a slightly rough surface. Near the bottom left of the plate, there is a small sprig of fresh green mint as garnish. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry Like a Pro

Start by cutting each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 4 equal pieces and laying them out on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Keeping the pastry chilled and separated like this makes filling and folding easier later on. I find that working swiftly before the pastry warms up helps keep that flaky texture you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Cook Your Apple Filling to Perfection

In a medium pan over medium heat, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. Stir in the butter until it's fully melted and incorporated, creating a luscious filling that’s bursting with warm spices.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling Just Right

Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then whisk this slurry into your hot apple mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, so the filling thickens nicely and holds together without being too runny. Let the filling cool slightly – this makes it easier to handle during assembly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies with Care

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Lightly brush the edges with water – this acts like glue to seal the pies tight. Fold the pastry over to form a neat rectangle and press the edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a classic look and extra seal against any escaping filling.

Step 5: Chill Before Frying

Pop the assembled pies into the freezer for 20 minutes. Chilling them helps the pastry hold its shape and reduces the risk of them bursting open when fried. This little step makes a big difference in getting that perfect golden crust.

Step 6: Heat the Oil to the Right Temperature

Fill a deep pot or fryer with about 3 inches of oil and use a frying or candy thermometer to bring it up to 350°F. Maintaining this temperature is key to frying your pies evenly without absorbing too much oil. Too hot and the crust will burn; too cool and it becomes greasy.

Step 7: Fry Until Gorgeous and Golden

Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, giving them room to float and bubble away. Fry for 5-6 minutes until the puff pastry is deeply golden and cooked through. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pies to paper towels to drain any excess oil—this keeps them crisp rather than soggy.

Step 8: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, sprinkle your fried pies generously with a mixture of granulated sugar and the remaining 3½ teaspoons of cinnamon. This sweet, fragrant coating perfectly complements the tender apple filling inside and gives each bite a delightful crunch.

Step 9: Serve Warm with Optional Caramel Sauce

Let the pies cool just enough so they won't burn your mouth—about a few minutes—and then enjoy! For an extra indulgence, dip them in caramel sauce. The combination of crisp, cinnamon sugar crust and the gooey caramel is truly irresistible.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of these crispy fried apple pies is all about the details. These tips will ensure your pies come out perfectly every time—golden, flaky, and bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apple goodness.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a frying or candy thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F is a game-changer. It prevents greasy, undercooked pies and gives you that perfect golden crisp.
Chill Before Frying: Freezing the assembled pies for 20 minutes helps them hold their shape during frying, which I learned is key to avoiding any filling leaks or misshapen pies.
Seal Edges Thoroughly: Brushing the pastry edges with water and crimping with a fork ensures a tight seal, keeping all that delicious filling inside and your oil clean.
Drain on Paper Towels: Removing excess oil immediately after frying keeps the pies crisp and not soggy, something I used to overlook early on!

How to Serve Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a light beige square piece of dough on a metal baking tray with a white marbled texture underneath. On the dough, there is one layer of small, shiny, golden brown cooked apple chunks spread in a neat line in the center. Surrounding this piece, there are three similar squares of dough that are folded over and sealed at the edges by pressing down with a fork, creating lined patterns on the ends. The dough looks soft and slightly floured. The photo has an overall warm tone, and the baking tray has some light rust and marks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your hot pies generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture right out of the fryer to give them that magical sparkle and extra flavor kick. For a touch of indulgence, serve them with a small bowl of warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping. A dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes a lovely accompaniment.

Side Dishes

These fried apple pies shine as a dessert but pair wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. On cooler days, a cozy cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider complements the warm cinnamon notes beautifully. For a brunch spread, add fresh whipped cream or fruit salad alongside for a balanced treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After frying and cooling, store your leftover apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For best crispiness, avoid stacking them directly to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the unassembled pies after cutting the puff pastry and filling them, but before folding and chilling. Freeze them on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready, bake or fry directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fried apple pies, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to revive their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. If you have an air fryer, it works beautifully to warm and crisp without drying out the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and firmness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold up during cooking and don’t release too much juice.

Is it necessary to fry the pies, or can they be baked instead?

Frying gives these pies that classic crispy, golden exterior reminiscent of McDonald’s apple pies. However, you can bake them in a preheated 400°F oven for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown if you prefer a lighter version.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking during frying?

Make sure to brush the pastry edges with water and press firmly with a fork to seal well. Also, chilling the pies in the freezer for 20 minutes before frying helps them hold their shape and reduces the risk of leaks.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes! The apple filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just warm it slightly before filling your pastry to help it spread easily and avoid clumping.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Fried Apple Pies at home is such a joyful experience—there’s nothing quite like biting into that flaky pastry wrapped around warm, cinnamon-kissed apples. The process is straightforward, and the rewards are utterly delicious. Whether you’re sharing them for a cozy family dessert or impressing friends with this classic treat, these pies are sure to bring smiles and happy sighs all around. Happy frying!