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.
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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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade fried apple pies are a delicious McDonald’s copycat featuring a tender apple filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry and fried to golden perfection. They’re sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and optionally served with caramel sauce for an irresistible dessert treat.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 17.3 ounce box puff pastry sheets, thawed
Apple Filling
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Finishing
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Caramel sauce, for serving (optional)
- Oil, for frying (about 3 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 4 equal pieces and place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan, ready for filling.
- Make Apple Filling: In a medium pan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes until the apples are tender. Stir in the butter until melted.
- Thicken Filling: Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth, then add to the apple mixture. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Brush the edges with water, fold over to form a rectangle, and press edges firmly. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Chill Pies: Place assembled pies in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat Oil: Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a frying or candy thermometer to maintain temperature.
- Fry Pies: Fry 2-3 pies at a time for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and pastry is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While pies fry, mix granulated sugar with the remaining 3 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat Pies: Immediately sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the hot fried pies to coat evenly.
- Serve: Let pies cool slightly and serve warm with optional caramel sauce for dipping.
Notes
- If short on time, canned apple pie filling can be used instead of homemade filling.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results.
- Drain fried pies on paper towels to remove excess oil before sprinkling cinnamon sugar.
- Ensure oil depth is sufficient to submerge pies without risk of overflow or splattering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fried apple pie
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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