If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and warm, spiced apple filling inside, this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s like biting into a golden, flaky hug that tastes just like the classic fast-food favorite—only homemade, better, and with that cozy, cinnamon-sugar magic.

A white plate holds seven golden-brown, rectangular fried pastries stacked unevenly, each coated with a sugar and cinnamon mix that gives a slightly rough texture. The pastries have crimped edges with visible ridges, and their surface looks crispy and lightly bubbled. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth caramel sauce, showing a shiny, glossy surface. A few fresh green mint leaves rest near the pastries for a touch of color, and the plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. 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

I remember the first time I made these fried apple pies at home—my kitchen filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon and buttery pastry, and every bite felt like a cozy celebration. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those pre-made versions!

Homemade Goodness: You create the apple filling from scratch using fresh Granny Smith apples and warm spices for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Perfectly Crispy: Deep frying the pies locks in the moisture while giving the pastry that irresistible flaky crispness.
Quick & Easy Prep: Using puff pastry sheets keeps things simple without compromising on the flaky texture.
Customizable Toppings: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce to fit your sweet tooth just right.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To nail this fried apple pies recipe, I stick to a few key ingredients that lend that classic flavor and texture. When shopping, go for tart Granny Smith apples that hold their shape, and don’t skip the spice blend—it makes all the difference!

Flat lay of a single rectangular sheet of golden puff pastry, a small white bowl filled with diced fresh Granny Smith apples, a small white bowl with light brown granular brown sugar, a small white bowl with bright reddish-brown ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl holding a pale beige ground nutmeg, a small white bowl containing fine ground cloves, a small white bowl with a few small cubes of creamy butter, a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with white granulated sugar, a small white bowl with rich caramel sauce, and a small white bowl filled with clear cooking oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, 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: Ready-made puff pastry is your shortcut to having tender, flaky crust without all the fuss of rolling dough by hand.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness and they stay firm during cooking, giving you delightful bites.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes that pair perfectly with the spices.
Cinnamon: Key to that classic apple pie warmth—divided use ensures some in the filling and some mixed with sugar for coating.
Nutmeg & Ground Cloves: Just a pinch of these ground spices adds cozy complexity without overpowering.
Butter: Enriches the apple filling, making it luscious and silky.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent sogginess and keep the pies neat when you fry them.
Granulated Sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it becomes the perfect finishing touch for that sweet, crunchy coating.
Cold Water: Used to make a cornstarch slurry to evenly thicken the apple filling.
Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect, golden crusts.
Caramel Sauce (Optional): Because sometimes, everything really is better with a drizzle of caramel on top or for dipping!

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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

The beautiful thing about this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary preferences. Whether you want to spice things up a bit or make a gluten-free version, there are some fun ways to make this recipe your own.

Classic with a Twist: I love adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity—it gives a fresh spin without overpowering the familiar flavors.
Vegan version: Swap out the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free puff pastry. The results are just as crispy and satisfying.
Seasonal Fruit Variation: Try mixing in diced pears or even some finely chopped cranberries with the apples for a festive fall flavor.
Healthier Swap: Using whole wheat puff pastry or phyllo dough can lighten things up while still delivering that flaky texture.
For a Quick Fix: If you’re short on time, canned apple pie filling works perfectly well and still tastes delicious in these fried pies.

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

The image shows a white plate filled with several golden brown fried pastries, each coated with a sparkling layer of cinnamon sugar. One pastry is cut open to reveal soft, chunky pieces of cooked apples inside, showing a warm yellow color with a glossy texture. The pastries are stacked close together, and fresh green mint leaves lie near the front on the plate. In the background, a green apple and a striped cloth can be seen slightly blurred, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Pieces

Start by cutting each thawed sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal pieces. I lay them out on a parchment-lined sheet pan, which helps prevent sticking and makes transferring the pies a breeze later on. Pop them in the fridge while you prepare the filling—that chill time is key to keeping that gorgeous flaky texture.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling to Perfection

In a medium pan over medium heat, combine the peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for tender apples that still hold a little bite—perfect for piping that warm, spiced flavor into your pies. Stir in the butter at the end to add a rich, luscious finish to your filling.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling with Cornstarch Slurry

Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the apple mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the filling thickens slightly—you’ll notice it clings to the apples and no longer looks watery. Remove from heat and let it cool just enough so it’s easier to handle (but still warm and aromatic!).

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Using a pastry brush or your finger, lightly brush water along the edges. Fold the pastry over to create a neat rectangle and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal—this prevents any filling leaks while frying. Take your time here; a good seal means a beautifully crisp pie with no mess.

Step 5: Chill the Pies Before Frying

Place your assembled pies back onto the sheet pan and pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes. This chilling step firms up the pastry so it holds its shape in the hot oil, giving you that perfect even golden crust everyone will love.

Step 6: Heat the Oil Properly

Fill a deep pot or fryer with at least 3 inches of oil and heat it to a precise 350°F (175°C). Using a candy or frying thermometer here is a game-changer because maintaining this temperature ensures your pies cook evenly and absorb less grease, resulting in that signature crispness.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Carefully place 2-3 pies at a time into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally if needed, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You’ll smell that intoxicating warm cinnamon and see the flaky pastry puff up—this is the magic moment!

Step 8: Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar

While the pies are frying, mix the granulated sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. As soon as you remove each pie from the oil using a slotted spoon, set it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Then, still warm, sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks perfectly to the surface.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pies cool just slightly—enough so they’re safe to eat but still warm and melty inside. Serve them with optional caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar crunch. Watch your family and friends dive in for seconds!

Top Tip

Getting those apple pies perfectly crispy and golden can be a bit tricky, but trust me, these tips make all the difference and help you enjoy your Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe just like a pro!

Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a frying thermometer is a game changer—keeping your oil steady at 350°F ensures the crust crisps up nicely without absorbing too much oil or burning.
Chill Before Frying: Freezing the pies for 20 minutes before frying helps them hold their shape and prevents the filling from leaking out while cooking.
Seal Edges Well: Pressing the edges firmly with a fork creates a tight seal that keeps the delicious filling inside and gives those lovely crimped edges.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, placing the pies on paper towels is key to remove any extra oil so your pies stay crisp and not greasy.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of small pastry squares on a white marbled textured surface. One of the squares is open and filled with golden brown, shiny, cooked apple chunks that are placed in the center, looking soft and coated in a syrupy glaze. The other squares are sealed with crimped edges made by pressing down with a fork, creating ridged patterns along the edges. The pastry dough is pale yellow with a smooth, soft texture. The overall look is of prepared, unbaked apple-filled pastries arranged on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These apple pies love a dusting of cinnamon sugar right out of the fryer — it sticks perfectly when they're warm and adds an extra sweet, spicy crunch. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some warm caramel sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is also a classic, creating a dreamy contrast between hot and cold.

Side Dishes

Pair these pies with warm beverages like cinnamon-spiced tea, apple cider, or a rich coffee for a cozy treat. They also work wonderfully alongside a fresh green salad if you're serving them at the end of a larger meal and want to balance the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To keep that delightful crispness, avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture can make the pastry soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unfried pies by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing them solid for 20 minutes as the recipe directs, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pies in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soft. If you have an air fryer, it's also a great option to re-crisp the pies in a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firm texture, but you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples. Just be sure they hold their shape well when cooked.

What if I don’t have puff pastry? Can I use pie crust?

You can use pie crust dough as an alternative, but puff pastry gives you that wonderfully flaky, layered texture that's signature to this pie. Pie crust tends to be denser and less flaky when fried.

Is deep frying the only cooking method?

Deep frying is preferred to achieve that golden crisp crust, but if you want a lighter version, you can bake the pies at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. They won’t be quite as crispy, though.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes! The apple filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling your pies for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into a warm, crispy fried apple pie—especially when it’s homemade with love and just the right touch of cinnamon sugar. This Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe lets you recreate that magical taste right in your own kitchen, bringing smiles and nostalgia to your table. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dessert or a sweet treat to share with friends, I hope these tips and tricks help you enjoy every delicious bite!