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.
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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!
- 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!
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These fried apple pies are a delicious McDonald's copycat featuring a homemade apple filling with a blend of warm spices encased in flaky pastry and deep fried to golden perfection. Served with cinnamon sugar and optional caramel sauce, they make a perfect indulgent dessert.
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 use
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for mixing with sugar)
Other
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Oil for frying
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pastry: Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal pieces and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy handling and chilling.
- Cook Apple Filling: Combine apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a pan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes until the apples become tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the butter to enrich the filling.
- Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens nicely. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Brush the edges with water, fold the pastry over to form a rectangle, and press the edges with a fork to seal securely.
- Chill Pies: Place the assembled pies on the sheet pan and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up before frying. This helps maintain shape during cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat at least 3 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring proper frying temperature.
- Fry Pies: Fry 2-3 pies at a time for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and the pastry is fully cooked, turning if necessary for even browning.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While frying, mix granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Finish Pies: Remove fried pies using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately sprinkle cinnamon sugar over each pie so it sticks while warm.
- Serve: Let pies cool slightly and serve warm with optional caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- For convenience, canned apple pie filling can be used instead of making the filling from scratch without compromising much on flavor.
- Use a frying or candy thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and even frying.
- Drain fried pies on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Ensure the oil volume is sufficient to submerge the pies fully but not so much that it risks spilling or bubbling over.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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