If you’re craving a classic dessert with a nostalgic twist, you’ve got to try this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe. These golden pockets of cinnamon-spiced apple goodness are just about perfect every time, with that irresistible crunch and warm, gooey filling inside.

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

I honestly can’t get enough of these fried apple pies. They remind me of those sweet little treats from McDonald's—but better, because they’re homemade and packed with fresh apples and warm spices. Plus, the flaky puff pastry is like a buttery hug around the cinnamon filling.

Perfectly Crispy: Deep frying locks in flakiness while creating a golden, crunchy crust you’ll crave.
Homemade Apple Filling: Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the filling is sweet, warm, and just the right amount of tender.
Easy to Make: Using puff pastry sheets makes prep quick — no need to roll out dough from scratch.
Versatile Serving: Dust with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your ingredients right is the key here, especially fresh Granny Smith apples that provide a lovely tartness to balance the sweet spices. Puff pastry is the magic shortcut that delivers flaky layers without fuss, and the spices bring that classic apple pie vibe to every bite.

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: I use thawed puff pastry sheets because they're buttery, flaky, and save so much time versus making dough from scratch.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness adds the perfect contrast to the sweet filling, plus they hold their shape nicely when cooked.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep, rich sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Cinnamon: Split between the filling and topping, it's what gives these pies their signature warm, aromatic flavor.
Nutmeg and Cloves: A pinch of these spices amps up complexity without overpowering the apples.
Butter: Melts into the filling for richness and helps create that luxurious texture.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling just right, so it’s soft but not runny inside the pastry.
Granulated Sugar: Combined with cinnamon for sprinkling—adds sweetness and a lovely crunch.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best because of the high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Caramel Sauce (optional): Perfect for drizzling on top if you want that extra indulgence.

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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 things about this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you love a little extra spice or want to lighten it up, there are so many ways to make these pies truly your own.

Spiced Up: I love adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a warm, aromatic twist that really elevates the flavors.
Healthier Swap: For a lighter version, try baking the pies instead of frying. Just brush them with a little melted butter and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Seasonal Fruit Variation: Swap out the Granny Smith apples for pears or peaches when in season. The cinnamon sugar coating still works magic with these fruits too!
Caramel Lover’s Dream: Drizzle extra homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the warm pies for a rich, indulgent finish — it’s my favorite way to enjoy them.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the filling and check your puff pastry to make sure it’s vegan-friendly. The crispy exterior still shines without traditional butter.

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: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Pieces

Start by cutting each thawed puff pastry sheet into four equal parts. I like to arrange them carefully on a parchment-lined sheet pan to keep them from sticking. This makes assembly easier and keeps everything tidy when it’s time to fill them. Having your puff pastry at room temperature but cool enough to handle keeps it pliable and less likely to tear.

Step 2: Cook Your Apple Filling to Perfection

Place the diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves in a medium pan over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so the sugar dissolves and the spices start to bloom. Cook the apples for 6 to 8 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape — you want that nice apple bite inside your pie. Finish by stirring in the butter to add richness and a smooth texture.

Step 3: Thicken and Cool the Filling

Whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the filling thickens just enough to hold together when spooned into the pastry. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. This step is crucial so the puff pastry doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies with Care

Using a spoon, place about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Then, brush the edges lightly with water — this acts like glue to seal the pies tight. Fold the puff pastry over to form a neat rectangle and press the edges firmly together. I like to crimp the edges with a fork for an extra secure seal and that classic pie-crust look. This keeps the filling inside during frying and ensures your pies come out beautifully intact.

Step 5: Chill the Pies Before Frying

Place your assembled pies back on the parchment-lined sheet pan and pop them into the freezer for 20 minutes. This chilling step helps the pastry stay firm and hold its shape during frying, preventing any filling from leaking out. It’s a game changer, trust me!

Step 6: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Temperature

Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a deep pot so it’s about 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — using a frying or candy thermometer here is super helpful to keep things safe and your pies crispy without burning. Maintaining this heat level is the key to golden, flaky crusts every time.

Step 7: Fry the Pies Until Golden and Crispy

Gently lower 2 to 3 pies at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. They’ll puff up and develop that beautiful golden color you’re aiming for. When done, use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully lift them out and drain on paper towels — this removes excess oil for a perfectly crispy pie.

Step 8: Add That Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the pies are still warm, sprinkle them generously with a mixture of granulated sugar and the remaining 3½ teaspoons of cinnamon. The warm pies help the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully, giving that nostalgic sweet-spiced crust reminiscent of my favorite childhood treat.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy—With a Drizzle of Caramel if You Like

Let your fried apple pies cool just enough to avoid burns, then dive in! If you want to up your dessert game, drizzle with some caramel sauce for an extra luscious finish. Whether for a cozy night in or impressing guests, these pies are pure comfort in every bite.

Top Tip

Getting those crispy, golden-perfect fried apple pies just right can be a bit tricky, but a few simple tips can make all the difference. These tricks come straight from my own kitchen experiments and successes with this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a frying or candy thermometer is a game changer. Keeping the oil steady at 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the pies cook evenly without absorbing excess oil or burning.
Chill Before Frying: Freezing the assembled pies for 20 minutes really helps them hold their shape and prevents the filling from leaking out during frying.
Drain Properly: Always place fried pies on paper towels right after frying. It removes extra grease, leaving you with that perfect flaky and crisp crust.
Don't Overfill: Using about 2 tablespoons of apple filling per pie strikes the perfect balance between juicy filling and pastry integrity. I learned the hard way that overfilling can cause the pies to burst while frying.

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

These pies are already delicious on their own, but a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right after frying takes them to another level of warmth and sweetness. For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, classic touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe as a cozy dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream. A warm spiced chai or fresh brewed coffee pairs beautifully as well, balancing the sweetness with aromatic notes. For a festive touch, add some roasted nuts or a small bowl of fresh berries on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To keep them crisp, avoid stacking them or wrap individually with parchment paper. For slightly longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 days, though the crust may lose some crispness.

Freezing

These pies freeze very well before frying! After assembling and chilling them, place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—perfect for quick future treats.

Reheating

To reheat and regain that crispy texture, warm the pies in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy. For frozen pies, it’s best to fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, canned apple pie filling works great as a substitute. Just spoon it onto the puff pastry and proceed with the recipe as usual.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a frying or candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature—350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This ensures a crispy, golden crust without greasy or burnt pies.

Can I bake the pies instead of frying?

While you can bake them for a lighter option, frying gives the signature crispy and flaky texture reminiscent of the classic McDonald's pies. If baking, brush with egg wash and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until golden, but note the texture will differ.

How do I prevent the pies from leaking during frying?

Chilling the assembled pies for 20 minutes before frying helps the pastry seal and maintain its shape. Also, be careful not to overfill and make sure to crimp the edges firmly with a fork.

Final Thoughts

Making these Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience — from the sweet cinnamon-spiced filling to the golden, flaky crust. It’s a comforting dessert that brings a bit of nostalgia and lots of joy to the table. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just a special treat for yourself, I hope they bring a smile to your face and a warm, cozy feeling inside. Happy frying and even happier eating!