If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of warm, gooey apple filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe. It’s comfort dessert nostalgia that’s easy to recreate right at home!

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 have to say, making these fried apple pies from scratch has become a favorite weekend ritual. There's something so satisfying about that crisp, cinnamon-sugary crust coupled with the rich, buttery apple filling—it's pure happiness in every bite.

Homemade Magic: You get that classic fried apple pie flavor, but with your own fresh, spiced apple filling.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items—just familiar pantry staples and fresh apples.
Perfect Texture: Flaky puff pastry shells that fry up crisp and golden, contrasting with the tender, gooey center.
Fun To Make: It’s a hands-on dessert that’s great for cooking with friends or family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients for these fried apple pies, quality and freshness really make a difference—especially with the apples and puff pastry. I find that using Granny Smith apples gives just the right tartness to balance the sweet and spice.

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: The secret to that flaky, buttery crust without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
Granny Smith apples: Their tart flavor and firm texture hold up beautifully while cooking into the spiced filling.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the tart apples.
Cinnamon, nutmeg & ground cloves: These warm spices give the filling its classic cozy apple pie flavor.
Butter: Enhances richness and helps create that luscious mouthfeel in the filling.
Cornstarch: A little thickener to give the filling just the right consistency to hold inside the pastry.
Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it forms the crunchy, sweet coating that makes the pies irresistible.
Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works best to get an even golden finish and crispy texture.
Caramel sauce (optional): For dipping or drizzling if you want to dial up the indulgence factor.

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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

If you love the classic Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe, why not mix things up a bit? This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can tailor it to your taste, dietary needs, or seasonal produce without losing that comforting, flaky goodness.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out traditional puff pastry for your favorite gluten-free puff pastry brand. I’ve personally tried this with a rice flour-based puff pastry, and the pies still come out beautifully crispy and delicious—perfect for sharing with friends who avoid gluten.
Seasonal Twist: When Granny Smith apples aren’t in season, try substituting with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter profile. A pinch of cardamom or allspice added to the filling also gives it a warm twist that’s perfect for cozy autumn evenings.
Healthier Option: For a lighter treat, consider baking these apple pies instead of frying. Brush the edges with an egg wash, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, and top with cinnamon sugar right after baking.
Extra Indulgence: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for added crunch. Drizzling a warm caramel sauce over each pie right before serving takes them from nostalgic treat to downright gourmet dessert.

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 Puff Pastry

Start by cutting each thawed puff pastry sheet into 4 equal pieces. I like to place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t stick and stay ready for filling. Keeping the pastry neat and chilled here helps it hold up during frying for that perfect flaky texture we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Apple Filling

In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. Stir in butter until melted—that rich buttery flavor really makes the filling shine.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling

Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into your apple mixture. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the filling thickens up nicely into a luscious, spoonable texture. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the pastry.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each puff pastry piece. Lightly moisten the edges with water—that little touch helps seal the pies perfectly. Fold the other half of the pastry over to form a rectangle, then press firmly to seal. I always crimp the edges with a fork to lock everything in and add a charming pattern.

Step 5: Chill Before Frying

Place the sealed pies on a tray and pop them into the freezer for 20 minutes. This step is key—it firms up the pastry so when they hit the hot oil, they fry evenly without falling apart. It also helps you get that lovely golden, flaky crust we all love.

Step 6: Heat the Oil

Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with about 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil. Heat it carefully to 350°F—using a thermometer here is a must for perfect frying results. Keeping the temperature consistent helps the pies cook through and crisp up without absorbing too much oil.

Step 7: Fry Your Pies to Golden Perfection

Carefully add 2 to 3 pies at a time to the hot oil—don’t crowd the pot, as that will drop the temperature and result in soggy pies. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and the pastry is fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove and transfer them onto paper towels for draining.

Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar and Serve

While still warm, generously sprinkle each pie with a mixture of granulated sugar and the remaining 3 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. This sweet, fragrant coating is the final touch that brings the pies to life. Let them cool just a bit before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a drizzle or side of caramel sauce for dipping—it’s pure bliss.

Top Tip

Mastering these Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is all about a few key details that make a huge difference in texture and flavor. These tips come from plenty of hands-on kitchen time and will help you get that perfect flaky crust and flavorful filling every time.

Maintain Oil Temperature: I always use a frying thermometer to keep my oil steady at 350°F. It ensures even cooking and that irresistible golden crispness without greasy spots.
Chill Before Frying: Freezing the pies for 20 minutes really firms them up so they hold shape and the filling doesn’t spill out when frying. Trust me, skipping this step leads to disappointment.
Seal the Edges Well: Brushing water on the puff pastry edges and crimping them with a fork prevents leaks and helps the pies stay perfectly sealed while frying.
Drain on Paper Towels: Right after frying, placing the pies on paper towels removes excess oil so they stay light, crispy, and not greasy. It’s a simple step that improves every bite.

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

Sprinkling the warm pies immediately with the cinnamon sugar mixture elevates their sweet, spicy charm. For an extra touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully for a decadent finish.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn these into a more indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside warm spiced chai or a rich cup of coffee. For a brunch twist, crispy bacon or a sharp cheddar cheese plate provides a fun contrast to the sweet pies.

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 maintain their crispness, avoid stacking pies directly on top of each other without some parchment or a rack in between.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unfried pies by placing them on a tray and freezing for 20 minutes, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pies in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to regain crispness without sogginess. Avoid microwaving, which ruins the flaky texture and makes the pastry chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness and hold up well, you can substitute other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji according to your preference.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry these pies?

Yes! You can bake the pies at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden and puffed. However, frying gives a deeper golden crisp and that classic McDonald's-style texture.

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

Using a frying or candy thermometer is the best way to keep the oil at a consistent 350°F. If you don't have one, test by dropping a small piece of pastry into the oil – it should bubble steadily and float up quickly without burning.

Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?

Definitely! The apple filling can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling the pies for easier handling.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe bring such a comforting nostalgia with every bite — flaky, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Whether for a family dessert, a special treat, or a cozy afternoon snack, they're always a hit. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to dive in and enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do.