Description
These Fried Apple Pies are a delightful McDonald's copycat recipe featuring a homemade spiced apple filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry and deep fried to golden perfection. Served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, they are perfect as a nostalgic dessert or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (from the 4 teaspoons divided)
Additional
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 4 equal pieces. Place these pieces on a parchment-lined sheet pan to keep ready.
- Cook Apple Filling: In a medium pan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until apples are tender. Stir in butter until melted.
- Thicken Filling: Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the apple filling and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Moisten the edges with water, fold pastry over to form a rectangle, and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork to ensure seal.
- Chill Pies: Place assembled pies on a tray and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them firm up before frying.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large heavy pot, heat 3 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a frying or candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry Pies: Fry 2 to 3 pies at a time for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain temperature.
- Drain and Coat: Remove pies from oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture (combine granulated sugar and remaining 3 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon).
- Serve: Let pies cool slightly. Serve warm with optional caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- If short on time, canned apple pie filling can be used as a substitute for the homemade filling.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and crispy results.
- Drain fried pies on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Ensure enough oil is used to fully submerge pies but avoid overfilling the pot to prevent spills and bubbles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
