If you’ve ever craved that iconic fast-food dessert, you’re going to adore this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe. These golden, flaky pockets bursting with warm, spiced apples are like a cozy hug on a plate — and the caramel sauce? Oh, that’s just the cherry on top!

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’m obsessed with how easy it is to whip these up at home. Not only do you get the crisp, flaky exterior from puff pastry, but the apple filling is perfectly spiced and just sweet enough. It really hits that nostalgia factor in the best way.

Classic comfort: Homemade, deep-fried apple pies that taste just like your McDonald's favorite.
Simple ingredients: Using store-bought puff pastry makes prep a breeze.
Perfectly spiced filling: Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the apples with cozy flavors.
Sweet finishing touch: Cinnamon sugar coating with an optional drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate each bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients together is half the fun here. I love using tart Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape well and balance the sweetness beautifully. Keep an eye on thawing your puff pastry sheets so they’re pliable but not overworked.

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 flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully when fried.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness and firmness make for the best pie filling texture.
Brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and helps caramelize the apples in the pan.
Cinnamon: Used in two places — in the filling and for that sweet spiced sugar coating.
Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to enhance the spice profile.
Butter: Helps mellow the spices and lends a luscious richness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it stays nicely tucked inside the pastry.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for a crisp, sweet finishing dust.
Oil for frying: You want enough to fully submerge the pies for even cooking.
Caramel sauce (optional): Because sometimes indulgence calls for a little extra sweetness.

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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 make it your own. Whether you want to add a twist on the classic filling or adjust for dietary preferences, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

Use Different Apples: I love swapping Granny Smith for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter or more aromatic filling. It slightly changes the flavor while keeping that perfect tender bite.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom along with the traditional cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It gives a warm, exotic flair that’s fantastic with caramel sauce.
Go Vegan: For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and choose a vegan puff pastry option. The results are just as delicious and crispy!
Make Mini Pies: Cut your puff pastry into smaller squares and fry mini pies for a fun bite-sized treat at parties or gatherings.

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 the Pastry and Cutting it Right

After your puff pastry sheets are fully thawed, lay them flat on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Cut each sheet into four equal pieces—this makes handling and frying easier, ensuring each pie is a perfect portable size. Keep the pastry pieces chilled if possible while you prepare the filling to help maintain their structure.

Step 2: Cook the Warm Spiced Apple Filling

In a medium pan over medium heat, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender but still hold their shape, and the kitchen smells like fall in a pan. Stir in the butter until melted for a rich finish.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling to Perfection

Whisk together cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a smooth slurry. Add this to your apple mixture and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the filling to thicken nicely so it won’t leak out when frying. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly—this also makes it easier to handle.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies with Care

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry square. Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with water—this acts like glue. Fold the pastry over to make a rectangle and firmly crimp the edges with a fork to seal in the delicious filling. This step is key to avoid any leaks during frying.

Step 5: Chill to Keep Its Shape

Place your assembled pies on a tray and freeze them for 20 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it firms up the pies so the puff pastry doesn’t slip apart or distort when it hits the hot oil. It also helps create a beautifully flaky crust after frying.

Step 6: Heat the Oil and Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about 3 inches of oil into a deep pot and heat it to 350°F using a frying thermometer—maintaining this temperature is key for even frying. Fry 2-3 pies at a time for 6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure a golden brown and crispy crust all around. Once done, transfer the pies to paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: The Sweet Final Touch: Cinnamon Sugar Coat

While the pies are frying, stir together the granulated sugar and remaining 3½ teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl. As soon as the pies come out of the oil, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over them. The warmth helps this coating stick and creates a delicious sweet-spiced crunch.

Step 8: Serve Warm with a Drizzle of Caramel

Let your pies cool just enough so they're safe to handle but still warm and gooey inside. Serve with caramel sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling—a truly indulgent finishing touch that brings out the flavors beautifully. Enjoy every crispy, cinnamony bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is all about a few key details that make your pies perfectly flaky, flavorful, and golden every time. These tips are the secrets I’ve picked up along the way to help you get that ideal balance of crispiness and a warm, gooey filling.

Chill the pies before frying: Freezing them for 20 minutes firms up the puff pastry so it won’t slip apart when fried, keeping your pies intact and crispy.
Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F: Using a candy thermometer ensures your pies fry evenly without absorbing too much oil, giving you that golden crunch.
Drain on paper towels immediately: This simple step helps remove excess oil, so your pies aren’t greasy but perfectly light.
Don’t overfill the pot with oil: Using about 3 inches deep and not overfilling prevents dangerous bubbling or spills 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

To elevate your fried apple pies, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top right after frying for that classic sweet crunch. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent touch or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful hot-and-cold contrast. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and a subtle freshness that brightens the dessert.

Side Dishes

Serve these crispy fried apple pies alongside simple sides like a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy snack. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness if you want to make it part of a larger meal or brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freeze assembled, uncooked pies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, fry them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

Reheating

To reheat and crisp up refrigerated or frozen pies, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and flakey. Avoid microwaving, which will make the pastry soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Yes! Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness and firmness, but you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more balanced flavor. Just make sure the apples are diced evenly.

Is it necessary to deep fry the pies, or can I bake them instead?

While baking is an option for a lighter version, deep frying at 350°F for 6 minutes gives these pies their signature crispy, golden puff pastry. Baking won’t yield quite the same crisp texture but is a good alternative if you prefer.

How do I prevent the pastries from leaking during frying?

Make sure to seal the edges securely by brushing with water and crimping with a fork. Also, chilling the pies in the freezer for 20 minutes firms up the pastry, minimizing any leakage.

Can I prepare the pies ahead of time and fry later?

Absolutely! Assemble and freeze the pies on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about biting into a warm, crispy fried apple pie—especially one made from scratch with love. This Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe brings together the nostalgic charm of a classic favorite with the cozy spices and flaky textures we all crave. Whether you’re making these for a special treat or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to your table. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every golden, sugary bite!