If you've ever craved that perfect, golden, perfectly spiced treat from your favorite fast food spot, but wanted something homemade and extra flaky, you've got to try this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe. It’s a warm hug of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky puff pastry, fried to a dreamy crunch—trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!

A white plate holds seven golden-brown, rectangular fried pastries stacked unevenly, each coated with a sugar and cinnamon mix that gives a slightly rough texture. The pastries have crimped edges with visible ridges, and their surface looks crispy and lightly bubbled. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth caramel sauce, showing a shiny, glossy surface. A few fresh green mint leaves rest near the pastries for a touch of color, and the plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. 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 absolutely obsessed with how easy it is to whip up these crispy fried apple pies at home. They’re just like the McDonald’s copycat we all love, but with the added bonus of fresh, homemade filling and that unbeatable puff pastry flake.

Authentic Comfort: Recreate a classic dessert with fresh ingredients for a more comforting, homemade taste.
Flaky Puff Pastry: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe surprisingly simple yet deliciously flaky.
Perfectly Spiced Filling: The warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend beautifully with tart Granny Smith apples.
Great For Sharing: This recipe yields 8 crispy pies — perfect for family, friends, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to grab some quality puff pastry sheets and fresh Granny Smith apples—they really make a big difference here. The spices and butter enrich the filling while the cornstarch helps everything thicken up just right for easy filling inside the pastry.

Flat lay of a single rectangular sheet of golden puff pastry, a small white bowl filled with diced fresh Granny Smith apples, a small white bowl with light brown granular brown sugar, a small white bowl with bright reddish-brown ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl holding a pale beige ground nutmeg, a small white bowl containing fine ground cloves, a small white bowl with a few small cubes of creamy butter, a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with white granulated sugar, a small white bowl with rich caramel sauce, and a small white bowl filled with clear cooking oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, 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: Provides that satisfying, flaky crust without the fuss of homemade dough.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweet filling and holds up well during cooking.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps caramelize the apples.
Cinnamon: Divided use ensures the perfect spiced warmth inside and a delightful coating outside.
Nutmeg: Brings subtle earthiness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Ground Cloves: Adds just a hint of aromatic spice for complexity.
Butter: Enriches the filling, giving it a silky smooth finish.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s not runny, making it easier to fill the pies.
Vegetable or Canola Oil: Essential for deep frying to get that perfect golden crisp.
Granulated Sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for a classic, sweet, crunchy coating on the outside.
Caramel Sauce (Optional): Adds an extra indulgent touch when serving.

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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 parts about this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Whether you want to add your own twist on the filling or change up how you serve them, there’s plenty of room to make these pies truly your own delicious creation.

Spiced Up Filling: I love adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to the apple filling for an extra warm, cozy flavor during fall and winter. It complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap Granny Smith apples for Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier bite. Pears or even diced peaches can also be great seasonal substitutes!
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, simply use a plant-based butter alternative in the filling. The pies still turn out flaky and delicious.
Serving Suggestions: While caramel sauce is a dreamy option, a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also works wonders for an indulgent treat.
Quick Shortcut: If you’re short on time, canned apple pie filling saves a lot of prep without sacrificing much flavor. Just be sure to drain it well before filling the pastry.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with several golden brown fried pastries, each coated with a sparkling layer of cinnamon sugar. One pastry is cut open to reveal soft, chunky pieces of cooked apples inside, showing a warm yellow color with a glossy texture. The pastries are stacked close together, and fresh green mint leaves lie near the front on the plate. In the background, a green apple and a striped cloth can be seen slightly blurred, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by thawing your puff pastry sheets thoroughly, then cut each sheet into 4 equal pieces. Laying them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet keeps them from sticking and makes them easy to work with. This small prep step sets you up for perfect flaky crusts that crisp beautifully when fried.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling

In a medium pan over medium heat, combine your diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the apples are tender but still holding their shape. Stir in the butter at the end to add richness—it makes the filling silky and flavorful.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling

Whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into your apple mixture and keep stirring over heat for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the filling thicken and start to coat the apples nicely—this ensures it won’t run out when fried.

Step 4: Assemble the Pies

Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto one-half of each puff pastry piece. Moisten the edges lightly with water to help seal the pastry, then fold over to form neat rectangles. Press the edges firmly, and crimp them with a fork to lock everything in—this keeps the delicious filling safely inside during frying.

Step 5: Chill Before Frying

Place the sealed pies back onto your parchment-lined pan, then transfer them to the freezer for 20 minutes. This chilling step is key—it firms up the pastry and helps prevent it from puffing or leaking during frying, making the texture just right.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or fryer to exactly 350°F—using a frying thermometer is a lifesaver here. Carefully add 2 to 3 pies at a time, frying for 5-6 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Turn them gently halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to catch excess oil.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating and Serve

While the pies are still warm, sprinkle them generously with a mix of ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. The warm sugar melts slightly into the crust, creating that iconic sweet and spicy crunch. Let them cool a little, then serve warm—adding caramel sauce if you want to dial up the decadence. These are best enjoyed fresh, with a crisp flaky shell and rich, comforting filling inside!

Top Tip

These tips helped me perfect my Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe, ensuring each pie turns out golden, flaky, and filled with delicious warm apple goodness.

Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: Using a frying thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F was a game changer. It keeps the pies crispy and prevents greasy sogginess.
Chill Before Frying: I learned to chill the assembled pies for 20 minutes, which really helps them hold their shape and keeps the filling from oozing out during frying.
Seal the Edges Properly: Pressing and crimping the edges firmly with a fork was key to a leak-free pie — no filling mess in the hot oil!
Drain and Coat While Warm: Draining on paper towels and coating the pies immediately with cinnamon sugar while still warm locks in that sweet, crunchy coating perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of small pastry squares on a white marbled textured surface. One of the squares is open and filled with golden brown, shiny, cooked apple chunks that are placed in the center, looking soft and coated in a syrupy glaze. The other squares are sealed with crimped edges made by pressing down with a fork, creating ridged patterns along the edges. The pastry dough is pale yellow with a smooth, soft texture. The overall look is of prepared, unbaked apple-filled pastries arranged on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top right before serving for that signature sweet crunch. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds an indulgent, buttery richness. For a fresh twist, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a perfect warm-and-cold contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a hot cup of spiced apple cider or fresh brew of coffee for cozy comfort. A simple fruit salad with citrus zest or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the sweetness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To preserve the best texture, allow the pies to cool completely before storing.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled, uncooked pies after crimping the edges. Freeze them on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy exterior and warm filling, reheat pies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making the apple filling from scratch?

Absolutely! Using canned apple pie filling is a great shortcut and works perfectly if you're short on time or prefer convenience.

What type of oil is best for frying the apple pies?

Vegetable or canola oil is recommended because they have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point suitable for deep frying at 350°F.

How do I know when the pies are done frying?

Fry the pies for 5-6 minutes until they're golden brown and the puff pastry is cooked through. The pies should float and have a crisp, flaky crust.

Can I make the pies ahead of time?

Yes! After assembling and sealing the pies, chill them in the freezer for 20 minutes before frying, or freeze them longer for future use. They fry up wonderfully from chilled or frozen.

Final Thoughts

Making these crispy fried apple pies at home is such a satisfying treat — they bring that nostalgic fast-food magic right into your kitchen. With a flaky puff pastry crust, warm spiced apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, they’re sure to become a favorite for dessert or anytime you want a comforting bite. Enjoy every golden, crispy moment!