There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky pie filled with sweet, spiced apples — and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe with you. Think classic comfort dessert meets perfectly golden, crispy puff pastry you make right at home!

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’ve made fried apple pies a handful of times, and every single time they come out crisp, comforting, and almost addictive. Sharing this recipe feels like inviting a bit of that joy into your kitchen!

Homemade Filling: Using fresh Granny Smith apples gives the filling a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Flaky Puff Pastry: The store-bought puff pastry makes for easy assembly and irresistibly crispy textures.
Perfectly Fried: Controlling the oil temperature ensures golden, non-greasy pies every time.
Customizable Toppings: Cinnamon sugar and optional caramel sauce add the ideal sweet finish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh apples that work beautifully together to create a classic flavor. When shopping, look for firm Granny Smith apples—they hold up well during cooking and bring that tart punch we want.

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: I recommend thawing these fully so they’re easy to handle and fold without cracking.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness, and they cook down to a tender yet chunky filling.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that elevate the apple filling.
Cinnamon: Divided use—part in the filling and part later for that signature cinnamon sugar coating.
Nutmeg: A warm spice that enhances the autumnal flavor profile without overpowering.
Ground cloves: Just a pinch brings subtle aromatic complexity.
Butter: Melts into the filling, giving it richness and silkiness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it stays perfectly inside the pies without being runny.
Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the crumbly, crunchy outer sprinkle.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect fry.
Caramel sauce (optional): If you want to take these pies over the top, caramel dipping or drizzling is heavenly.

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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 customize. Whether you want to tweak the filling or try different toppings, feel free to put your own spin on this classic treat!

Classic Cinnamon Upgrade: For an extra warm spice kick, I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon inside the pie before folding. It adds depth and makes every bite cozy and comforting.
Choco-Apple Surprise: Try adding mini chocolate chips along with the apple filling before sealing the pies. The melted chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon apple flavor – a delightful surprise!
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free puff pastry if you’re avoiding gluten. The result is just as flaky and delicious, so no one has to miss out on this indulgence.
Seasonal Twists: Swap Granny Smith apples for other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different sweetness level. You can even add a handful of pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Go Vegan: Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and make sure your puff pastry is vegan-friendly. The pies still fry up crisp and golden, perfect for any diet.

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 Pastry Pieces

Start by cutting each thawed puff pastry sheet into four equal pieces. I place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan so they don’t stick and are ready to be filled. Keeping the pastry cold until assembly helps it stay flaky when fried—so no warming up on your countertop just yet!

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling to Perfection

In a medium pan over medium heat, toss together your diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring this to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 8 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy—this step fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma! Stir in the butter until it melts completely to add richness.

Step 3: Thicken That Filling

Whisk the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture. Keep cooking for 3 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens to a luscious, jammy consistency. This ensures your pies won’t be soggy and that each bite has the perfect balance of gooey and tender.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pies

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. To seal the magic in, brush the edges with a bit of water, fold the pastry over to create a neat rectangle, and press the edges together firmly. I love using a fork to crimp the edges—not only does it secure the filling, but it also gives a charming homemade look.

Step 5: Chill Before Frying

Place your assembled pies in the freezer for 20 minutes to let them firm up. This little chill step is key—it keeps the pies’ shape intact and prevents the filling from oozing out while frying. Plus, it helps the puff pastry puff up beautifully!

Step 6: Heat Up That Oil

Fill a deep fryer or heavy pot with about 3 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F. A candy or frying thermometer is super helpful here to maintain the perfect frying temperature—too low, and the pies soak up oil; too high, and they burn quickly.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Carefully lower 2 to 3 pies into the hot oil and fry for 6 minutes. Keep an eye on the color—they should turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the puff pastry should be cooked through and flaky. Once done, lift them out and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

Step 8: Cinnamon Sugar Finish

In a small bowl, mix the remaining cinnamon with granulated sugar. While the pies are still warm, generously sprinkle this cinnamon sugar all over. It creates that classic sweet, slightly crunchy coating that makes each bite irresistible.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the pies cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then serve warm. I like to offer a side of caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling—it adds an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these pies are sure to be the star.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe is all about controlling temperature, prepping ahead, and sealing in that delicious filling perfectly. These tips come straight from my kitchen experiments and make all the difference!

Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a candy or frying thermometer helped me keep the oil steady at 350°F so the pies cook evenly and stay crispy, not greasy.
Chill Before Frying: Freezing the pies for 20 minutes before frying really helped them hold their shape and prevented the filling from leaking out.
Seal Those Edges: I always brush the pastry edges with water and crimp firmly with a fork—that extra step keeps the filling sealed inside, making for a neat, tidy pie every time.
Drain Well: Placing the pies on paper towels right after frying removes excess oil, keeping things light and crispy instead of soggy.

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

These pies shine with just a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, but you can also drizzle warm caramel sauce for a luscious finish. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds a cool contrast that's simply irresistible. For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Side Dishes

Since these fried apple pies are pure dessert bliss on their own, they pair beautifully with hot beverages like spiced chai tea or a rich cup of coffee. For a brunch or snack spread, complement them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance out the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for 2–3 days, but be aware the pastry may soften slightly.

Freezing

To freeze, place the assembled but unfried pies on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least an hour until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the frying time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover fried apple pies in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to crisp up the pastry again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more balanced flavor. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold up when cooked.

Is puff pastry the only option for the crust?

Puff pastry gives these pies their signature flaky texture, but you could experiment with pie crust or even phyllo dough. Keep in mind the cooking times and frying temperature might need some adjustments.

How can I tell when the oil is at the right temperature?

Using a candy or frying thermometer is the most accurate way. The oil should be steady at 350°F for the best crispy results. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and browns in about a minute, the oil is ready.

Can I bake these pies instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through. They won’t be as crispy and golden as when fried, but they’ll still be delicious and slightly healthier.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Fried Apple Pies Recipe are such a nostalgic and heartwarming treat, especially when made from scratch. With their perfect balance of flaky pastry, warm cinnamon-spiced filling, and that irresistible crunchy exterior, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether for a cozy family dessert or an impressive party sweet, making these pies is truly a labor of love worth every bite. Happy frying and enjoy every delicious moment!