These fried apple pies are a McDonald’s copycat recipe that feature a homemade apple pie filling encased in pastry and deep fried to flaky perfection. The pies are finished off with a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a unique and delicious dessert option.
I grew up eating fried apple pie at McDonald’s, and I have to say, this homemade version is WAY better than the restaurant recipe! The addition of cinnamon sugar really takes these pies over the top.
These fried apple pies are a copycat of those delicious, flaky pies from McDonald’s and yes, I ate more than I should have. Dare I say, they were far more delicious homemade than from the fast food restaurant!
HOW DO YOU MAKE FRIED APPLE PIES?
Once you’ve laid our your puff pastry dough and cut it accordingly, spoon your delicious apple cinnamon mixture into the middle before crimping the sides. Allow the pies to chill in the freezer for a bit, then fry them to golden brown perfection. Let them cool down a bit before devouring!
The fried apple pie mixture is so much better when it’s homemade. However, if you are short on time or just don’t want to make your own apple filling, canned filling will do just fine. Those pies will still be just as deliciously addicting even if you don’t use the homemade filling.
It’s very important that you allow the pies to cook for the appropriate amount of time. If they don’t cook long enough, the pastry won’t cook all the way through and you’ll end up with gooey pastry in the middle. If the outside of the pies are browning too quickly, turn the heat down for more even results.
WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO FRY HAND PIES?
These pies can be fried on the stove or in an electric fryer. However, the easiest way to fry anything is to have an actual fryer. I don’t mind frying in a pan but it’s not as easy to get a nice even golden brown with a frying pan. A fryer seems to be quicker and easier if you have the access to use one. If not, a deep frying pan is perfect.
IS HOMEMADE HEALTHIER THAN MCDONALD’S?
The great thing about homemade food is the fact that you have more control of how your food is made and what it’s made with. Most fast food (yes, even the salad) is high in carbs, calories, fat, sugar, and sodium. None of this is good for us in large quantities therefore, I like to go with homemade more than fast food. That being said, these pies are hardly healthy food!
These fried apple pies might look like they’re difficult to make but they take very little effort. They work great as a quick dessert or even a treat for breakfast. They’re perfect served as is but also go well with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
MORE APPLE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Fried Apple Pies
Ingredients
- 17.3 ounce box puff pastry sheets thawed
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and diced
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- caramel sauce for serving optional
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut each sheet of puff pastry into 4 pieces. Place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Place the apples, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes or until apples are tender. Stir in the butter.
- Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add to the apple mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until apple filling has thickened.
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto one side of each piece of puff pastry. Brush the edges with water and fold over to make a rectangle.
- Crimp the edges of each puff pastry rectangle with a fork.
- Chill the pies for 20 minutes in the freezer.
- Heat 3 inches of oil to 350 degrees F.
- Cook 2-3 pies at a time, for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and pastry is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over each pie as it comes out of the oil.
- Repeat the frying and cinnamon sugar sprinkling process with all of the remaining pies.
- Serve immediately, with caramel sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Deb says
We have an apple tree which is full now and I made these hand pies and they were really yummy!
JBK says
can they be baked in oven also
Sara says
Yes that should be fine!
Kim Bish says
Just made these. Can’t wait to try them. My question, can they be frozen after frying and for how long will they last? My boys are home for Thanksgiving and I would like to send some home with them to heat up in the dorm.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sara says
I have never tried freezing them before, but I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t! I’d reheat them in a toaster or oven so that the outside gets crispy.
Dr. K. Lee Banks says
Yes, this looks like another “must make” recipe – definitely worth 5 stars! 😉 I do like the MacD’s version, but as you said – it’s always better when you can make your own and be in charge of what goes into the recipe. I’m thinking the same process might work for making those delicious pumpkin pies, too!
Debbie says
Carmel and apples, I feel fall coming! Can’t wait to try these!
rika livingston says
Yummy!!!! This is the perfect recipe for next fall party! I am sure that my kids will go crazy for these apple pies.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
I wonder if these would work in an air fryer? They look incredible. YUM.
Lynndee says
I love pies, but I don’t think I’ve ever had fried apple pies before. That looks good. Thanks for the recipe.
Aduke Schulist says
Every time I fry something I think about how much easier it would be with a fryer. I don’t really fry things that much to actually get one though.
Denay says
These fried apple pies look so delicious! They remind me of the ones my family made and enjoyed when I was a child.
Ruth I. says
The McDonald’s here do not have apple pie in the menu. But thanks to this, I’ll be able to somehow taste it. I’m sure it is delicious!
cathy mini says
I love this recipe and my kids love this and they always requested it to me., Delicious and healthy .
Catalina says
OMG! These pies are so mouthwatering! I love that can make them at home. Homemade is always better!
Rose Ann Sales says
This fried apple pies recipe looks so easy to prepare and looks really delicious. I will try to make this with my sister, thanks for sharing!
Heather says
Oh that looks so good! I love hand pies. These just look amazing especially as an autumn treat. I tried my hand at peach pie and it turned out pretty good. I’ll have to try this recipe next.
Destany says
Fun! That looks like a super easy recipe to have a girls day with friends or with family! I could see it as a bonding day 🙂
Marcie W. says
Holy delicious! I have had a love affair with McDonald’s apple pies since my early childhood. I can not wait to make these!
Angie says
Yum, I don’t mind the McDonald’s Fried Apple Pies, but these look so much better! Homemade is always better though, right? YUM.