• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dessert » Fried Apple Pies

Published: September 9, 2018 Last Modified: March 12, 2019 By Sara 35 Comments

Fried Apple Pies

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Fried Apple Pies Recipe | McDonald's Copycat Recipe | Apple Pie | Apple Hand Pies #pie #apples #applepie #dessert #snack #dinneratthezoo

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.

Fried Apple Pies Recipe | McDonald's Copycat Recipe | Apple Pie | Apple Hand Pies #pie #apples #applepie #dessert #snack #dinneratthezoo Fried Apple Pies Recipe | McDonald's Copycat Recipe | Apple Pie | Apple Hand Pies #pie #apples #applepie #dessert #snack #dinneratthezoo

Fried apple pies on a plate served with caramel sauce and topped with cinnamon sugar.

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!

Homemade apple pie filling in a skillet.

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.

A sheet of puff pastry topped with homemade apple pie 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.

Puff pastry apple hand pies ready to go into the fryer.

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!

A plate of deep fried apple pies dusted with cinnamon sugar.

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!

A cross section of a fried apple pie on a plate.

MORE APPLE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

  • Apple Fries
  • Caramel Apple Dip
  • Apple Nachos
  • Apple Pork Chops
  • Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Fried apple pies on a plate served with caramel sauce and topped with cinnamon sugar.
Print Pin
4.94 from 16 votes

Fried Apple Pies

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.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 476kcal
Author Sara Welch

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

Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.8mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dessert

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Fried Ravioli
    Pizza Stuffed Shells »

    Comments

    1. Naomi says

      May 22, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      Wow these are absolutely amazing! Came out perfect! !

      Reply
    2. Jamie says

      March 24, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      Is rather bake these in the oven. Same results? What temperature and how long? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 24, 2020 at 7:30 pm

        400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until browned!

        Reply
    3. Deb says

      September 10, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      We have an apple tree which is full now and I made these hand pies and they were really yummy!

      Reply
    4. JBK says

      September 2, 2019 at 8:56 am

      can they be baked in oven also

      Reply
      • Sara says

        September 2, 2019 at 1:30 pm

        Yes that should be fine!

        Reply
    5. Kim Bish says

      November 20, 2018 at 3:19 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 20, 2018 at 9:08 pm

        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.

        Reply
    6. Dr. K. Lee Banks says

      September 17, 2018 at 8:59 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    7. Debbie says

      September 16, 2018 at 8:44 pm

      5 stars
      Carmel and apples, I feel fall coming! Can’t wait to try these!

      Reply
    8. rika livingston says

      September 12, 2018 at 10:08 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy!!!! This is the perfect recipe for next fall party! I am sure that my kids will go crazy for these apple pies.

      Reply
    9. Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says

      September 12, 2018 at 8:02 pm

      I wonder if these would work in an air fryer? They look incredible. YUM.

      Reply
    10. Lynndee says

      September 12, 2018 at 7:18 am

      I love pies, but I don’t think I’ve ever had fried apple pies before. That looks good. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    11. Aduke Schulist says

      September 11, 2018 at 6:54 pm

      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.

      Reply
    12. Denay says

      September 11, 2018 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      These fried apple pies look so delicious! They remind me of the ones my family made and enjoyed when I was a child.

      Reply
    13. Ruth I. says

      September 11, 2018 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    14. cathy mini says

      September 11, 2018 at 4:40 am

      I love this recipe and my kids love this and they always requested it to me., Delicious and healthy .

      Reply
    15. Catalina says

      September 11, 2018 at 1:24 am

      OMG! These pies are so mouthwatering! I love that can make them at home. Homemade is always better!

      Reply
    16. Rose Ann Sales says

      September 10, 2018 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    17. Heather says

      September 10, 2018 at 8:10 pm

      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.

      Reply
    18. Destany says

      September 10, 2018 at 6:11 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
    19. Marcie W. says

      September 10, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Holy delicious! I have had a love affair with McDonald’s apple pies since my early childhood. I can not wait to make these!

      Reply
    20. Angie says

      September 10, 2018 at 9:34 am

      Yum, I don’t mind the McDonald’s Fried Apple Pies, but these look so much better! Homemade is always better though, right? YUM.

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Grilling Recipes

    Grilled lamb chops on a plate garnished with parsley and lemon.

    Grilled Lamb Chops

    These burrito bowls are loaded with marinated grilled chicken, cilantro lime rice, black beans and a variety of fun toppings. This recipe will become a dinner time staple at your house!

    Burrito Bowls with Chicken

    Steak kabobs with mushrooms, red onion and bell peppers, brushed with garlic butter.

    Steak Kabobs with Garlic Butter

    The best turkey burgers topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado.

    The BEST Turkey Burgers

    This recipe is for a black bean veggie burger with a Mexican twist! The veggie patty is layered with southwestern sauce, grilled corn, guacamole, cheese and tomatoes to create a hearty vegetarian sandwich.

    Black Bean Veggie Burger

    These grilled lemon sriracha shrimp are a little bit sweet, a little bit spicy and a whole lot delicious! #KingsfordFlavor #Ad

    Grilled Sriracha Shrimp

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    This one pot chicken with cheddar broccoli rice combines classic flavors for a quick and easy dinner. Chicken thighs are cooked with a creamy cheesy broccoli cheddar rice for a complete meal without all the cleanup.

    Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

    Hamburger steak topped with mushroom gravy and chopped parsley.

    Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    A roasted chicken in a pan garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

    Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

    Bites of sirloin steak in a garlic sauce.

    Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food