Name: Fried Apple Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 package pie dough or biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade); Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill skillet or fryer 2 inches deep); 1 egg (for egg wash); 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional); Pinch of sea salt (optional for garnish)

Golden, crispy, and dripping with sticky-sweet caramel—fried apple pies are the ultimate indulgent treat that captures the essence of cozy fall flavors. Each hand pie is filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and sealed in a flaky pastry crust that crackles beautifully with every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or just satisfying a nostalgic craving, these little pockets of joy are always a hit.

The best part? You don’t need to wait for the county fair to enjoy them. With just a few pantry staples and some ripe apples, you can fry up a batch of homemade fried apple pies in your own kitchen. The sweet scent of apples and caramel wafting through your home is simply irresistible.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into frying up these golden beauties, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the right tools to get the job done right:

Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Deep Fryer: A heavy skillet retains heat well and ensures an even fry, while a deep fryer maintains consistent temperature and prevents oil from overheating.
Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening your dough to the perfect pie thickness.
Pastry Cutter or Pizza Wheel: This helps you slice uniform circles for your hand pies.

Mixing Bowls: Needed for tossing your apple filling with spices and sugar.
Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Allows you to remove pies from hot oil without excess grease.
Thermometer: Critical for monitoring oil temperature and avoiding soggy pies.

Wire Rack & Paper Towels: For draining the pies after frying, so they stay crispy.

Having these tools handy streamlines the process, ensures safety, and guarantees that each pie turns out perfectly golden and crisp.

Ingredients for the Fried Apple Pies

Apples: The heart of the filling! Choose tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the apples.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warming spices turn the apple mixture into a cozy, aromatic delight.
Butter: Enhances the richness of the filling and helps soften the apples during cooking.

Pie Dough or Biscuit Dough: Acts as the flaky, golden envelope for your filling. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola.
Egg Wash: Helps seal the pies and gives them that beautiful golden color.

Optional Caramel Sauce: Drizzle on top after frying for extra decadence.

How To Make the Fried Apple Pies

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and dice the apples. In a skillet, melt butter and add apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy, about 8–10 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

If using homemade or store-bought pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a round cutter (about 4 to 5 inches wide).

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies

Spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold over into a half-moon shape, and press the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Fry the pies in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Step 5: Drain and Cool

Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Drizzle with caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Fried Apple Pies

Fried apple pies are best served warm, fresh from the fryer, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is piping hot. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert. If you’re serving them at a gathering, set them on a platter with caramel sauce on the side so guests can drizzle to their heart’s content.

To store leftovers, let the pies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the pies from bursting while frying?

Seal the edges well using a fork and egg wash. Also, avoid overfilling the pies.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, you can! While homemade filling offers the best flavor, canned filling is a great time-saving option.

Can these be made in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the pies for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of dough works best?

Pie dough gives a flaky, tender crust, while biscuit dough offers a more cakey texture. Choose based on your preference.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze un-fried, filled pies on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes.

What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices for their firm texture and balanced tartness.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving the warmth and nostalgia of these Fried Apple Pies, here are a few other dessert recipes from Life With Olivia that might become your next favorites:

Apple Enchiladas: A Sweet and Comforting Treat with gooey apple filling and soft tortillas.
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for that baked donut comfort in every slice.

Whipped Shortbread Cookies if you’re into melt-in-your-mouth buttery bites.
No Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies for a quick and cool pie fix.
Tiramisu Cupcakes Recipe for a touch of elegance in handheld form.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add caramel sauce, go with homemade dough, or toss in a hint of clove?

I love hearing your creative spins on my recipes. Ask questions anytime—we’re in this together when it comes to sweet creations.

Fried Apple Pies

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 pies

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy fried apple pies filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and sealed in a flaky crust, then drizzled with caramel. A cozy, nostalgic dessert perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a simple comfort-food craving.