Flaky crust with a gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
These Homemade Copycat Fried Apple Pies bring back the nostalgia of enjoying a warm, crispy treat from your favorite fast-food chain. Made from scratch, these pies feature a flaky crust filled with a gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
Why you'll want it now, Nostalgic taste with a crispy, golden exterior and warm apple filling.
Why this recipe works
Using a homemade dough ensures a flaky and tender crust, while the apple filling is perfectly sweetened and spiced with cinnamon to replicate the classic fast-food flavor. Frying the pies gives them the signature crispiness that makes them irresistible.
Equipment
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Saucepan
Frying pan or deep fryer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
How to make it
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
In a saucepan, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and butter. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender.
Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add to the apple mixture. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 8 rectangles.
Place a spoonful of apple filling onto one half of each rectangle. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry pies in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove pies with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Enjoy these homemade copycat fried apple pies for a nostalgic treat that takes you back to simpler times. They're perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
How you'll know it's ready
The pies are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
The oven type doesn't matter for this fried recipe. If you choose to bake instead of fry, preheat a standard oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake until golden brown.
Troubleshooting
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour while rolling.
If the pies burst open during frying, ensure edges are sealed well before frying.
For a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar to 3 tablespoons.
If the crust is too hard, the dough may have been overworked.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for best texture.
Make ahead
Dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Filling can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
Variations
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra spice.
Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
Try adding raisins to the filling for a different texture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bake these pies instead of frying?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter filling.
How do I prevent the pies from bursting open?
Ensure the edges are well-sealed by pressing with a fork and don't overfill the pies.
Can I freeze these pies?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked pies. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
This homemade recipe is inspired by nostalgic snack-style desserts and is not affiliated with any brand.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 pie (85 g)
Calories280
Total Fat15 g
Saturated Fat8 g
Cholesterol30 mg
Sodium150 mg
Total Carbohydrate35 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Total Sugars12 g
Protein3 g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on brands and exact measurements.
Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.
