Description
These Fried Apple Pies are a delightful homemade treat featuring a flavorful apple filling made with Granny Smith apples, warm spices, and a flaky puff pastry crust. Crisply fried to golden perfection and dusted with cinnamon sugar, these pies can be enjoyed as a delicious dessert or snack, optionally served with caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 17.3 ounce box puff pastry sheets (thawed)
Apple Filling
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored and diced)
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 teaspoons cinnamon (divided use)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for sprinkling mixed with sugar)
Others
- Oil for frying
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 4 equal pieces. Arrange them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
- Cook Apple Filling: In a pan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in butter until melted and combined.
- Thicken Filling: Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then add to the apple mixture. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Brush the edges of the pastry with water to help seal, then fold over to form rectangles. Press the edges with a fork to crimp and seal completely.
- Chill Pies: Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes. This helps the pastry hold its shape during frying.
- Heat Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, monitoring temperature closely for steady frying.
- Fry Pies: Fry 2 to 3 pies at a time for 6 minutes or until golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. Carefully remove and drain on paper towels.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, sprinkle the pies generously with the mixture of granulated sugar and remaining cinnamon.
- Repeat Frying: Continue frying the remaining pies similarly and coat each with cinnamon sugar immediately after frying.
- Serve: Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Optionally serve with caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- This recipe is inspired by the classic McDonald’s fried apple pies, emphasizing a crispy exterior and flavorful spiced apple filling.
- If puff pastry is unavailable, a homemade or frozen flaky pie dough can be substituted but may affect crispiness.
- Keep pies chilled before frying to help maintain their shape and prevent oil absorption.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly fried pies.
- The cinnamon sugar coating can be adjusted for sweetness and spice preference.
- Serve these pies warm for the best texture and flavor, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 181 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
