Description
These fried apple pies are a delicious homemade version of the classic McDonald's favorite, featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, spiced apple filling and fried to golden perfection. Served with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and optional caramel sauce, they make a perfect dessert or sweet snack.
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
Frying and Toppings
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Oil for frying (approximately 3 cups)
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 equal pieces and place them on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Set aside.
- Cook the Apple Filling: In a pan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the apples are tender. Stir in the butter until melted and incorporated.
- Thicken the Filling: Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pies: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one side of each pastry piece. Brush the edges of the pastry with water, fold over to form a rectangle, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Chill the Pies: Place the assembled pies in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up before frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep pan to reach about 3 inches deep and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the Pies: Fry 2-3 pies at a time for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and the pastry is cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the remaining 3 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. While the pies are still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over them.
- Serve: Let the pies cool slightly and serve with optional caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your homemade fried apple pies!
Notes
- For convenience, canned apple pie filling can substitute the homemade apple filling if short on time.
- Use a frying or candy thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even frying.
- Drain fried pies on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Use enough oil to fully submerge the pies but avoid overfilling your frying vessel to prevent spills and bubbles.
- Chilling the pies before frying helps the pastry hold its shape and prevents filling leakage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
