Name: Simple Fried Apple Pies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought); 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or other tart variety); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon cornstarch or flour; Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil); Cinnamon sugar (optional, for topping)

Golden, crispy, and filled with warm spiced apples, these Simple Fried Apple Pies bring all the comforts of a homemade dessert in the most delightful handheld form. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat like grandma used to make or looking to impress with a rustic dessert, these pies are a perfect pick. Imagine biting through a flaky fried crust into tender apple filling kissed with cinnamon and sugar—a truly heartwarming moment.

They’re perfect for potlucks, cozy gatherings, or as a weekend baking project with the kids. The best part? No oven required! These pies are fried to golden perfection right on the stovetop, making them an easy-to-love twist on the classic baked version.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Fried Apple Pies Recipe

Crispy & Buttery: The golden crust delivers that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Cozy Apple Filling: Spiced just right with cinnamon and sugar, it’s comforting and full of flavor.
Easy Prep: No baking needed, just mix, fill, fold, and fry!
Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch, freeze them, and fry when you’re ready.
Portable Treat: Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or dessert on the go.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these fried apple pies, it’s helpful to set up your kitchen for smooth sailing. Here are the tools and why each one matters:

Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening the dough evenly to get that perfect crispy finish when frying.
Pastry Cutter or Sharp Knife: To cut out clean, even circles of dough for a consistent size and cook.
Fork: Helps crimp the edges and seal the pies securely so no filling leaks out while frying.
Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Dutch Oven: Retains heat well and ensures even frying without burning.
Slotted Spoon or Tongs: For flipping and removing pies from hot oil safely.
Cooling Rack: Let the pies rest without getting soggy after frying.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the apple filling and dough components.

With the right tools ready and ingredients prepped, you’ll be on your way to creating golden, crisp, homemade fried apple pies that everyone will love.

Ingredients for the Simple Fried Apple Pies

Pie Crust Dough: Acts as the perfect crispy shell that holds everything together. You can use homemade or store-bought.
Apples: The star of the show! Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet-tart combo for a richer filling.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples and adds sweetness to the filling.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the apple’s natural sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that defines the apple pie flavor.
Nutmeg (Optional): Adds complexity and depth to the apple mixture.
Butter: Helps soften the apples during the cooking phase and enhances richness.
Cornstarch or Flour: Thickens the apple filling so it stays put inside the crust.
Oil for Frying: Use neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for golden, even frying.
Optional: Cinnamon Sugar: For sprinkling over the pies right after frying for extra flavor and sparkle.

How To Make the Simple Fried Apple Pies

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and dice your apples into small chunks. In a saucepan, combine apples, sugars, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Add cornstarch slurry if needed. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll out your pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches wide) to cut out circles. Reroll scraps as needed.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies

Place a spoonful of the cooled apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal tightly.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent sogginess.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fry the pies in batches, about 2-3 at a time, until golden brown—around 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Optional Cinnamon Sugar Dusting

While still warm, sprinkle each pie with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for extra sparkle and sweetness.

How to Serve and Store Your Fried Apple Pies

These pies are best served warm while the crust is still crisp and the filling gooey. Dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar right before serving for a beautiful finish. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

To Store: Allow pies to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To Reheat: Place them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crispy crust.

Freezing Tip: Freeze uncooked assembled pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples work best for fried apple pies?

Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness. A mix of sweet and tart varieties adds depth.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes! While homemade filling gives the best flavor, canned filling is a great shortcut. Just be sure it isn’t too runny.

What type of dough should I use?

Homemade pie dough is flakier, but store-bought refrigerated pie crusts work wonderfully and save time.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, brushing with egg wash for color.

How do I keep the pies from bursting open?

Make sure the edges are sealed well with a fork and avoid overfilling. Chilling them briefly before frying also helps.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and thicken the filling with cornstarch instead of flour.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If these Simple Fried Apple Pies have you hooked on handheld treats and cozy comfort food, check out more delicious creations:

Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a slice of sweet Southern charm.
Amish Applesauce Cake if you love fruit-forward, spiced cakes.
Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for that creamy, silky classic you didn’t know you missed.
Winter Brittle for a snappy, sweet addition to your holiday trays.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a rich, chocolatey twist on classic banana bread.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a caramel drizzle or try them with a chocolate dip? Maybe even made a savory version?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other fry smarter!