Description
These Fried Apple Pies are a delightful homemade version of the classic McDonald's treat. Featuring a warm, spiced apple filling enveloped in flaky puff pastry and fried to golden perfection, they're perfect for a comforting dessert or 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
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Frying and Topping
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Caramel sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 4 equal pieces and place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook Apples: In a pan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken Filling: Stir in butter until melted. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth, then add to the apple mixture. Continue cooking for 3 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble Pies: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one side of each puff pastry piece. Brush the edges with water to help seal, then fold over to form a rectangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to crimp and seal the pies.
- Chill Pies: Place assembled pies on a baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up before frying. This helps maintain their shape during cooking.
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat 3 inches of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature for even frying.
- Fry Pies: Carefully fry 2-3 pies at a time for 6 minutes or until golden brown and the puff pastry is fully cooked. Turn as needed for even browning.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While frying, mix granulated sugar with remaining 3 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat Pies: Remove pies from oil with a slotted spoon and immediately sprinkle or toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Serve: Allow pies to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is a copycat version of McDonald's fried apple pies featuring homemade filling and flaky pastry.
- Make sure to chill the pies before frying to prevent them from opening up in the oil.
- Use a digital thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy results.
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie dough for a different texture.
- For a vegetarian option, confirm the butter is dairy-based or use a plant-based substitute.
- Leftover pies can be reheated in an oven for best results, though frying fresh is preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 181 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
