Description
This homemade Apple Pies recipe is a nostalgic copycat of the retro McDonald’s classic, featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a spiced, tender apple filling. These delightful deep-fried pies are perfectly crisp on the outside and warm, gooey on the inside, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a comforting treat reminiscent of childhood favorites.
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 2 cups 1/2” diced apples
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pie Shells
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 package)
- neutral oil (vegetable, canola or coconut oil) for frying (about 1-2 inches deep)
- sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Remove puff pastry from freezer, unwrap, and place sheets on a floured work surface to thaw until pliable.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Thicken Filling: In a separate container, combine water and all-purpose flour, shake or whisk until smooth, then add this mixture to the saucepan. Continue boiling gently while stirring constantly until the apples are softened and the filling thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and set aside to cool.
- Heat Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan with deep sides, heat about 1-2 inches of neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) for deep frying.
- Assemble Pies: Using a sharp knife, cut each puff pastry sheet into 3 equal long strips. On a floured surface, lay out the strips horizontally. Place about 1/4 cup of the cooled apple filling on the left half of each strip. Moisten the edges with water using clean fingers. Fold the right half of the dough over the filling and press edges gently to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, preventing filling leakage.
- Fry the Pies: Carefully fry 1-2 pies at a time in the hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes total and flipping halfway through to ensure even golden browning. Remove the pies once golden and crispy, and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Add Finishing Touch: While still warm, sprinkle the pies with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy these warm, crispy apple pies immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to handle easily without sticking.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to avoid burning and ensure pies cook through evenly.
- If you prefer a lighter version, baking the assembled pies is possible but will change the classic fried texture.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to handle pies during frying to maintain their shape.
- Allow filling to cool slightly before assembling to avoid making the dough soggy and difficult to seal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
