Easy Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies

Oh, the magic of deep-fried treats! There’s just something about biting into a golden, crispy hand pie filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples that instantly transports me to my grandma’s kitchen. The sweet scent of caramelized apples mixing with the unmistakable crunch of fried dough—pure happiness in every bite. These hand pies are super simple to make, even if you’ve never tried deep frying before. Trust me, with a little bubbling oil and a good old-fashioned apple filling, you’ll have a cozy, irresistible snack or dessert that’s perfect any time you crave that homemade touch.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 6-8 hand pies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade dough, about 1 crust)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, let’s make that apple filling. In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. Set aside and let cool a bit.

Step 2:

Unroll your pie crusts onto a clean surface. Using a round cutter (or a glass about 4 inches wide), cut out circles from the dough. You’ll want about 6-8 circles depending on your dough size.

Step 3:

Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, or it will leak during frying!

Step 4:

Brush the edges of each dough circle lightly with beaten egg, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. This keeps that beautiful filling inside and gives you a nice crimped edge.

Step 5:

Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Use a candy or deep fry thermometer to check the temp—too hot and the pies burn; too cool and they get greasy.

Step 6:

Carefully drop 2-3 hand pies into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd). Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let cool slightly before devouring.

Variations & Tips

• Try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spiced twist.
• Swap out apples for pears or peaches when in season.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, test oil with a small dough piece—it should sizzle and brown in about a minute.
• For extra richness, brush pies with butter just after frying.
• Leftover filling? Use it as a topping for pancakes or oatmeal!

How I Like to Serve It

I love serving these hand pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, especially during chilly fall afternoons. They’re perfect for casual gatherings or an indulgent weekend treat. Pair them with hot cider or a cozy cup of tea, and you’ve got comfort food on point.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a toaster oven for best crispness.
• If you want to bake instead of fry, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Closing: These deep-fried apple hand pies are comfort and crunch in one little package—once you try them, I promise they’ll become an anytime favorite in your kitchen!