These Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies are one of my favorite warm and comforting desserts to make when I want something crispy, sweet, and satisfying. I fill flaky pie crusts with rich apple pie filling, fry them until golden brown, and finish them with a simple sugary glaze. The result is a crunchy outside with a warm, soft apple center that tastes absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy these hand pies are to prepare using refrigerated pie crust and canned apple filling. The deep frying creates a beautifully crisp texture while the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. I also enjoy serving these pies warm because they taste like a classic fair-style dessert made right at home. They are perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or an afternoon sweet treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
21 oz. can apple pie filling
Refrigerated pie crust
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon water
Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
I fill a heavy Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil about 4 to 5 inches deep and heat the oil to 375°F using a candy thermometer.
I roll out the refrigerated pie crust and use a 3 to 4-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out 6 rounds from each crust, re-rolling scraps if needed.
I place a heaping tablespoon of apple pie filling into the center of 6 pie rounds.
I brush water around the edges of the filled rounds using my fingers or a pastry brush.
I place a second pie round over each filling portion and gently press to seal the pies.
I crimp the edges all the way around each hand pie to keep the filling securely inside while frying.
In a small bowl, I stir together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water to make the glaze, then cover it with a damp paper towel while I fry the pies.
I fry the hand pies one at a time for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become deep golden brown and crispy.
I remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined surface to drain excess oil.
I brush glaze over both sides of the warm hand pies and place them on a cooling rack or baking sheet.
I repeat the process with the remaining pies and serve them warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warm spice flavor.
I like using peach, cherry, or blueberry pie filling for different fruit variations.
A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze adds even more sweetness and texture.
I occasionally drizzle caramel sauce over the finished pies for a richer dessert.
For a lighter version, I bake the hand pies in the oven instead of frying them.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat them, I warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture. I avoid microwaving them because the crust can become soft.
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FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated crust?
Yes, I can easily use homemade pie dough if I want a more traditional homemade flavor and texture.
How do I keep the hand pies from opening while frying?
I make sure to crimp the edges tightly and avoid overfilling the pies so the filling stays inside during frying.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, I can assemble the pies ahead of time and refrigerate them until I am ready to fry them.
What oil works best for frying hand pies?
I prefer using vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor and handles high frying temperatures well.
Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes, I can freeze the cooked pies once cooled. I reheat them in the oven for the best crispy texture.
Conclusion
These Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies are crispy, flaky, and filled with sweet apple goodness in every bite. I love how simple they are to prepare while still feeling like a special homemade dessert. Whether I serve them for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat, they always disappear quickly and leave everyone asking for more.
📖 Recipe:
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Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Deep Fried Apple Hand Pies are crispy, flaky pastries filled with sweet apple pie filling and finished with a sugary glaze. They make a warm and comforting dessert perfect for holidays, gatherings, or an easy homemade treat.
Ingredients
1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling
1 package refrigerated pie crust
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon water
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Fill a heavy Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil about 4 to 5 inches deep and heat the oil to 375°F using a candy thermometer.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crust and use a 3 to 4-inch round or fluted cookie cutter to cut out 6 rounds from each crust, re-rolling scraps if needed.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of apple pie filling into the center of 6 pie rounds.
- Brush water around the edges of the filled rounds using your fingers or a pastry brush.
- Place a second pie round over each filling portion and gently press to seal the pies.
- Crimp the edges all the way around each hand pie to keep the filling securely inside while frying.
- In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water to make the glaze. Cover with a damp paper towel while frying the pies.
- Fry the hand pies one at a time for about 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined surface to drain excess oil.
- Brush glaze over both sides of the warm hand pies and place them on a cooling rack or baking sheet.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pies and serve warm.
Notes
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warm spice flavor.
Try peach, cherry, or blueberry pie filling for different fruit variations.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glaze for extra sweetness and texture.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished pies for a richer dessert.
For a lighter version, bake the hand pies instead of frying.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
