Cuisine: American

Category: Dessert

Keywords: apple hand pies, fried apple pies, mini apple pies, cinnamon apple dessert

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Yield: 8 hand pies

Introduction

If you’re craving a dessert that’s quick, crispy, and absolutely irresistible, these
Easy Homemade Apple Hand Pies are just what you need.
With a flaky crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, they’re perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.
At tinsuf, we love sharing recipes that combine tradition with simplicity, and these mini fried apple pies capture the nostalgic taste of classic apple pie in a handheld form.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Ready-made or homemade pie dough
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the diced apples with sugar and cinnamon until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface and cut into circles about 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Spoon a small amount of the apple filling onto half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the hand pies into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the fried pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips

• Keep your dough cold before frying to ensure a flaky crust.
• Don’t overfill the pies to prevent leaks during frying.
• If the oil temperature is too low, the pies will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• For a lighter alternative, bake the pies at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Storage & Make-Ahead

These apple hand pies are best enjoyed fresh, while the crust is crisp.
If storing, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
You can also freeze unbaked pies for up to 2 months and fry or bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of buttery dough and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Frying the pies adds a satisfying crunch, while the warm apple filling remains tender and juicy.
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients and comes together quickly, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Expert Tips

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for depth of flavor.
• Chill the filled pies for 10 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top just before serving for a bakery-style presentation.