McDonald’s Apple Pie Copycat Recipe: Crispy Fried Hand Pies at Home

Remember the magic of McDonald’s original fried apple pies? Those golden, crispy hand pies with bubbling hot apple filling that defined childhood treats for generations. While the fast-food giant switched to baked versions, you can still recreate the beloved original at home. This copycat recipe delivers everything you remember: flaky, crispy puff pastry exterior and perfectly spiced apple filling that’s sweet, chunky, and irresistibly nostalgic.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to perfect McDonald’s-style apple pies lies in the contrast between textures and temperatures. Using puff pastry instead of homemade dough simplifies the process while delivering authentic flaky layers. The two-apple combination creates complex flavor depth, while the precise spice blend mimics the original’s signature taste. Deep frying at exactly 350°F ensures golden-brown exteriors that shatter delicately to reveal steaming, perfectly seasoned apple filling inside.

Ingredients

Apple Filling Base

• Granny Smith apple – Provides tart foundation that balances the sweetness perfectly
• Red apple variety – Adds sweetness and creates complex, layered apple flavor
• Unsalted butter – Creates a rich base for cooking apples and enhances flavor
• Brown sugar – Contributes molasses depth and caramelized sweetness
• Lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds bright acidic balance

Spice Blend Components

• Ground cinnamon – Delivers classic apple pie warmth and aromatic sweetness
• Ground nutmeg – Adds subtle complexity and traditional pie spice notes
• Allspice – Provides warming depth that rounds out the spice profile
• Vanilla extract – Enhances overall sweetness and adds bakery-style flavor
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors

Pastry Foundation

Puff pastry sheets – Creates authentic flaky, crispy exterior when fried

Ingredient notes

This recipe uses 2 medium-sized apples. I like to use two different types of apples. I always pick a Granny Smith apple, and then another type of apple, it could be a Honey Crisp, a Red Delicious, Jazz apple, or any other type your store has available. By using two different types of apples the result will be a more intense apple flavor.

For the package of puff pastry dough, most stores carry the Pepperidge Farm brand, and I find it works very well. For this recipe, you will use the whole package.

How to make McDonald’s fried apple pie

1. Defrost the puff pastry according to package directions.
2. Dice apples into small pieces and place them in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the apples are softened.

5. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares.
6. Spoon apple pie filling onto each one of the squares.
7. Brush water on the edges of the pastry squares and fold the squares over on each other.
8. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges together.

9. Add enough oil to a heavy pot or deep fryer to be 3 inches deep.
10. Heat oil until 350°F.
11. Fry pies for about 1 minute on each side. Remove when both sides are golden brown.
12. Place pies on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
13. You can keep the pies warm in a 200°F oven until you are ready to serve.

Equipment and cooking tips

You will need to deep fry these pies. For this, I recommend using a Grand Pappy Fryer because it heats consistently and will store so you can reuse the oil.

You can also use a stockpot filled about 3 inches deep with oil.

Resting the pies on a wire rack to drain instead of paper towels will help keep them nice and crisp.

If you want to keep the pies warm while frying them in batches, place them in a warm 200°F oven.

What to serve McDonald’s apple pie with

This warm apple pie is highly delicious with a cold accompaniment, such as homemade vanilla ice cream or your favorite milkshake. The contrasting temperatures create balance and complement each other perfectly.

Another option is to make it fancier by plating it and topping it with homemade whipped cream and caramel sauce. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Keep covered for up to 4 days, though pastry may lose some crispiness due to condensation.
• Room Temperature Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For optimal crispiness, it is best consumed the same day.
• Reheating Method: Reheat in 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes or air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it will soften the pastry.

Love McDonald’s? Try these copycat recipes!

• Big Mac Sauce
• Egg White Sandwich
• Homemade McFlurry – Oreo
• McDonald’s Hamburger
• McDonald’s Smoothie
• Sweet Iced Tea

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Check out my easy pie recipes and the best McDonalds recipes here on CopyKat!