Creamy, crispy, and impossibly fun to eat — Apple Pie Fries are the cozy, sweet snack you didn’t know you needed. These golden, fry-shaped strips of flaky pie crust filled with cinnamon-sugared apples deliver all the comfort of apple pie in a playful, shareable format. Fun fact: this handheld twist on a classic dessert is perfect for parties, after-school treats, or a quick weekend indulgence.
If you love easy desserts with big flavor, try our simple apple fries tutorial for more ideas: apple fries tutorial. This recipe stands out for its simplicity, speedy prep, and wide family appeal — a great alternative to a full apple pie or a richer apple crisp on busy nights. Read on and let’s make a batch everyone will reach for.
What is Apple Pie Fries?
What’s in a name — and why call them fries? Apple Pie Fries are playful strips of pie crust stuffed with a sweet apple filling and baked until crisp. Sounds quirky, right? Who decided to slice pie into fry shapes and call it a day? Maybe someone who wanted pie that’s easy to share and dunk. After all, isn’t it true that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you serve them at a potluck or a rainy-day movie night, these little bites are meant to be fun, nostalgic, and dangerously easy to eat. Give them a try and see which friend disappears first.
Why You’ll Love This
- Irresistible highlight: Flaky, buttery crust meets warm, cinnamon-sweet apple — the crisp edges and soft center create a perfect contrast you can taste in every bite.
- Cost-saving and simple: Made with ready-made pie crusts and just a few pantry staples, this recipe is wallet-friendly and faster than baking a full pie.
- Flavorful toppings and versatility: Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar, serve with caramel or whipped cream, or customize the filling with nuts or raisins for a flavor upgrade.
Compared to denser desserts like apple cobbler, these fries are lighter and faster to make, and they’re an excellent addition to your dessert rotation if you enjoy quick, shareable treats. If you liked the idea above, check our full Apple Pie Fries guide for another take: full Apple Pie Fries recipe. Now grab your crusts and let’s get baking.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying mix of textures: flaky, crispy edges with a warm, tender apple filling. It’s ideal for beginner bakers — prep and assembly are straightforward, and baking takes under half an hour. Expect about 10 minutes prep and 20 to 25 minutes baking for a total of 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 2 premade pie crusts, thawed if frozen
- 2 apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Additional sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling (about 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, mixed)
- Caramel sauce, for dipping (store-bought or homemade, warmed slightly)
- Whipped cream, for dipping (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the chopped apples with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Spread the apple mixture over one crust, leaving a small border around the edges to seal.
- Place the second crust on top and press gently around the edges to seal the filling inside. Use a rolling pin to lightly flatten and make the layers stick together.
- Cut the layered crust into strips about 1 inch wide, then cut those strips into fry shapes roughly 3 to 4 inches long. Use a fork to press the edges if needed to ensure a good seal.
- Brush the top of each fry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the prepared sugar and cinnamon mixture for a sweet, sparkling finish.
- Transfer the fries to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream for dipping.
What to Serve With
- Warm caramel sauce and whipped cream for dipping are classic and crowd-pleasing.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these into a decadent dessert.
- For a lighter pairing, serve with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or spiced apple cider.
- For a fall brunch, pair with yogurt and a fruit salad to balance sweetness.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a firm texture that won’t turn mushy during baking.
- Don’t overfill the crust; a thin layer of apple lets the crust seal neatly and bake evenly.
- Brush the edges with a little water before sealing to help the two crust layers stick.
- If you want extra crispiness, bake on a preheated baking sheet or use a light convection setting if your oven has one.
- Avoid underbaking; pale fries won’t be as crunchy. Aim for a deep golden color.
- To add depth, stir a pinch of nutmeg or a teaspoon of lemon zest into the apple mixture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooled Apple Pie Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked assembled fries on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Shelf life details: Best eaten fresh but safe refrigerated for a few days. Texture is best after reheating in the oven rather than the microwave.
- Reheating method: For best results, warm in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes. A toaster oven works well for single servings.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of premade crusts?
Yes. Homemade crust adds flavor and flakiness but may take extra time. Roll it thin and chill before filling to make cutting easier.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet-tart mix like Honeycrisp work best because they hold shape and balance the sugar.
Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate for a few hours, or freeze unbaked fries and bake them when guests arrive for a fresh warm treat.
Are they safe to freeze after baking?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely. Chop nuts finely and fold in a small handful; soak raisins briefly if you prefer them plump. Keep additions modest to avoid overfilling.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
Serve with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, vanilla glaze, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a lighter touch.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Fries are a delightful, simple treat that brings together the best parts of apple pie in a fun, shareable form. They’re quick to prepare, wallet-friendly, and perfect for family snacks or gatherings. Warm, crisp, and ready for dunking, they’re a sure way to make dessert memories. For another take on this idea and inspiration, see this detailed write-up: Apple Pie Fries – CincyShopper. Give them a try and share the batch — they disappear fast!
Apple Pie Fries
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Premade pie crusts Thawed if frozen
- 2 pieces Apples Peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 piece Egg Beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar For sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon For sprinkling
- to taste Caramel sauce For dipping, warmed slightly
- to taste Whipped cream For dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the chopped apples with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Spread the apple mixture over one crust, leaving a small border around the edges to seal.
- Place the second crust on top and press gently around the edges to seal the filling inside. Use a rolling pin to lightly flatten and make the layers stick together.
- Cut the layered crust into strips about 1 inch wide, then cut those strips into fry shapes roughly 3 to 4 inches long. Use a fork to press the edges if needed to ensure a good seal.
- Brush the top of each fry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with the prepared sugar and cinnamon mixture for a sweet, sparkling finish.
- Transfer the fries to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with caramel sauce or whipped cream for dipping.