Fall never tasted so good 🍂 These Fried Apple Hand Pies With Crescent Rolls are the perfect bite-sized dessert for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or when you just need something quick and nostalgic. With flaky layers, caramelized apples, and a golden crisp outside, this handheld treat tastes like a shortcut to Grandma’s homemade pie—without the hours of baking.
Why You’ll Love These Crescent Apple Pies
If you’ve ever found yourself craving homemade apple pie but dreading the effort, this recipe is your new go-to. It uses store-bought crescent roll dough, which means no crust prep, no chilling, and no stress. Just roll, fill, fry, and enjoy.
This version brings together:
- ✨ Crescent dough convenience
- 🍏 A warm cinnamon-apple filling
- 🥄 Fried golden for the perfect crunch
- 🧁 Finished with a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar
Whether you’re making them for a quick dessert or a fun brunch side, these pie bites always disappear fast.
🥧 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can of crescent roll dough
- 2 medium apples (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Optional glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Apple Filling
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and syrupy. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Separate the crescent triangles and gently stretch each one. Add a spoonful of apple filling to the center and fold over into a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
3. Fry the Hand Pies
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the hand pies 2–3 at a time for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
4. Add a Sweet Finish
Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm pies, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a rustic look.
🧺 Tips & Variations
- Add chopped pecans or caramel bits to the filling for extra richness.
- Swap apples for pears or mixed berries for a seasonal twist.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Use air fryer instead of oil for a lighter version (cook at 350°F for 6–8 minutes).
💡 FAQ – Crescent Apple Pie Bites
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until golden. Brush with butter after baking for a fried-like effect.
Can I prep these in advance?
You can make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Assemble and fry just before serving for best texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer for crispiness.
🥄 More Delicious Ideas
Fried Apple Hand Pies With Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- – 1 can crescent roll dough
- – 2 medium apples peeled and diced
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 3 tbsp brown sugar
- – 1 tsp cinnamon
- – ¼ tsp nutmeg
- – ½ tsp vanilla extract
- – Vegetable oil for frying
Optional glaze:
- – ½ cup powdered sugar
- – 1 tbsp milk
- – ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. Melt butter in a skillet. Add apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla. Cook until soft. Let cool.
- 2. Roll out crescent dough. Add filling to each triangle. Fold and seal with fork.
- 3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry pies 1–2 min per side until golden.
- 4. Drain on paper towels. Drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
