Description

Fried apple pie balls are everything we love about classic apple pie—but easier, quicker, and totally snackable. Each golden ball is stuffed with warm, cinnamon-sweet apple filling, wrapped in biscuit dough, then fried to perfection and rolled in cinnamon sugar. This bite-sized dessert is perfect for cozy nights, fall gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something homemade in a hurry. Quick to make and a total crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Filling:

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Pinch of salt

For the Dough:

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or use homemade donut dough)
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Make the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and cook for 6–8 minutes, until apples are soft and syrupy. If you’d like a thicker filling, stir in cornstarch and cook 1 more minute. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Dough Balls:
Separate biscuit dough into rounds and flatten slightly. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of cooled apple filling into the center of each. Fold and pinch the dough tightly to seal into a ball. Make sure the filling is fully enclosed.
Heat the Oil:
In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower in a few dough balls at a time, frying for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
Drain and Coat:
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll each ball in cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve Warm:
Enjoy immediately for the perfect texture and flavor. These are best fresh!

Notes

Don’t overfill the dough—just a teaspoon of filling is perfect to keep the seal tight and prevent leaks while frying.
To save time, make the apple filling up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.
For a fun twist, try swapping the apples for pears or adding chopped pecans to the filling.
Want to bake instead? You can! Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden—just know the fried version has that unbeatable crisp!

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy exterior.