There’s something magical about the cozy aroma of spiced apples sizzling in butter, but what if we took all the warmth and nostalgia of apple pie and wrapped it in a crispy, golden shell? Enter Crispy Apple Pie Egg Rolls — the ultimate mashup of comfort food and convenience.
These sweet, crunchy delights are perfect for holidays, parties, or when you’re simply craving a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert. Let’s walk through this simple yet irresistible recipe and learn how to transform pantry staples into a hand-held version of America’s favorite pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Portable and mess-free: No need for forks or plates.
- Crispy exterior, gooey filling: A satisfying contrast of textures.
- Quick and easy: Simple prep and ingredients you probably already have.
- Customizable: Add nuts, caramel, or even a cream cheese filling twist.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy dessert rolls:
For the Filling:
-
6 Granny Smith Apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
Their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and spices. -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and helps create that syrupy apple mixture. -
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
The classic warm spice that defines apple pie. -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
A hint of nutmeg deepens the flavor. -
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the flavor.
For the Rolls:
-
12 egg roll wrappers
These become super crispy when fried and hold the filling well. -
1 egg, beaten
Acts as the glue to seal your wrappers shut. -
Vegetable oil for frying
Neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal here.
Optional Garnish:
-
Powdered sugar for dusting
Adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling
In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are fully coated and the mixture looks glossy and spiced.
Tip: If your apples release a lot of juice, drain excess liquid to prevent soggy rolls.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
- Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond (with a point facing you).
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple mixture into the center.
- Fold the bottom point up and over the filling.
- Fold in the sides snugly, then roll upwards to form a tight cylinder.
- Seal the edge with a bit of beaten egg to keep it from unraveling while frying.
- Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
Pro Tip: Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure precise temperature control.
- Fry the rolls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Alternative: For a lighter version, spray the rolls with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 4: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the filling to set. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve warm — maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate dessert experience.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the wrapper to burst during frying.
- Try different apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady also work well.
- Add-ins: Consider tossing in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for added texture.
- Cream cheese swirl: Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and cinnamon for a rich, cheesecake-style surprise in each roll.
- Caramel drizzle: Add store-bought or homemade caramel on top right before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, assembled rolls and fry directly from frozen (just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time).
- Reheating: To re-crisp, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry for 4–5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden, turning once halfway. Brush with butter for best results.
Can I use canned pie filling?
You can, but freshly made filling gives a much better flavor and texture. If using canned, reduce the sugar and spices to avoid overpowering sweetness.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
Vanilla icing, cream cheese glaze, or caramel sauce are all excellent pairings. Even a dusting of cinnamon sugar post-fry is a simple yet tasty option.
Can I prep them in advance?
Yes. Assemble them a few hours ahead and store in the fridge, covered. Fry just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Apple Pie Rolls bring everything we love about traditional apple pie into a playful, bite-sized format. With the flaky crunch of the wrapper and the warm, spiced apple center, each bite is pure joy. Plus, they’re easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Whether you serve them at a holiday table or just as a sweet reward after a long day, these rolls are sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert lineup.
So grab your egg roll wrappers and a bag of apples—it’s time to roll up some magic.