Crispy Apple Pie Rolls

This recipe is the perfect answer when you crave a warm apple pie but don't have the time for a full-on baking project. It wraps a warm, spiced apple filling inside a shatteringly crispy, golden shell, giving you all the comfort of a classic dessert with a delightfully fun twist. These are ready in under 40 minutes and always disappear fast.

I first made these on a whim when I had leftover egg roll wrappers from dinner and a few apples on the counter. Now, my family requests them for movie nights more often than popcorn.

Ingredients

• Three medium apples: Granny Smith offers a wonderful tartness that balances the sugar, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work great for a sweeter filling. A mix is even better
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates a rich base for the filling sauce
• One quarter cup brown sugar: It adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness
• One quarter cup granulated sugar: This provides a clean, straightforward sweetness to complement the brown sugar
• One teaspoon cinnamon: The classic warm spice that makes anything with apples taste like home
• One quarter teaspoon nutmeg: A little goes a long way to add a cozy, aromatic depth
• One tablespoon all purpose flour: This is the key to thickening the juices from the apples into a perfect, syrupy filling
• One teaspoon lemon juice: It brightens the apple flavor and prevents the fruit from browning too much
• One half teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash at the end enhances all the other flavors
• Ten to twelve egg roll wrappers: Find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, usually near the tofu or produce
• One beaten egg: This is the simple but effective glue that seals your egg rolls tight
• Vegetable oil: For frying to a perfect golden brown. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point
• Powdered sugar: A simple dusting makes them look beautiful and adds a touch of sweetness
• Caramel sauce: Optional, but highly recommended for dipping
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: For serving, because apple pie and ice cream are a perfect match

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling:

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it's just bubbling. Add your diced apples, both sugars, the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the apples are beautifully coated. Let this mixture cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to become tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork, but they should still hold their shape and not turn to mush. Now, sprinkle the flour evenly over the apples and stir it in. This is the magic step that thickens all those delicious juices into a thick, syrupy sauce. Cook for just one to two more minutes. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and set the filling aside to cool slightly. Using hot filling can make the wrappers tear, so a little patience here is worth it.

Assemble the Egg Rolls:

Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface so it looks like a diamond, with one corner pointing toward you. Spoon about two tablespoons of the cooled apple pie filling into the center. Be careful not to overfill, or they might burst while frying. Take the bottom corner and fold it up and over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Then, fold in the left and right sides tightly, like you’re wrapping a small burrito. Lightly brush the top, exposed corner with the beaten egg. Finish by rolling the entire package up tightly toward that top corner. The egg wash will seal it shut. Repeat this process with the rest of your wrappers and filling.

Fry to Golden Perfection:

Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or pot. Heat the oil over medium high heat until it reaches 350°F or 175°C. A thermometer is best, but if you don't have one, a small piece of a wrapper should sizzle immediately when dropped in. Carefully place two or three egg rolls into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they are a deep golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Finish and Serve Warm:

While the egg rolls are still warm, give them a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The best way to enjoy them is immediately, while the inside is gooey and the outside is crunchy. Serve them with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping, or go all out with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

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My favorite ingredient here is definitely the Granny Smith apple. That sharp, tart flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, cinnamony sauce, and it keeps the filling from being one note. I’ll never forget the look on my friend’s face when she bit into one for the first time; she couldn't believe something so delicious came from an egg roll wrapper.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to get creative with the filling. For a holiday twist, add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped pecans along with the apples. If you love a caramel apple flavor, you can tuck a few caramel bits inside each wrapper before sealing. For an even richer dessert, mix a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese into the filling to create an apple pie cheesecake version. You can also swap the egg roll wrappers for spring roll wrappers for a thinner, even crispier shell.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

This recipe is great for planning ahead. You can prepare the apple filling up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The assembled, uncooked egg rolls can also be frozen. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can fry them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked egg rolls can be stored in the fridge for a day or two and reheated in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for a few minutes to bring back their crispness.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own, these apple pie egg rolls become a show stopping dessert with the right accompaniments. A drizzle of warm caramel or even chocolate sauce is fantastic. Serving them alongside a scoop of high quality vanilla bean ice cream creates a wonderful contrast of hot and cold. For a simpler touch, a dollop of fresh whipped cream works beautifully. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of apples work best for the filling?

Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring sweetness. A combination of both is ideal for balanced flavor.

→ How do I prevent the egg rolls from bursting during frying?

Don't overfill the wrappers! About 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper is perfect. Also, make sure to seal the edges properly with the beaten egg wash.

→ What's the best temperature for frying the egg rolls?

Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispness. Frying at too low a temperature will result in soggy egg rolls.

→ Can I prepare the apple filling in advance?

Yes! The apple filling can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

→ What are some variations I can try?

Add caramel bits or drizzle caramel inside for caramel apple rolls. Or, add a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese for an apple pie cheesecake version. You can also try baking them!

→ How do I make sure the egg rolls seal?

Use a simple egg wash made from a beaten egg. This acts as glue to ensure a tight seal.