If you’ve ever longed for the buttery, nutty bliss of a traditional pecan pie paired with the irresistible crunch of a carnival fried treat, you’re in for a dream come true with Deep Fried Pecan Pies. These handheld delights capture everything we love about that classic Southern dessert, but take it to the next level with a golden, crisp crust that shatters at every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a backyard barbecue, or just want to spoil someone special, Deep Fried Pecan Pies guarantee smiles, sticky fingers, and a whole lot of happy taste buds.

Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Few desserts deliver a big “wow!” factor with such a short and simple list of ingredients. Each component in Deep Fried Pecan Pies plays its part—lending sweetness, crunch, richness, or that signature aroma—that brings this treat to life.

Chopped pecans: The star of the show with toasty, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Light brown sugar (packed): Adds a mellow sweetness and deep caramel notes that complement the pecans beautifully.
Corn syrup: Keeps the filling smooth, gooey, and just the right amount of sticky.
Unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and helps tie all the filling ingredients together.
Large egg (lightly beaten): Binds the filling, giving it structure so those pies stay together as they fry.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic backdrop that enhances the overall flavor.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and a touch of cozy spice—totally classic with pecans.
Pinch of salt: Balances all those sweet flavors and brings everything into harmony.
Refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts): Your shortcut to flaky, buttery hand pie perfection.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Gives the pies their signature crispy, golden shell.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): The final flourish—light, sweet, and oh-so-pretty.

How to Make Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and bringing together the heart and soul of your pies—the filling! Combine your chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it looks glossy, gooey, and packed with pecans. This is truly where the magic happens as all those Southern-inspired flavors blend together.

Step 2: Shape the Pie Crusts

Unroll your ready-made pie crusts on a lightly floured work surface (no need to make things complicated). Use a round cutter or even an upturned bowl to cut out circles roughly 4 to 5 inches across. These will become the perfect hand-held pockets for your luscious pecan filling.

Step 3: Fill and Seal

Carefully spoon about a tablespoon of the pecan mixture into the center of each dough round. Be careful not to overfill or it’ll be tricky to seal them! Fold each round over into a half-moon and press the edges together with a fork, making sure those edges are tightly sealed to keep any of that sweet filling from escaping during frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, aiming for an oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). Gently fry a few pies at a time—don’t crowd the pan—cooking them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they’re gloriously golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined tray to soak up any extra oil.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Let your Deep Fried Pecan Pies cool for a few minutes so they’re warm but not scorching. Dust with plenty of powdered sugar right before serving—it not only looks fantastic but adds an extra sweet kick. If you really want to impress, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!

How to Serve Deep Fried Pecan Pies

Garnishes

The beauty of Deep Fried Pecan Pies is in their simplicity, but a little flair goes a long way. A generous dusting of powdered sugar is a must! Want to jazz them up further? Try drizzling a touch of caramel sauce or adding chopped candied pecans for an extra crunch. For a more gourmet finish, a few flakes of sea salt on top can balance out all that sweetness in the most delightful way.

Side Dishes

Pair these pies with something cool and creamy to complement their warm, crispy decadence. Vanilla ice cream is a classic for a reason: it melts invitingly over the hot pie, creating a dreamy contrast of textures. For a brunch spread or dessert buffet, tuck them alongside fresh berries or even a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Deep Fried Pecan Pies the life of the party by stacking them on a cake stand or arranging them in a rustic basket lined with a pretty napkin. For casual get-togethers, try serving them in small parchment paper sleeves, taco-style, which makes them easy to grab and walk around with. If you’re feeling truly festive, assemble a build-your-own toppings bar with sauces, nuts, and sprinkles so guests can make their own dream pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (and it’s a big if!) you have any Deep Fried Pecan Pies left after dessert, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep their fabulous flavor and texture for up to 3 days, though they’re always at their absolute best fresh from the fryer.

Freezing

Planning ahead for a party? Deep Fried Pecan Pies freeze remarkably well. Arrange cooled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, layer them with parchment paper in a zip-top bag or freezer container. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months—simply reheat straight from frozen when cravings strike.

Reheating

For the ultimate crispy results, skip the microwave and reheat your pies in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crackly on the outside. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. This way, every bite will be just as delicious as when they were first made!

FAQs

Can I make Deep Fried Pecan Pies with homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pie dough recipe, you can substitute it for the refrigerated crusts. Just make sure to roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick and handle gently so it stays nice and flaky.

What oil is best for frying these pies?

Neutral oils with high smoke points work best for frying, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. They’ll give you a crisp finish without overpowering the delicate pecan flavor.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking during frying?

Make sure edges are well-sealed by pressing firmly with a fork and perhaps even pinching by hand. Avoid overfilling, and chill filled pies for 10 minutes before frying if you want extra insurance against leaks.

Can these pies be baked instead of fried?

While that crispy, golden crust is signature, you can bake the pies at 400°F until golden brown for a slightly lighter twist. Brush tops with an egg wash for shine and color before baking.

Are Deep Fried Pecan Pies suitable for making in advance for a party?

Definitely! Prepare and fry the pies earlier in the day, then keep them at room temperature and revive them in the oven before serving. You can also freeze and reheat as needed, so your dessert table is always ready for a celebration.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Deep Fried Pecan Pies—nostalgic flavors, easy assembly, and a crunchy, gooey payoff that puts smiles on everyone’s faces. Try making them for your next gathering (or just because you deserve a treat!), and get ready to fall in love with every sweet, golden bite.

Deep Fried Pecan Pies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 mini pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these delicious Deep Fried Pecan Pies – crispy, flaky hand pies filled with a sweet and nutty pecan mixture. Perfect for a Southern-inspired dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

Pecan Filling:

1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Additional:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Assemble the Pies: Roll out the pie crusts, cut into rounds, spoon pecan filling onto each round, fold in half, and seal edges with a fork.
Fry the Pies: Heat oil to 350°F, fry pies for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy warm!