Copycat KFC Pie Poppers Recipe

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with These Mini Pies

KFC Pie Poppers are bite-sized fried pies with a flaky crust and warm, gooey filling. They’re small, crispy, and ridiculously addictive — kind of like if an apple pie and a doughnut had a baby. I still remember biting into one for the first time; the crunch gave way to hot, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that felt like comfort in a pocket.

When KFC quietly discontinued them, fans went wild trying to recreate that flavor. That’s exactly what we’re doing here, a simple, at-home version that nails the original taste. Ready to bring that fast-food nostalgia into your kitchen? Let’s make it happen.

What Are KFC Pie Poppers?

KFC Pie Poppers are mini hand pies filled with sweet fruit, deep-fried until golden and crispy. They were once offered in flavors like apple, cherry, and strawberry & crème. Sadly, many locations no longer serve them, which is why copycat recipes like this one are so popular.

They’re perfect when you want something quick, shareable, and satisfying. Each popper is just a few bites, enough to hit that dessert craving without feeling heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 10–12 KFC-style apple pie poppers:

For the dough:

• 1 ready-made pie crust (or homemade dough)
• A pinch of cinnamon sugar for dusting

For the filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For frying:

• Vegetable oil
• Powdered sugar for dusting

If you prefer cherry pie poppers, just swap in canned cherry pie filling. For a creamy twist, try a spoon of strawberry jam mixed with whipped cream cheese, a nod to KFC’s Strawberry & Crème poppers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the filling.
Cook apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir until soft and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Add cornstarch to thicken, then cool.

2. Cut and fill the dough.
Roll out your pie crust and cut into 3-inch circles. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each and fold in half, sealing edges with a fork.

3. Fry until golden.
Heat oil to about 350°F (180°C). Fry 3–4 poppers at a time for 2–3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

4. Add the finishing touch.
Dust with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar while warm.

If you’re avoiding deep-frying, you can air-fry them at 370°F for 8–9 minutes or bake at 400°F until golden. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Copycat Tips & Secrets for Authentic KFC Crunch

Getting that signature KFC crunch isn’t hard, but it takes precision. Keep the oil hot; if it’s too cool, the crust will absorb oil and turn soggy. I also chill the assembled poppers in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying; it helps them hold their shape better.

Another trick? Sprinkle a touch of brown sugar over the crust before frying. It caramelizes slightly and gives that perfect golden crackle you remember.

Variations to Try

• Apple Pie Poppers – the classic KFC favorite, packed with warm cinnamon flavor.
• Cherry Pie Poppers – sweet, tart, and great with whipped cream.
• Strawberry & Crème Poppers – use strawberry jam and cream cheese for the limited-edition version.
• Savory Chicken Poppers – fill with minced chicken and spices for a fun twist.

You can even experiment with smoked poppers, pizza poppers, or pickle poppers if you’re feeling creative, all inspired by snack trends KFC fans love.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream, or pack them in a lunchbox for a quick dessert. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or oven; they’ll crisp right back up.

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per popper)

• Calories: 170
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 20g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Homemade versions are typically lighter than store-bought fried desserts, so you can indulge without too much guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are KFC Pie Poppers discontinued?
Yes, most locations no longer serve them, but you can easily recreate the flavor with this recipe.

Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F until golden brown, about 12 minutes.

Can I use other fillings?
Yes! Cherry, blueberry, and even chocolate hazelnut all work beautifully.

How do I keep them crispy?
Cool on a wire rack instead of a plate, which prevents sogginess.

Conclusion – Homemade Nostalgia in Every Bite

KFC Pie Poppers might be gone from the menu, but they’re alive in every home kitchen that dares to recreate them. These golden little hand pies are sweet, crunchy, and impossible to stop at just one.

So, grab your dough, warm up some oil, and fry up a batch of nostalgia. Trust me — one bite, and you’ll remember why KFC’s tiny pies had everyone hooked.