Apple Pie Tacos combine the cozy flavors of classic apple pie with the fun, crispy crunch of cinnamon-sugar taco shells. This easy dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a unique sweet treat. With tender cinnamon apples tucked inside golden shells, Apple Pie Tacos deliver the best of both worlds in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy cinnamon-sugar taco shells add incredible texture.
- Warm apple pie filling tastes just like homemade apple pie.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Great for parties, potlucks, and holiday desserts.
- Family-friendly and fun to serve.
- Delicious with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or dulce de leche.
Ingredients
For the Taco Shells
- 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Dulce de leche thinned with a little heavy cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Cut the Tortillas
Using a large cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut circles from the flour tortillas. Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Taco Shells
Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350–365°F (175–185°C).
Using tongs, place one tortilla circle into the hot oil. Fry briefly until lightly golden but still flexible.
Carefully flip and fold the tortilla in half using the tongs. Hold the shape while frying until lightly golden and crisp.
Transfer to paper towels and immediately coat inside and outside with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Repeat with remaining tortilla circles and allow shells to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Apple Pie Filling
Place the diced apples in a bowl and toss with lemon juice.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour into the saucepan and stir well.
Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, or until the apples become tender and the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Apple Pie Tacos
Spoon the warm Apple Pie Tacos filling into the prepared cinnamon-sugar shells.
Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of dulce de leche if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tart flavor balance.
- Avoid overcooking the apples to maintain texture.
- Coat shells with cinnamon sugar while still warm for better adhesion.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra fall flavor.
- Air-fried tortilla shells can be used for a lighter version.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 mini tacos
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can be substituted.
- Serve with caramel sauce for extra richness.
- Chopped pecans make a delicious crunchy topping.
- Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
FAQ
Can I make Apple Pie Tacos ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store separately from the shells.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a tart contrast to the sweet filling.
Can I bake the taco shells instead of frying?
Yes. Bake tortilla circles draped over oven-safe racks at 375°F until crisp.
How do I keep taco shells crispy?
Store them in an airtight container and fill them just before serving.
Can I freeze the apple filling?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover apple filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the filling for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm the filling gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling.
Similar Recipes
Easy apple pie tacos recipe
Ingredients
For the Taco Shells
- 8 burrito-sized flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling
- 3 large Granny Smith apples peeled and finely diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Dulce de leche thinned with a little heavy cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Cut the Tortillas
- Using a large cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut circles from the flour tortillas. Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Taco Shells
- Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to 350–365°F (175–185°C).
- Using tongs, place one tortilla circle into the hot oil. Fry briefly until lightly golden but still flexible.
- Carefully flip and fold the tortilla in half using the tongs. Hold the shape while frying until lightly golden and crisp.
- Transfer to paper towels and immediately coat inside and outside with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Repeat with remaining tortilla circles and allow shells to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- Place the diced apples in a bowl and toss with lemon juice.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour into the saucepan and stir well.
- Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, or until the apples become tender and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Apple Pie Tacos
- Spoon the warm Apple Pie Tacos filling into the prepared cinnamon-sugar shells.
- Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of dulce de leche if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can be substituted.
- Serve with caramel sauce for extra richness.
- Chopped pecans make a delicious crunchy topping.
- Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness.
Conclusion
These Apple Pie Tacos are a creative twist on a classic dessert, combining crispy cinnamon-sugar shells with warm, comforting apple pie filling. They’re easy to make, visually impressive, and guaranteed to become a favorite for holidays, family dinners, and special occasions.