Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Delicious Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) are a nostalgic treat that evokes memories of cozy kitchens and comforting flavors. There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a warm, golden-brown pocket of flaky pastry, only to discover a sweet, spiced apple filling bursting with flavor. For generations, these portable hand pies have been a beloved dessert, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply as a delightful afternoon indulgence. What makes this particular homemade fried apple pies recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the crisp, slightly chewy crust giving way to tender, perfectly cooked apples infused with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. Forget those store-bought versions; I’m about to share my secrets for achieving that unparalleled homemade goodness. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share these incredible fried apple pies with!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a warm, homemade fried apple pie. The crispy, golden crust yielding to a sweet, spiced apple filling is a true delight. Forget the store-bought imposters; this recipe will guide you through creating the absolute best fried apple pies right in your own kitchen. We’re going for that perfect balance of flaky pastry and tender, flavorful apples, all with that irresistible fried crunch. This recipe is a labor of love, but the results are so worth it. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these delicious treats with you!

Ingredients:

Making the Perfect Apple Filling

The heart of any great apple pie is its filling, and for fried apple pies, we want it just right – tender but not mushy, sweet but with a hint of tartness.

1. Begin extract by preparing your apples. Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. I find a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offers the best flavor profile – the tartness of the Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the Honeycrisp, creating a more complex and enjoyable taste. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider (or juice). Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

2. Cook this apple mixture over medium heat. You’ll want to let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want them to turn to complete mush; they should still have a slight bite to them. While the apples are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken our filling. Once the apples are tender, pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan and stir continuously. The filling will thicken quickly. Remove the filling from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is completely cool before you assemble the pies, otherwise, it can make your dough soggy.

Crafting the Flaky Dough

A good pastry dough is essential for a truly exceptional fried apple pie. This recipe uses a simple, yet effective, method to achieve a wonderfully flaky crust.

3. To make the dough, combine the sifted self-rising flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These larger pieces of butter are key to creating those beautiful flaky layers in your pastry. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the HOT milk. Gradually add this wet mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough begin extracts to form. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a cohesive ball. Do not knead the dough. Over-kneading will develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough crust. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and contributing to a flakier crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

This is where the magic happens! The assembly is straightforward, and the frying process creates that signature golden, crispy exterior.

5. Once the dough has chilled, take one disc of dough out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter (or a bowl of similar size), cut out circles from the dough. You should aim to get about 4-5 circles from each disc, depending on your cutter size. Gather any scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out more circles. Repeat with the second disc of dough. For the filling, ensure it is completely cooled. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.

6. Moisten the edges of the dough circle with a little water. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative and secure seal. This also helps prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. Make a small slit or two on the top of each pie with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during frying. This prevents the pies from puffing up excessively and bursting.

7. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped in sizzles immediately and floats to the surface. Carefully slide 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip the pies and remove them from the oil. Place the fried pies on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

The Finishing Touches

A simple glaze elevates these already delicious pies to pure perfection.

8. While the pies are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, the 1 Tablespoon of milk, and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and drizzly. You may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade fried apple pies warm – they are truly divine!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating the best fried apple pies right in your own kitchen! This recipe truly shines because it delivers that perfect balance of crisp, golden-brown crust and a warm, spiced apple filling that just screams comfort. It’s incredibly rewarding to bite into a homemade fried apple pie, knowing you’ve crafted it with love and care. These beauties are fantastic served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience. For a lighter touch, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also works wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth, or swap out half the apples for pears for a different twist. Even a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the apple mixture can add a delightful crunch. I truly encourage you to give this best fried apple pies recipe a try. It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the pie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it, wrapped tightly, in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to roll it out for easier handling.

What kind of apples are best for fried apple pies?

For the best texture and flavor, a mix of tart and sweet apples is ideal. Granny Smith apples provide a wonderful tartness and hold their shape well when cooked. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples add natural sweetness and a softer bite. Combining a couple of varieties creates a more complex and delicious filling.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

While frying is what gives these pies their signature crispness and golden color, you can certainly bake them! Brush the tops with an egg wash and bake at around 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly spiced apple filling and a flaky, tender crust. A classic comfort dessert.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
6-8 pies

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (1 granny smith and 1 honeycrisp recommended)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons apple cider
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cups self-rising flour, sifted
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup HOT milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1
   For the filling: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/3 cup HOT milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
3. Step 3
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it just comes together. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, then roll out into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4
   Place a generous spoonful of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border. Fold the other half of the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5
   Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few apple pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
6. Step 6
   Remove pies from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. For the glaze: Whisk together 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 Tablespoon milk, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fried apple pies.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.