Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Delicious Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) will transport you straight to your grandma’s kitchen, with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sweet, tender apples filling the air. There’s something undeniably magical about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie, isn’t there? It’s a classic for a reason, evoking feelings of nostalgia and pure, unadulterated comfort. Unlike their baked counterparts, these delightful pockets of goodness offer a uniquely crispy, slightly chewy crust that perfectly cradles the luscious, spiced apple filling. What truly sets this homemade fried apple pie apart is the balance of flavors and textures – that satisfying crunch followed by the burst of warm, sweet apples, finished with a delicate hint of spice. This recipe is my tried-and-true method for achieving perfection every single time, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something undeniably comforting and nostalgic about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie. The flaky, crispy crust gives way to a sweet, spiced apple filling that bursts with flavor. Forget those mass-produced versions; making them from scratch is a truly rewarding experience, and surprisingly achievable. This recipe will guide you through creating the best homemade fried apple pies, perfect for a weekend treat or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Apple Filling

The heart of any apple pie is its filling, and ours is designed to be perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. Start by preparing your apples. Peeling, coring, and dicing them into small, uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly. I absolutely love the combination of Granny Smith for its tartness and Honeycrisp for its sweet, crisp texture – it creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile.

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and the first teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add the apple cider (or juice) and give everything a good stir to coat the apples evenly. In a tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. This slurry will help thicken our filling. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the apple mixture in the saucepan.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the apples have softened slightly and the mixture has thickened to a syrupy consistency. This should take about 8-10 minutes. You don’t want the apples to become mushy; they should still retain a little bit of their bite. Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is cool before you start assembling the pies to prevent the dough from becoming greasy or melting.

Crafting the Perfect Pie Dough

Now, for the magic of the dough! This is where we achieve that delightful, flaky texture that makes fried pies so irresistible. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted self-rising flour and the salt. Add the cubed, very cold unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These little pockets of butter are key to flakiness.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the second teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now, pour the HOT milk over the egg yolk mixture and whisk quickly. The hot milk will temper the egg yolks, creating a rich binder. Immediately pour this liquid mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork or spatula until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in a tough crust.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together to form a cohesive ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential for making the dough easier to roll out and for ensuring that wonderful flaky texture.

Assembling and Frying Your Apple Pies

With your filling cooled and your dough chilled, it’s time to assemble these delightful treats. Lightly flour your work surface and a rolling pin. Take one disc of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a circle approximately 6-7 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; rustic charm is part of the appeal!

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. You don’t want to overfill them, or the filling will escape during frying. Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, which not only looks nice but also ensures a secure seal. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature for even cooking. Carefully slide 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Finishing Touches for the Perfect Sweet Treat

While the pies are still warm, let’s create a simple yet delicious glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth, drizzly glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set slightly.

These homemade fried apple pies are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. The combination of the crisp, golden crust and the sweet, spiced apple filling is simply irresistible. Serve them as a dessert, a snack, or even for breakfast – no judgment here! Enjoy the fruits of your labor; you’ve just made the best fried apple pies from scratch!

Conclusion:

I truly believe this is The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) you’ll ever try! What makes it so special? It’s the perfect balance of flaky, golden-brown pastry that cradles a warm, spiced apple filling, all achieved with simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps. The aroma alone as they cook is non-intoxicating, promising a delightful treat that’s a step above anything store-bought. These fried apple pies are incredibly versatile and make a wonderful dessert for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a festive holiday meal. For serving, I love them dusted with a little powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple caramel sauce. You can also get creative with variations: add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of spice, or incorporate a tablespoon of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture. Don’t be intimidated by frying; it’s a quick process that yields incredible results. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try – I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you time on the day you plan to assemble and fry your pies.

What oil is best for frying apple pies?

A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is ideal. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices as they won’t impart any unwanted flavors and can withstand the heat necessary for achieving a perfectly crisp crust.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying is what gives these pies their signature crispy texture, you can certainly bake them. To bake, place the assembled pies on a baking sheet, brush with an egg wash or milk, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly spiced apple filling and flaky, golden-brown crust.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
6

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (1 granny smith and 1 honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons apple cider (or apple juice)
• 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: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir to coat and set aside.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
4. Step 4
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it comes together. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc.
5. Step 5
   Roll out each dough disc into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border.
6. Step 6
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
7. Step 7
   Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 1-2 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
8. Step 8
   Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
9. Step 9
   For the glaze: Whisk together 1 Tablespoon milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 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.