Homemade Fried Apple Pies Best Ever

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) evokes a nostalgic warmth and a symphony of comforting flavors that are simply irresistible. There’s something magical about biting into a golden, crispy crust that gives way to a sweet, tender apple filling, all kissed with cinnamon and spice. It’s a taste of childhood, of simpler times, and a treat that brings smiles to faces of all ages. What makes these homemade fried apple pies so special is the perfect balance of textures and tastes – the slight chegrape juicess of the cooked apples against the satisfying crunch of the fried dough. Unlike their baked cousins, fried apple pies offer a unique, almost decadent richness that makes them a truly cherished dessert. Whether you’re looking to relive sweet memories or create new ones, this recipe is your gateway to mastering the art of the perfect fried apple pie.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie. The crispy, flaky crust giving way to sweet, spiced apples is a taste of pure nostalgia. Forget store-bought; making these beauties from scratch is surprisingly straightforward and so incredibly rewarding. This recipe will guide you through creating the best homemade fried apple pies you’ve ever tasted, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet apples nestled in a tender, buttery crust.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Perfect Apple Filling

The heart of any great apple pie is its filling, and for fried pies, we want it to be just right – not too wet, not too dry, and bursting with flavor.

1. Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and apple cider. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want them to be mushy, just tender.
2. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering apple mixture and stir well. Continue to cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens to a jam-like consistency. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy crust. Remove the filling from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. It’s important that the filling is cool before you assemble the pies.

Crafting the Tender, Buttery Dough

The dough for these fried apple pies is a variation of a classic pastry dough that’s designed to be tender and slightly chewy, perfect for holding the delicious filling.

3. Making the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted self-rising flour and salt. Add the cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This is where the flakiness comes from! In a separate small bowl, whisk together the two egg yolks and 1/3 cup of HOT milk. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Kneading and Resting: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. You don’t want to develop the gluten too much. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll and contributing to a better texture.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

Now for the fun part – bringin extractg it all together and achieving that irresistible fried finish!

5. Rolling and Filling: Once the dough is chilled, divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 5-6 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as possible. Re-roll the scraps gently once to cut out more circles. Repeat with the other half of the dough. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Sealing the Pies: Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal, and then crimp the edges with a fork. This ensures the filling stays securely inside during frying. You can also make a few small slits on the top of each pie with a knife to allow steam to escape.
7. Frying to Golden Perfection: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs 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. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.

The Sweet Finish

A simple glaze elevates these fried apple pies from delicious to divine.

8. Making the Glaze: While the pies are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. You can adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fried apple pies.

Enjoy these warm, homemade fried apple pies immediately for the best experience. They are a perfect treat any time of year!

Conclusion:

You’ve now got the blueprint for crafting the best fried apple pies recipe right in your own kitchen! This recipe truly shines because of its perfectly flaky, golden-brown crust that encases a warm, spiced apple filling bursting with flavor. It’s that delightful combination of sweet, tart, and cinnamon-infused goodness that makes these homemade treats so irresistible. They offer a comforting taste of nostalgia and are far more rewarding to make and enjoy than any store-bought version.

Serving these beauties warm is an absolute must. They are divine on their own, but I highly recommend a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch. For variations, feel free to experiment with different spices like a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the apple filling, or add a handful of chopped pecans for added crunch. Don’t be shy about adjusting the sweetness to your preference. I genuinely encourage you to give this recipe a try; the effort is minimal, and the reward of biting into your own perfect fried apple pie is immense. Get ready for rave reviews!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie dough and the apple filling separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also assemble the pies and refrigerate them before frying. Just be aware that they might need a few extra minutes in the fryer if they are cold. For best results with a truly crispy crust, frying them fresh is recommended.

What oil is best for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal for frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices. This ensures your pies fry up beautifully golden without imparting any undesirable flavors.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While the recipe is designed for frying to achieve that classic crisp texture, you can certainly bake them! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. They will have a different texture, more akin to a traditional hand pie, but still delicious!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfect balance of tart and sweet apples, encased in a flaky crust.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

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
• 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 oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
2. Step 2
   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, 1/3 cup hot milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add this wet mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Step 4
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a circle.
5. Step 5
   Place a portion of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over to create a semi-circle, and crimp the edges to seal.
6. Step 6
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the apple pies for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
7. Step 7
   Drain the fried pies on a paper towel-lined plate. Whisk together 1 tablespoon milk and 1/2 cup powdered sugar to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm 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.