Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Delicious Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade). Ah, the humble fried apple pie. It’s a classic for a reason, isn’t it? That irresistible combination of flaky, golden-brown pastry encasing a warm, sweet, spiced apple filling is pure comfort food joy. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about a fried apple pie; it transports many of us back to childhood, to county fairs, or grandma’s kitchen. What makes them so universally loved? It’s the contrast – the slight crispness of the exterior giving way to tender, yielding apples bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg. Unlike their baked cousins, fried apple pies offer a richer, more decadent experience with that delightful crunch that’s truly addictive. Today, I’m going to share my secrets to achieving perfection with this homemade fried apple pie recipe.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a perfectly fried apple pie. The crisp, golden crust yielding to a warm, spiced apple filling – it’s a treat that brings back childhood memories and warms the soul. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing quite compares to the flavor and satisfaction of making them from scratch. Today, I’m going to share my absolute favorite recipe for homemade fried apple pies, a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. It strikes the perfect balance between a tender, flaky crust and a sweet, slightly tart apple filling, all fried to golden perfection. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these delightful little hand pies!

Ingredients:

Crafting the Perfect Apple Filling

The foundation of any great apple pie is its filling, and these fried apple pies are no exception. We want a filling that’s tender but still has a slight bite to it, and bursting with warm, comforting spices.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and apple cider. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This is our thickening agent, ensuring our filling isn’t too runny.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples begin extract to soften slightly. Don’t overcook them at this stage; they will continue to cook in the pie.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens to a jam-like consistency. This should only take a minute or two.
5. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely. This is crucial! A hot filling will make the dough difficult to handle and can result in a soggy crust. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to a shallow dish and placing it in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Flaky Fried Pie Dough

The dough is where the magic truly happens for fried pies. We want a dough that’s tender, slightly rich, and can withstand the frying process without becoming tough. Using self-rising flour is a fantastic shortcut that provides the perfect leavening.

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the salt.
2. Add the cubed, cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These little pockets of butter will create flakiness.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks and the 1/3 cup of HOT milk. The hot milk helps to hydrate the flour and create a tender dough. Be careful not to make it boiling, just very hot.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a fork until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough dough.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. It should be soft but not sticky. Wrap the dough 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 and enhancing its flakiness.

Assembling and Frying Your Delicious Pies

Now for the most exciting part – bringin extractg it all together and transforming these ingredients into golden, irresistible fried apple pies!

1. Once your dough is chilled, unwrap it and divide it in half. Work with one half at a time, keeping the other half covered and in the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter (or a bowl of similar size), cut out as many circles as you can. Gather the scraps, gently re-roll, and cut out more circles. You should aim for about 8-10 circles per batch of dough.
3. To fill the pies, place a generous tablespoon of your cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/4-inch border.
4. Lightly brush the edges of the dough with a little water. Carefully 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 them completely. For extra security and a decorative touch, you can crimp the edges with a fork.
5. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature for even frying. You can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
6. Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy pies. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully flip the pies and remove them from the oil.
7. Transfer the fried apple pies to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off any excess oil.

Glazing and Enjoying

A simple glaze takes these fried apple pies to the next level of deliciousness.

1. While the pies are still warm (but not hot enough to melt the glaze instantly), prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 Tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Add a tiny bit more milk if needed to reach your desired drizzling consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The glaze will set as the pies cool.

Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before diving in. The best way to enjoy these homemade fried apple pies is warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to shine. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy every single bite of this homemade goodness!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating the best fried apple pies right in your own kitchen! This recipe is a triumph because it balances that perfectly crisp, golden exterior with a warm, gooey apple filling bursting with cinnamon and spice. The homemade dough ensures a tender, flaky crust that’s miles beyond anything store-bought. I truly believe these are the best fried apple pies you’ll ever make, and the satisfaction of biting into one you’ve crafted yourself is unparalleled.

These delightful little pockets of apple goodness are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic served warm on their own, but I also love them dusted with a little powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple caramel sauce. For a more indulgent treat, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside is pure bliss. Feel free to experiment with variations too! Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture for an extra burst of flavor, or incorporate a touch of nutmeg for a deeper spice profile. Don’t be intimidated by the frying process; with a little care, you’ll achieve perfect results. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, tightly wrapped in plastic, in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

A mix of apples is usually best for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tang, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples offer sweetness. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy when cooked.

How do I ensure my fried apple pies are golden brown and not burnt?

Maintain a consistent oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. The pies should cook for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown. Adjust the heat as needed.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Perfect for a classic dessert or treat.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
8 servings

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: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
3. Step 3
   On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4
   Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5
   Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the apple pies in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6
   For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 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.