Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe Homemade Delight

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic embrace of simpler times, a portable pocket of pure comfort. Who doesn’t remember the irresistible aroma wafting from the kitchen, promising a warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling encased in a golden, crispy shell? It’s a classic for a reason, evoking childhood memories and the joy of a lovingly prepared treat. What truly sets our homemade fried apple pies apart is the perfect balance: the tender, slightly tart apples cooked down to perfection, complemented by a flaky, buttery crust that shatters with each bite. We’re talking about a level of deliciousness that store-bought simply can’t replicate. Get ready to experience fried apple pies that will become a treasured tradition in your own home.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a homemade fried apple pie. The warm, spiced apple filling encased in a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust is a delight that never gets old. Forget those store-bought versions; this recipe will guide you to create fried apple pies that are truly the best, bursting with flavor and made with love. This recipe balances the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of Honeycrisp, creating a filling that’s perfectly nuanced. The crust is tender and flaky, thanks to the incorporation of cold butter and a touch of acidity from the milk. Let’s get started on creating these little pockets of pure happiness!

Ingredients:

Making the Irresistible Apple Filling

The heart of any great apple pie is its filling, and this one is no exception. We want tender, flavorful apples with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. The mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is a game-changer here. The Granny Smith offers a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness, while the Honeycrisp provides a natural, pleasant sweetness and a good texture that holds its shape well during cooking.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and apple cider. Stir everything together gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
3. Thicken the Filling: In a very small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until it forms a smooth slurry. This is crucial for preventing a watery filling. Pour this slurry into the apple mixture.
4. Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly and the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overcook the apples; we want them tender but not mushy. Once thickened, remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. This cooling step is very important; putting hot filling into dough will melt the butter in the dough and lead to a greasy crust.

Crafting the Perfect Pie Dough

A good pie crust is essential for a fantastic fried apple pie. This recipe uses self-rising flour and a few key ingredients to create a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes up beautifully crisp.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted self-rising flour and salt. Sifting the flour ensures it’s light and airy, which contributes to a tender crust.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These little pockets of butter are what create the flaky layers in your crust. Ensure your butter is cold; this is key for flakiness.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of HOT milk. The hot milk helps to hydrate the flour and activate the leavening agents in the self-rising flour, while the egg yolks add richness and color.
4. Form the Dough: Pour the egg yolk and milk mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork until the dough just begin extracts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough crust. If the dough seems a bit dry, you can add another teaspoon of milk, a little at a time.
5. Chill the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the gluten relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Apple Pies

Now comes the fun part – assembling and frying your delicious apple pies!

1. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 5-6 inch round cutter (or a bowl of similar size), cut out circles of dough. You’ll need two circles for each pie – one for the bottom and one for the top. Reroll scraps as needed, but try not to overwork the dough.
2. Fill the Pies: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
3. Seal the Pies: Moisten the edge 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 together to seal. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal. Make a few small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during frying.
4. Prepare for Frying: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-360°F (175-180°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature for consistent frying. If the oil is too cool, the pies will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the crust will burn before the inside is cooked.
5. Fry the Pies: Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully flip the pies to ensure even browning.
6. Drain and Cool: Remove the fried apple pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This is crucial for maintaining a crispy crust. Let them cool slightly before glazing.

The Sweet Glaze and Serving

A simple glaze elevates these fried apple pies to a whole new level.

1. Make the Glaze: While the pies are cooling, whisk together the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
2. Glaze and Serve: Once the pies have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. The warmth of the pie will help the glaze set slightly. Serve your homemade fried apple pies warm and enjoy the incredible aroma and taste of this classic dessert! They are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! My absolute favorite recipe for the best fried apple pies. This recipe truly shines because it strikes the perfect balance: a tender, flaky crust that crisps up beautifully in the hot oil, encasing a sweet and warmly spiced apple filling that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a taste of pure comfort and nostalgia, perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon treat to a show-stopping dessert at a family gathering. I encourage you to give this homemade fried apple pie recipe a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

These little pockets of joy are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm straight from the fryer for that ultimate gooey apple goodness. They are absolutely divine dusted with a little powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce. For a more decadent experience, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside is pure bliss. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations either! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon extract to the apple filling for an extra layer of complexity, or even swap out some of the apples for pears or berries. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pie dough can be made a day or two in advance and stored, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out to make it more pliable.

What’s the best oil for frying?

A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is ideal. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices. You want enough oil to come about halfway up the sides of your pie pockets.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying yields that characteristic crispy texture, you can certainly bake these fried apple pies! Place them on a baking sheet, brush with an egg wash, and bake at around 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. They will be delicious, though the texture will differ.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly spiced apple filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 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 or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1
   For the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined. Set aside.
2. Step 2
   For the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it just comes together.
4. Step 4
   Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle.
5. Step 5
   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 small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
6. Step 6
   Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the apple pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
7. Step 7
   Remove the fried pies from the oil and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
8. Step 8
   For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk 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.