Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) has been a cherished treat in my family for generations, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you. There’s something undeniably magical about a perfectly golden-brown fried apple pie, isn’t there? It’s that irresistible combination of flaky, crisp pastry giving way to a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that just sings of comfort and nostalgia. People adore these little hand pies because they’re portable, portion-controlled perfection, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon. What truly makes The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) stand out is the balance of flavors and textures – the slight tang of the apples against the sweet, spiced filling, all encased in that delicate, fried crust. It’s a taste of pure, unadulterated happiness, and I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a perennial favorite.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a warm, homemade fried apple pie. The crispy, golden-brown crust gives way to a sweet, spiced apple filling that just melts in your mouth. Forget those store-bought imposters; making your own is surprisingly simple and so incredibly rewarding. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between a tender, flaky pastry and a perfectly cooked apple filling, all finished with a sweet glaze. I’ve refined this recipe over the years to ensure every bite is pure bliss, and I’m so excited to share it with you today! Let’s get started on creating these delicious little pockets of joy.

Ingredients:

Making the Perfect Apple Filling

The star of any apple pie is, of course, the apple filling. We want it tender but not mushy, and bursting with sweet and spiced flavor. Start by preparing your apples. Peeling, coring, and dicing them into small, uniform pieces is key for even cooking. I highly recommend using a combination of apples like Granny Smith for a slight tartness that cuts through the sweetness, and Honeycrisp for its natural sweetness and crisp texture. In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated.

Next, we need to thicken the filling slightly and infuse it with more apple flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider (or juice) and the cornstarch until smooth. This ensures no lumps of cornstarch will mar our lovely filling. Pour this slurry into the apple mixture in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples begin extract to soften and the filling thickens to a glossy consistency. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook; we don’t want applesauce! Once it’s thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This step is crucial because a hot filling will melt your pastry dough. You can even pop it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

Crafting the Flaky Pastry Dough

A truly great fried apple pie needs a fantastic crust. For this recipe, we’re using a wonderfully easy and delicious pastry dough that’s perfect for frying. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or even a food processor, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These pockets of butter will create that delightful flakiness when fried.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/3 cup of HOT milk, and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The hot milk is important here as it helps to partially cook the egg yolks and create a more tender dough. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Once it starts coming together, gently knead it a few times on a lightly floured surface until it just forms a cohesive ball. It might still be a little sticky, and that’s okay. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up, making the dough much easier to handle and resulting in a flakier crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Apple Pies

Once your dough has chilled and your apple filling is completely cool, it’s time to assemble these beauties. Lightly flour your work surface and divide the chilled dough in half. Roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 5-6 inches in diameter, or you can use a small bowl as a guide), cut out circles of dough. You should be able to get about 4-6 circles from each half, depending on your cutter size.

Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Gently brush the edges of the dough with a little water. This acts as a “glue” to seal the pies. 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. Then, use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal. You can also cut a small slit or two on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during frying. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

Now for the fun part: frying! Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature for perfectly fried pies. If the oil is too cool, the pies will absorb too much grease; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through. Carefully slide 2-3 pies at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are a deep golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

The Sweet Glaze and Enjoyment

While your fried apple pies are still warm (but not piping hot!), it’s time to whip up a simple yet decadent glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Drizzle this sweet glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze melt slightly and create a beautiful, shiny finish.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before diggin extractg in. Serve these warm, homemade fried apple pies immediately for the ultimate experience. The crispy crust, the tender, spiced apple filling, and the sweet glaze are a match made in heaven. These are perfect for a special treat, a holiday dessert, or just because you deserve something delicious. Enjoy every single bite of these incredible homemade fried apple pies!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the best fried apple pies recipe that will transport you straight to a cozy autumn day, no matter the season! We’ve covered every step to ensure you achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, bubbling with warm, spiced apple filling. These homemade fried apple pies are wonderfully versatile, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch. They are absolutely divine served warm, perhaps with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations; consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling, a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or even a handful of chopped pecans for added texture.

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a rewarding baking experience, and the aroma alone will fill your kitchen with pure comfort. Sharing these delightful treats with loved ones is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to be amazed by how incredibly delicious homemade fried apple pies can be!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you some time on the day you plan to fry your pies, making the process even smoother.

What oil is best for frying apple pies?

For the best results, use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils will allow the pies to fry to a beautiful golden-brown without imparting any unwanted flavors. Ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) for optimal frying.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

While frying is what gives these pies their signature crispy texture, 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. The texture will be different, more akin to a traditional baked pie, but they will still be delicious!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

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

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
50 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 oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir to coat evenly. Set aside.
2. Step 2
   Make the pie 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. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Dough will be sticky.
4. Step 4
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead a few times until it comes together. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc.
5. Step 5
   Roll out each dough disc into a circle. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a border. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Step 6
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the apple pies in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
7. Step 7
   Drain the fried pies on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
8. Step 8
   Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fried 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.