Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Easy Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is a delightful journey back to childhood, a comfort food classic that never fails to evoke warm memories and satisfy sweet cravings. There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a perfectly golden-brown, crispy pastry shell that gives way to a warm, spiced apple filling. These aren’t just any apple pies; they’re hand-held pockets of pure joy, a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. People adore them because they offer that nostalgic taste of home, a treat that feels both special and familiar. What makes our Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) truly special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: the slight crunch of the fried dough, the tender sweetness of the cooked apples, and the hint of cinnamon that dances on your tongue. Get ready to create your own unforgettable batch!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, sweet, and spiced apple filling, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. While store-bought options are convenient, nothing truly compares to the homemade version. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for the best fried apple pies, a recipe that’s both simple enough for a weekend project and impressive enough to share. These aren’t just any fried pies; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a burst of autumnal goodness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

Making the Perfect Apple Filling

The heart of any apple pie is its filling, and for fried pies, it needs to be just right – not too runny, not too dry, and packed with flavor.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the first teaspoon of vanilla. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
2. Add the apple cider (or juice) and the cornstarch. The cornstarch is our secret weapon for thickening the filling, ensuring it doesn’t ooze out during frying. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the apples to be tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is cool before assembling the pies to prevent the dough from becoming greasy or melting prematurely.

Crafting the Flaky Dough

The dough for fried apple pies is where we achieve that wonderful, crisp exterior. We’re using self-rising flour to give us a little lift and tenderness.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 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 remaining. These little pockets of butter are what will create those flaky layers.
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 melt the butter slightly, contributing to a tender crust. Be careful not to use boiling milk, just hot to the touch.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until a shaggy dough begin extracts to form. Then, gently bring the dough together with your hands until it just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough pies.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it’s smooth. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and contributing to a flakier crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Masterpieces

This is where the magic happens! The assembly is straightforward, and the frying is where your pies get that irresistible golden hue.

1. Once the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You’ll want about 6-8 circles depending on your cutter size.
2. Take each dough circle and, with a spoon, place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of the circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border clear. Don’t overfill, or the filling will leak out during frying.
3. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water or milk. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp with a fork. This ensures your delicious filling stays safely inside.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling. You can cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during frying, which helps prevent them from puffing up too much and potentially bursting.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). A good way to test if the oil is hot enough is to drop 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, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them gently.
7. Remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off any excess oil. This is crucial for achieving that signature crispness.

The Finishing Touches

A simple glaze elevates these already incredible pies to the next level.

1. While the pies are still warm (but not piping hot), whisk together the 1 Tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle or brush this simple glaze over the warm fried apple pies. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, adding a lovely sweetness and shine.

Serve these homemade fried apple pies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm, spiced apples, flaky, crispy crust, and sweet glaze is pure bliss. Enjoy every single bite of these comforting, homemade delights!

Conclusion:

There you have it – my recipe for the Best Fried Apple Pies! I truly believe these homemade delights are a step above the rest. The combination of a perfectly flaky, golden-brown crust and a warm, spiced apple filling creates a dessert that’s both comforting and utterly delicious. They’re simple enough for a weekend treat but impressive enough for company. Don’t be afraid to dive in and give this recipe a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

These fried apple pies are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm straight from the pan for the ultimate experience, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting into the hot filling. They are also fantastic with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. For variations, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a tablespoon of brandy extract to the apple filling for a sophisticated twist. You could also experiment with different spices like cardamom or gin extractger. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The pie dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before you’re ready to use it.

What’s the best way to store leftover fried apple pies?

While best enjoyed fresh, any leftover fried apple pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated, but the crust may lose some of its crispness. Reheat them gently in a dry skillet or a low oven to revive their warmth and texture.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can! If you prefer a baked version, brush the tops with an egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture will be different, of course, but they will still be incredibly tasty!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly flaky crust and a warm, spiced apple filling.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
50 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: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it just comes together. Do not overwork.
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 cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border.
5. Step 5
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle. 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 Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
7. Step 7
   Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Step 8
   For the glaze: Whisk together 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.