Best Homemade Fried Apple Pies Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is a journey back to simpler times, a taste of pure comfort that speaks to the soul. There’s something undeniably magical about that golden-brown, crispy crust giving way to a warm, bubbling filling of sweet, spiced apples. It’s a dessert that instantly evokes cozy kitchens, happy gatherings, and the simple joy of a perfectly executed homemade treat. What makes these fried apple pies so special? It’s the harmonious marriage of textures and flavors – the slight chew of the tender apple slices perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of the fried pastry. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s an experience, a warm hug in edible form that we can all recreate in our own kitchens.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flaky, homemade fried apple pie. The crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a sweet, spiced apple filling is a culinary hug in every bite. Forget those store-bought imposters; this recipe will guide you to creating the best fried apple pies you’ve ever tasted, right in your own kitchen. The secret lies in a perfectly balanced crust and a filling bursting with fresh apple flavor.

Ingredients:

Creating 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 delicious flavor.

In a medium bowl, combine your diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and apple cider. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with about a tablespoon of the apple mixture to create a slurry. This helps prevent clumps. Add this slurry back into the main apple mixture and stir well. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the apples to release some of their juices and for the cornstarch to start thickening things up. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.

Crafting the Flaky Pie Dough

The dough for fried apple pies is crucial. We want something that fries up beautifully golden and crisp, yet remains tender and flaky. This dough comes together surprisingly easily.

In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the salt. Add the cubed, cold 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 still visible. These butter pieces are what create those lovely flaky layers.

In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks with the 1/3 cup of hot milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the milk is hot, but not boiling, as this helps to create a tender dough and activates the self-rising flour. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough begin extracts to form.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make your pies tough. The dough should be soft and pliable. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it much easier to handle and roll out.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

This is where the magic truly happens! We’ll bring together the filling and the dough for a truly delightful treat.

Once the dough has chilled, divide it into 8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about perfect circles; rustic charm is part of their appeal!

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, or it will be difficult to seal.

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. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal them completely. This is crucial to prevent any filling from escaping during frying. You can also make a few small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while frying.

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.

Carefully slide 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to gently turn the pies and ensure even cooking. 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.

The Finishing Touch: A Simple Glaze

A simple glaze adds the perfect sweet finishing touch to these delicious pies.

While the pies are still warm, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth and drizzly. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before enjoying. These fried apple pies are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. Prepare for your kitchen to smell absolutely divine and for everyone to rave about your incredible homemade creation!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)! We’ve explored a flaky, golden crust that cradles a warm, spiced apple filling, creating a dessert that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is a winner because it balances classic comfort with a delightful crispness from the frying, making every bite a perfect harmony of textures and sweet apple flavor. They’re wonderful served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For variations, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling, a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or even some chopped pecans for added crunch. Don’t be intimidated by frying; with a little care, you’ll achieve perfect results. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try – it’s a taste of pure homemade goodness that will surely impress your friends and family!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the pie filling and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. You can also assemble the pies and refrigerate them before frying, but fry them within a few hours for the best crust texture.

What oil is best for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This ensures they fry up golden and crispy without burning.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying yields that signature crispiness, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. They will have a different texture but will still be delicious!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

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

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)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons apple cider (or apple juice)
• 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
   In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir to coat apples. Set aside.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter with your fingers or a pastry blender 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. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Step 4
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or a small bowl.
5. Step 5
   Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Step 6
   Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
7. Step 7
   Carefully place the apple pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Step 8
   Remove the fried pies with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain.
9. Step 9
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar 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.