Homemade Fried Apple Pies – Deliciously Easy Recipe

The best fried apple pies recipe (homemade) is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic hug in every bite. There’s something undeniably magical about those golden-brown pockets, bursting with warm, spiced apples and encased in a perfectly crisp, yet tender, pastry. It’s the kind of treat that transports you back to simpler times, to cozy kitchens filled with the aroma of cinnamon and love. What truly makes these homemade fried apple pies so special is the satisfying contrast in textures and the burst of sweet-tart apple goodness with every bite. It’s a labor of love, for sure, but one that yields incredibly delicious rewards, far surpassing anything you’ll find in a store. Get ready to discover why this classic is a perennial favorite!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie. The crispy exterior giving way to sweet, tender apples spiced with cinnamon is pure bliss. Forget the store-bought versions; this homemade recipe will show you how to create the best fried apple pies you’ve ever tasted, right in your own kitchen. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced filling and a flaky, tender crust that’s ideal for frying. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Apple Filling

The foundation of any great apple pie is, of course, the apples. For this recipe, I’ve found that a combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Peel your apples, core them, and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook through evenly and fit nicely into the pie pockets.

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and the apple cider. Stir everything together gently. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture. Cook this over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is cool before you assemble the pies, otherwise, it can make the dough soggy.

Making the Pie Dough

Now, for the dough. This is a simple, yet effective recipe for a flaky, tender crust that holds up beautifully when fried. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the cubed cold unsalted butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to 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 key to flakiness.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the hot milk (make sure it’s hot but not boiling), and the salt. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should come together in a shaggy mass.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a ball. Do not knead it. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and preventing shrinkage.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to assemble our delicious fried apple pies. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter (or a small bowl), cut out circles of dough. You’ll want to get as many circles as possible from each disc. Re-roll scraps sparingly, as overworking them can make the crust tough.

Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling will leak out during frying. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water or egg wash (a mix of one egg white and a tablespoon of water), then 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. You can then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped into it sizzles immediately and floats to the surface. Carefully place 1-2 pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Glazing the Pies

While the fried apple pies are still warm, it’s time for the finishing touch: a simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, the remaining 1 Tablespoon of milk, and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set slightly.

And there you have it – the best homemade fried apple pies! The combination of the crispy, golden crust, the warm, spiced apple filling, and the sweet glaze is simply irresistible. Serve them warm and enjoy every delightful bite. They are perfect for a treat any time of day.

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting the best fried apple pies right in your own kitchen! This recipe is truly a winner because it delivers that perfect balance of flaky, golden-brown pastry and a warm, gooey apple filling bursting with comforting spices. The delightful crunch from the frying, followed by the sweet, tender apples, creates an irresistible treat that’s hard to beat. These homemade beauties are perfect served warm, perhaps with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent experience, or dusted with powdered sugar for a simpler elegance. Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations – consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for more warmth, a splash of bourbon extract for an adult twist, or even a handful of chopped pecans for added texture. I truly encourage you to gather your ingredients and give this incredible fried apple pies recipe a try. The aroma alone will make you proud, and the taste will undoubtedly bring smiles all around!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pies on the day of baking much quicker and easier.

What’s the best oil for frying?

For the best results, use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This will ensure your pies fry to a beautiful golden brown without burning or imparting an unwanted flavor.

How can I make my fried apple pies extra crispy?

Ensuring your oil is at the correct temperature (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C) is key to achieving crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy pies. Fry in batches, turning the pies halfway through to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly balanced sweet and tart apple filling, encased in a flaky pastry.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 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 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 saucepan. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a large bowl, cut the cubed butter into the sifted self-rising flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and HOT milk. Add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth.
4. Step 4
   Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a circle. Place a generous spoonful of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each 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.
6. Step 6
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the apple pies in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Step 7
   For the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 Tablespoon milk until smooth and pourable. 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.