Best Homemade Fried Apple Pies Recipe Easy

ByJessy

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug from your childhood, a symphony of sweet and tart, and a testament to the simple joys of home cooking. There’s something undeniably magical about that golden, crispy shell giving way to a molten, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. It’s a flavor combination that instantly transports me back to cozy afternoons and happy memories.

Why do we adore them so much?

Perhaps it’s the irresistible contrast of textures – the shatteringly crisp crust meeting the tender, slightly caramelized apples. Or maybe it’s the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as they fry, a scent that promises pure, unadulterated deliciousness. What truly makes The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) stand out is the personal touch. Every family has their secret ingredient, their specific spice blend, or their unique folding technique, making each homemade batch a labor of love. Today, I’m sharing my cherished version of this classic treat, perfected over years of happy baking, so you can create your own unforgettable fried apple pies.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a homemade fried apple pie. The crisp, golden-brown shell giving way to a warm, spiced apple filling is pure bliss. Forget those store-bought versions; this recipe will guide you through creating the absolute best fried apple pies from scratch, and trust me, it’s easier than you think! The balance of tart and sweet apples, combined with a flaky, tender crust, makes these little hand pies an absolute showstopper. I’ve perfected this recipe over years of tweaking, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (I recommend 1 granny smith and 1 honeycrisp for balance)
  • 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.

    • Crafting the Perfect Apple Filling

    The heart of any great apple pie is its filling, and for fried pies, we want it to be flavorful but not too wet.

  • Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples. I find a mix of a tart apple like Granny Smith and a sweet, crisp apple like Honeycrisp provides the most complex and satisfying flavor. Aim for small, uniform dice so they cook evenly.
  • Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the apple mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy crust.

    • Making the Flaky Pie Dough

    A good fried pie crust needs to be tender and flaky, able to hold up to frying without becoming greasy.

  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted self-rising flour and salt.
  • Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. 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 remaining. These butter pieces are key to creating those delicious flaky layers.
  • Create the Dough: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the HOT milk. Gradually add this wet mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until it comes together.
  • Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll and ensuring a tender crust.

    • Assembling and Frying Your Pies

    This is where the magic happens! The assembly is simple, and the frying process is quick.

  • Roll and Cut the Dough: Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 5-6 inches in diameter), cut out circles for your pie crusts. You can re-roll scraps once, but handle them as little as possible.
  • Fill the Pies: 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.
  • Seal the Pies: 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 with your fingers to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure a secure seal.
  • Prepare for Frying: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature for even cooking and to prevent the pies from becoming greasy or burning.
  • Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are a deep golden brown and the crust is puffed and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip the pies.
  • Drain and Cool: Once fried, remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before glazing.

    • The Simple Glaze

    A touch of sweetness to top off these incredible fried pies.

  • Make the Glaze: While the pies are cooling, whisk together the milk and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth and drizzly. Add a touch more milk if it’s too thick, or a bit more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
  • Glaze the Pies: Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled fried apple pies. The glaze will set as it cools.

    • Enjoy these warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious homemade fried apple pies. They are perfect for dessert, a snack, or even a sweet breakfast!

    The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

    Conclusion:

    You’ve now got the secrets to crafting the absolute best fried apple pies from scratch! This recipe truly shines because of its perfectly flaky, golden-brown crust that gives way to a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen, offering a taste of pure comfort. Don’t be intimidated by frying; it’s quicker than baking and delivers an unparalleled crispiness. These pies are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch. They also make a delightful breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert after any meal. For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling or a splash of bourbon extract for an adult-friendly flavor profile. I truly encourage you to give this best fried apple pies recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I make the apple 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 allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time when you’re ready to assemble and fry your pies.

    What’s the best oil for frying apple pies?

    A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is ideal. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices. They will help you achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust without imparting any unwanted flavors.

    Can I bake these instead of frying?

    While frying offers the signature crispiness, you can bake them! Brush the tops with an egg wash for shine, and bake at around 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t have the same texture, but they’ll still be delicious.

    The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

    The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

    Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly spiced apple filling and a crispy, golden-brown crust.

    Prep Time
    20 Minutes

    Cook Time
    15 Minutes

    Total Time
    35 Minutes

    Servings
    6

    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 diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and apple cider. Mix well and set aside.
    2. Step 2
      To make the dough: In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips 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 mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead gently for 1-2 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
    4. Step 4
      Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
    5. Step 5
      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.
    6. Step 6
      Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
    7. Step 7
      For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon milk, and powdered sugar 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.

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