Homemade Fried Apple Pies Recipe-Best Ever

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is a journey back to pure comfort and undeniable deliciousness. There’s something truly magical about a perfectly golden-brown fried apple pie, isn’t there? That satisfying crunch as you bite into the crisp pastry, followed by the warm, sweet, and slightly tart burst of perfectly cooked apples – it’s an experience that evokes childhood memories and simpler times. People adore these little hand pies for their portable perfection and their ability to deliver so much flavor in every bite. What truly sets The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) apart is the combination of a flaky, shatteringly crisp crust and a deeply flavorful, spiced apple filling. It’s a timeless classic that we’ve perfected, ensuring every pie is a delightful, homemade masterpiece. Get ready to fall in love with this incredible recipe!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, crispy fried apple pie. The sweet, spiced apple filling encased in a golden, flaky crust is pure bliss. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing quite compares to the homemade taste and aroma. This recipe is my go-to for a reason – it’s relatively simple, consistently delicious, and truly captures that nostalgic fried apple pie goodness. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these irresistible treats!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Delicious Apple Filling

The secret to a fantastic fried apple pie starts with a perfectly balanced filling. We want the apples to be tender but not mushy, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and apple cider. Stir everything together until the apples are well-coated.
2. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want them to become mush; we’re aiming for tender-crisp.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth. This is our slurry, which will thicken the apple filling.
4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the apples and stir continuously. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the filling has thickened beautifully. It should be glossy and hold its shape slightly.
5. Remove the apple filling from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding. This is crucial; a hot filling will make the dough difficult to handle and could result in a soggy crust. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bowl in an ice bath or refrigerating it.

Crafting the Flaky Pie Dough

A good fried pie needs a sturdy yet flaky dough that can hold up to the filling and frying process. This recipe uses a simple yet effective method that results in a delightful texture.

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and 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 will contribute to the flakiness of our dough.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks and the 1/3 cup of HOT milk. Be sure the milk is hot, not boiling, as this helps to activate the leavening in the self-rising flour and create a tender dough.
4. Pour the egg yolk and milk mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a cohesive ball. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a tiny splash more milk; if too wet, a sprinkle more flour.
6. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll and contributing to a flakier crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Apple Pies

Now for the exciting part – bringin extractg it all together and achieving that irresistible golden-brown finish!

1. Once the dough has chilled, unwrap it and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You can also use a bowl or a plate as a template. Reroll the scraps gently, if necessary, to get as many circles as possible.
3. Place a generous tablespoon (or two, depending on the size of your circles) of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Don’t overfill, or the filling will escape during frying.
4. Dampen the edges of the dough circle with a little water. 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 them with a fork to ensure a tight seal and create a decorative edge.
5. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain a consistent oil temperature for even cooking. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
6. Carefully place 1-2 apple pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden color.
7. Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried apple pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.
8. While the pies are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 Tablespoon milk and the 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth and drizzly.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fried apple pies. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Serve these warm, delightful fried apple pies as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – a truly homemade taste of comfort!

Conclusion:

There you have it – my recipe for the best fried apple pies that are truly a taste of homemade comfort! What makes these so special? It’s the perfect balance of a flaky, golden-brown crust encasing a warm, spiced apple filling that’s bursting with flavor. The slight crispness from frying, combined with the tender, sweet apples, creates an irresistible treat that evokes nostalgia and pure delight. These aren’t just pies; they’re little packets of happiness!

I love serving these warm, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. They also make a fantastic handheld treat for picnics or potlucks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warmer spice profile, or even a tablespoon of brandy extract for a sophisticated twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for extra texture and tang. I genuinely encourage you to give this best fried apple pies recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying is key to that classic crispy texture, you absolutely can bake them! Brush the tops with an egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture will be different, more like a traditional hand pie, but still delicious!

How long do these fried apple pies last?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend enjoying them the same day they are made. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or oven to revive their crispness.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works wonderfully. Varieties like Granny Smith (for tartness and structure) combined with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala (for sweetness and softer texture) will give you the most balanced and flavorful filling.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly sweet and tart filling enclosed in a flaky crust.

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 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 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. 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 with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be shaggy.
4. Step 4
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it just comes together. Do not overwork. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter.
5. Step 5
   Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Moisten the edges with a little water and fold the other half of the dough over to create a half-moon shape. 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 to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the apple pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
7. Step 7
   Remove the fried pies from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over 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.