Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in edible form, a trip down memory lane for many of us. There’s something undeniably comforting and nostalgic about biting into a perfectly crisp, golden-brown pastry pocket bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. We all have our favorite childhood treats, and for so many, the fried apple pie reigns supreme. It’s that irresistible combination of textures – the slight crunch giving way to a soft, sweet filling – that makes this classic so beloved. What truly sets our homemade fried apple pies apart is the dedication to simple, wholesome ingredients and a technique that ensures that signature flaky crust and perfectly balanced apple filling. Get ready to experience a taste of pure joy!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something undeniably comforting and delicious about a homemade fried apple pie. The flaky, golden crust 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 right in your own kitchen. We’re talking about a perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, enveloped in a tender, slightly chewy pastry, all fried to crispy perfection. This is a recipe that will become a cherished family favorite.

Ingredients:

Preparing the Apple Filling

Let’s start by creating that irresistible apple filling. This is where the magic truly begin extracts. In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples. I find that using a mix of apples, like a tart Granny Smith for structure and flavor, and a sweet Honeycrisp for its delightful crispness, creates the most dynamic filling. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and the first teaspoon of vanilla to the saucepan. Stir everything together to evenly coat the apple pieces.

Now, we need to thicken our filling slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider (or juice) and the cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This is crucial for a smooth, non-clumpy filling. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the apples. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly and the filling has thickened to a jam-like consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the apples; we still want a little bit of bite to them. Once thickened, remove the filling from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. It’s very important that the filling is cool before you assemble your pies, otherwise, it can make the dough soggy.

Making the Pie Dough

While the apple filling is cooling, it’s time to prepare the dough for our fried apple pies. This dough is wonderfully simple and comes together quickly, resulting in a tender and slightly chewy pastry that’s perfect for frying. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the cubed cold unsalted butter. You can use a pastry blender, your fingertips, or even a food processor 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 will create flakiness in our crust.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, hot milk, salt, and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The milk should be hot but not boiling – just hot enough to help meld the ingredients and activate the self-rising flour. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Once it starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. It’s okay if it’s a little sticky; that’s what the flour on your surface is for. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for making the dough easier to handle and preventing it from shrinking too much during frying.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

Once the dough has chilled and the apple filling is completely cool, it’s time for the fun part: assembling our beautiful fried apple pies! Divide the chilled dough 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 (about 5-6 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as you can. You should be able to get about 4-5 circles from each portion of dough. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more circles. Repeat this process with the second portion of dough.

Now, take one dough circle and place a generous spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Be careful not to overfill them, or the filling will leak out during frying. Moisten the edge of the dough circle with a little water or an egg wash (a mixture of egg and milk). Place another dough circle on top and gently press the edges together to seal. You can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to ensure a good seal. Repeat this with the remaining dough circles and filling. You can prick the top of each pie with a fork a couple of times to allow steam to escape during frying.

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350-360°F (175-180°C). Carefully slide 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Glazing and Serving

While the pies are still warm, let’s make a simple glaze to take them to the next level. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and the 1 Tablespoon of milk until smooth and pourable. You may need to add a tiny bit more milk or powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The glaze will set slightly as it cools, adding a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

These best fried apple pies are absolutely divine served warm. The contrast between the crispy, golden crust and the soft, spiced apple filling is truly spectacular. They are perfect for a treat any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – these homemade wonders are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion:

I truly believe this is The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) you’ll ever try. What makes it so special? It’s the perfect balance of flaky, golden-brown crust enveloping a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that’s just the right amount of sweet and tart. The homemade dough achieves that delightful crispness without being greasy, a testament to careful technique. These pies are a delightful explosion of comfort and nostalgia in every bite. They are absolutely perfect served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or even dusted with a little powdered sugar for a simpler treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth, or a splash of bourbon extract for a sophisticated twist. Don’t be intimidated by making them from scratch; the results are incredibly rewarding and will have everyone asking for seconds. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a go – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! The apple filling can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to assemble and fry your pies.

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

For the best texture, I recommend storing leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them, but be aware the crust might soften slightly. Reheat them gently in a toaster oven or a dry skillet to revive their crispness.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying is what gives these pies their signature golden crispness, you can bake them if you prefer. Place them on a baking sheet, brush 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 turnover, but still delicious!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly spiced apple filling and a flaky crust. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 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 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 and set aside.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and flatten each into a disc.
4. Step 4
   Roll out each dough disc into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5
   Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
6. Step 6
   Remove fried pies with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze 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.