Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Recipe

The best fried apple pies recipe (homemade) is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting embrace, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t adore that perfect harmony of a crispy, golden crust giving way to a warm, gooey apple filling, bursting with sweet cinnamon spice? We’ve all experienced it – that moment of pure bliss with each bite. What truly sets these homemade fried apple pies apart is the love and care that goes into making them from scratch. Forget those mass-produced versions; our recipe focuses on creating a flaky, tender pastry and a richly spiced apple mixture that will have everyone asking for seconds. This is the quintessential taste of home, a simple yet utterly satisfying treat that never fails to bring a smile to your face.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, flaky, homemade fried apple pie. The aroma alone transports me back to simpler times, and that first bite, with its crispy crust yielding to a sweet, spiced apple filling, is pure bliss. Forget those mass-produced versions; this recipe is designed to deliver the ultimate homemade fried apple pie experience. We’re talking about a perfect balance of tart and sweet apples, a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, all encased in a wonderfully tender, golden-brown pastry. Making them from scratch might seem daunting, but I promise, with a little patience and this detailed guide, you’ll be creating pies that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

Making the Apple Filling

The heart of any great apple pie is, of course, the apples. For this recipe, I’ve found that using a combination of apples provides the best flavor and texture. A tart apple like Granny Smith offers a delightful tang that cuts through the sweetness, while a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp adds a pleasant crispness and a more pronounced apple flavor.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften but still hold their shape. You don’t want them to turn to mush. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering apples and stir constantly. The mixture will thicken up beautifully, creating a lovely, glossy filling. Cook for another minute until the cornstarch is fully incorporated and the filling is thickened.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is cool before you assemble the pies; a hot filling will melt the pastry.

Crafting the Perfect Pie Dough

A tender, flaky crust is essential for an amazing fried apple pie. We’re going to make a quick and easy dough that comes together with minimal fuss. The key here is using cold butter and not overworking the dough.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 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 are what will create flakiness.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the HOT milk. The hot milk helps to meld the ingredients and create a dough that’s tender and easy to work with.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a cohesive ball. Flatten it slightly into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and ensuring a tender crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

This is where the magic happens! The assembly is straightforward, and the frying process gives these pies their signature crispy, golden exterior.

1. Once your dough has chilled, unwrap it and place it back on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a bowl rim (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. You should get about 6-8 circles depending on the size of your cutter.
2. Take each dough circle and gently stretch it slightly to make it a little thinner and larger, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of your cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.
3. 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. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure no delicious filling escapes during frying.
4. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain this temperature for even cooking. If the oil is too cool, the pies will absorb too much grease; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn before cooking through.
5. Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to flip them gently.
6. Once golden and cooked through, 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.

Glazing and Serving

A simple glaze takes these already delicious pies to the next level.

1. While the pies are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set slightly.

These homemade fried apple pies are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Serve them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

We’ve reached the end of our journey to create the absolute best fried apple pies recipe! I truly believe this recipe delivers on its promise because of the perfect balance of flaky, golden-brown crust and a warm, spiced apple filling that’s just the right amount of sweet and tart. The aroma alone as these pies cook is enough to transport you to a comforting haven. These homemade delights are incredibly satisfying and a testament to the magic of baking from scratch. They are fantastic served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat, or dusted with powdered sugar for a simpler elegance. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of brandy extract to your apple filling for a grown-up twist, or even incorporating a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of color and tang. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed! Mastering this fried apple pie recipe is incredibly rewarding.

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 can significantly cut down on your preparation time on the day you plan to fry the pies.

What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out while frying?

Ensuring a good seal is key! After filling your dough circles, use the tines of a fork to press down firmly around the edges, creating a crimped seal. You can also brush a little water or egg wash along the edge of the dough before folding it over to help it adhere better.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying is what gives these pies their signature crispiness and golden hue, you can certainly bake them. Place them on a baking sheet, brush with an egg wash, and bake at around 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. They won’t be as authentically “fried,” but they will still be delicious!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

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

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
8-10

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
   Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2
   Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until it just comes together. Do not overwork.
3. Step 3
   Roll out the dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 5-6 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
4. Step 4
   Fill and seal the pies: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5
   Fry the pies: 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 the apple pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
6. Step 6
   Make the glaze: While the pies are frying, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
7. Step 7
   Drain and glaze: Remove the fried pies from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Drizzle with the glaze while still warm.

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.