Name: The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
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

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is a nostalgic journey back to simpler times, a sweet, warm hug in every bite. There’s something undeniably comforting about these golden-brown pockets of pure bliss, bursting with tender, spiced apples. People adore them because they’re the perfect marriage of flaky pastry and sweet fruit, reminiscent of cozy autumn evenings or a cherished family gathering. What truly makes these homemade fried apple pies special is the incredible texture – a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to a lusciously soft, cinnamon-infused apple filling. It’s a classic for a reason, and this recipe delivers that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ve been craving. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this truly spectacular treat.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting and nostalgic about a warm, homemade fried apple pie. The crisp, golden-brown crust gives way to a sweet and tender apple filling, with a hint of spice that dances on your tongue. Forget those mass-produced versions; making your own fried apple pies from scratch is a rewarding experience that yields unparalleled flavor and texture. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of flaky pastry and gooey, spiced apple goodness, all wrapped up in a delightful fried package. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a begin extractner looking for a fun project, these fried apple pies are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started on creating these little pockets of pure joy!

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.

Making the Apple Filling

The secret to a delicious fried apple pie starts with a fantastic filling. We want tender apples that hold their shape and are bursting with flavor.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider (or juice). Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the sugar to start drawing out some of the apple’s moisture, which will help create a lovely syrupy consistency later.

After the apples have had time to macerate, drain off any excess liquid into a small saucepan. This liquid is pure flavor! Whisk the cornstarch into the drained liquid in the saucepan until it’s completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This is our thickening agent.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency. You’re looking for it to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and pour this thickened liquid back over the apples. Stir to combine and set aside to cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is cool before you assemble the pies, otherwise, it can make the dough soggy and difficult to work with.

Crafting the Flaky Pastry Dough

A good pastry dough is essential for a crispy, flaky crust that can stand up to the frying process. This dough is surprisingly simple and uses self-rising flour to create lift.

In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These butter pieces are what will create those wonderful flaky layers as they melt during frying.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the HOT milk. The heat from the milk helps to partially cook the egg yolks, which contributes to the richness and tenderness of the dough.

Pour the egg yolk and milk mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Gently stir with a fork or spatula until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough will develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough crust. You may need to use your hands to gently bring any dry bits together.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. It should be soft but not sticky. Flatten the dough slightly into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it much easier to roll out and prevents the butter from melting prematurely.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

This is where the magic happens! We’ll divide, fill, seal, and then fry these little beauties to golden perfection.

Once the dough has chilled and the apple filling is completely cool, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle approximately 5-6 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round; rustic charm is part of the appeal!

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and cause the filling to leak out during frying.

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 together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish and to ensure a secure seal. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from escaping into the hot oil.

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny bit of dough into it; it should sizzle and float to the top immediately. Carefully, using a spatula or tongs, place 2-3 pies into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy pies.

Fry the pies for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are a deep golden brown and the crust is puffed and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip them over to ensure even cooking. Once they are beautifully golden on both sides, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This will help them stay crisp.

The Finishing Touch: A Sweet Glaze

A simple glaze adds the perfect sweet finish to these warm, delicious pies.

While the pies are still warm, whisk together the 1/4 cup powdered sugar with the 1 Tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (a teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze melt slightly and set into a beautiful, sweet coating.

Serve these homemade fried apple pies warm for the ultimate indulgence. They are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Enjoy every bite!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting the best fried apple pies from scratch! We’ve explored every step to ensure you achieve that perfect balance of flaky, golden-brown crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. This recipe is truly a winner because it delivers that comforting, nostalgic taste of homemade goodness that store-bought simply can’t match. The aroma alone as they fry will fill your kitchen with pure joy!

These delicious treats are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert. They are also fantastic on their own, perfect for a portable snack or a sweet breakfast treat. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling, a splash of brandy extract for an adult twist, or even try different fruits like peaches or berries.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this best fried apple pies recipe a try. It’s a rewarding baking experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Embrace the simple pleasure of making something truly special with your own hands. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker when you’re ready to fry.

What kind of apples are best for fried apple pies?

For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith apples provide a pleasant tartness and hold their shape well when cooked. Consider mixing them with varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a balanced sweetness.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during frying?

Ensuring a good seal is key. After filling and folding the dough, use the tines of a fork to firmly crimp the edges all the way around. You can also brush the edges of the dough with a little water or egg wash before sealing to help create a stronger bond.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly spiced apple filling and a flaky, golden-brown crust. A classic comfort dessert.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
4

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

Step 1
For the filling: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 2
For the dough: In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 1/3 cup hot milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 3
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead gently on a lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4
Roll out each dough disc on a lightly floured surface into about a 6-inch circle. Spoon about 1/4 of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Moisten the edges with a little water, then fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
Step 5
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 1-2 pies into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6
Remove fried pies from the oil and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. For the glaze: Whisk together 1 Tablespoon milk and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the warm 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.

Homemade Fried Apple Pies – Best Recipe Ever

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)