Homemade Fried Apple Pies Best Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) will transport you straight to a cozy autumn afternoon, no matter the season. There’s something undeniably magical about a perfectly fried apple pie, isn’t there? It’s that golden, crispy shell that gives way to a warm, spiced apple filling, bursting with sweet and tart flavors. We all have our fond memories tied to these delightful hand pies – perhaps from a farmer’s market, a family gathering, or even a treasured childhood treat. What truly makes this homemade version so special is the balance: a flaky, buttery crust that fries to an irresistible crunch, encasing tender, cinnamon-kissed apples that aren’t too mushy and aren’t too firm. Forget store-bought; creating The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) in your own kitchen is a rewarding experience, and the results are simply divine.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a warm, flaky fried apple pie. The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling encased in a golden-brown, crispy crust is a classic for a reason. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing beats the flavor and satisfaction of making them from scratch. Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite recipe for homemade fried apple pies, the kind that will transport you back to simpler times. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between a tender, slightly crum extractbly dough and a perfectly spiced apple filling. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share these with!

Ingredients:

Making the Perfect Apple Filling

The foundation of any great apple pie is, of course, the filling. For this recipe, we’re going for a filling that’s tender but still has a slight bite from the apples, with a warm, comforting spice blend.

1. Start by preparing your apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small, uniform pieces. I find a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples to be ideal. The Granny Smith provides a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness, while the Honeycrisp offers a natural sweetness and crisp texture that holds its shape well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated.
3. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften but are not mushy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of water until smooth. This slurry will help to thicken our apple filling.
5. Once the apples have softened slightly, gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling has thickened. It should be glossy and hold its shape without being watery. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool completely. This is crucial, as a hot filling will melt your pie dough.

Crafting the Flaky Pie Dough

The dough for these fried apple pies is wonderfully tender and easy to work with, creating a delightful contrast to the crispy fried exterior.

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. These bits of butter are key to creating flaky layers.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 1/3 cup of hot milk, and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The milk needs to be hot (but not boiling) to help the dough come together.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. It should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is important for making the dough easier to roll out and for developing its texture.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

Now comes the fun part – bringin extractg it all together!

1. Lightly flour your work surface and a rolling pin. Take one dough ball at a time from the refrigerator and roll it out into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round; rustic is good!
2. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.
3. Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers to seal. You can then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and a decorative finish. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
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 approximately 350-360°F (175-180°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it; it should sizzle and float to the surface immediately.
5. Carefully slide 1-2 pies into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to gently flip the pies.
6. Once golden brown, remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispness.

The Finishing Touch: Glaze and Enjoy!

A simple glaze takes these fried apple pies to the next level.

1. While the pies are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and drizzly. You can add a tiny bit more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set slightly.
3. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, when the crust is still wonderfully crisp and the filling is gooey and aromatic. Be prepared for rave reviews!

Conclusion:

You’ve now got the keys to creating the absolute best fried apple pies right in your own kitchen! What makes this recipe truly special is the perfect balance of flaky, golden-brown crust and the warm, spiced apple filling. It’s a taste of pure comfort, reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, and so much more satisfying than any store-bought version. The simple yet effective techniques ensure a delightful texture and an explosion of sweet and tangy apple flavor with every bite. These aren’t just desserts; they’re little pockets of happiness!

These homemade fried apple pies are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm right out of the fryer for an irresistible treat. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth, or even a splash of bourbon extract for a sophisticated adult version. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apple varieties too – a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness is divine. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try; the results are incredibly rewarding!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it, well-wrapped, in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to roll it out to make it more pliable.

What kind of apples work best for fried apple pies?

A good mix of tart and sweet apples is ideal for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples provide a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness, while varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala add a pleasant sweetness and hold their shape well when cooked.

How do I prevent the fried apple pies from leaking?

Ensuring a good seal is key! Use a fork to crimp the edges of your pies firmly. You can also brush the edges with a little water or egg wash before sealing them. If you’re worried about a lot of liquid, you can let the filling sit for a bit after mixing to allow some of the juice to be absorbed by the apples, or even add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the filling.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

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

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
6

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 (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

Instructions

1. Step 1
   For the filling: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk together egg yolks, 1/3 cup hot milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Step 3
   Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 6-inch circles.
4. Step 4
   Place a generous spoonful of cooled apple filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Step 5
   Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6
   Carefully fry the apple pies in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
7. Step 7
   For the glaze: Whisk together 1 Tablespoon milk and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over 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.