Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Delicious Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) evokes a sense of pure comfort and nostalgic delight for so many of us. There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a perfectly crisp, golden shell, only to discover a warm, gooey filling of sweet, spiced apples bursting with flavor. It’s a treat that transports you back to simpler times, to grandma’s kitchen, or to a bustling county fair. What makes these fried apple pies so special? It’s the irresistible combination of textures – the shattering crust giving way to tender, melt-in-your-mouth fruit. Unlike baked pies, frying creates an unparalleled crispness that is truly addictive. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence, a midday pick-me-up, or a dessert to share, The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and happy sighs with every single bite.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something truly magical about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and comforting, with a flaky crust that shatters with every bite. While store-bought versions can be convenient, nothing compares to the authentic flavor and irresistible aroma of a homemade fried apple pie. Today, I’m going to share my absolute favorite recipe for the best fried apple pies, a recipe that has been perfected through many delicious trials and errors. These aren’t just any fried pies; they are a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these with you!

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 heart of any great apple pie is its filling, and for fried apple pies, it needs to be just right – not too runny, not too dry, and bursting with apple flavor. We’ll start by getting our apples ready. Peel, core, and dice your two large apples. I highly recommend using a combination of apples for the best flavor profile. A Granny Smith offers a wonderful tartness that cuts through the sweetness, while a Honeycrisp provides a lovely sweetness and a pleasant crunch.

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider. Stir everything together to ensure the apples are evenly coated. We’re going to cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy.

Once the apples have softened, it’s time to thicken the filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the apple mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another minute or two, until the filling has thickened to a glossy, sauce-like consistency. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the apple filling aside to cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is fully cooled before you start assembling the pies, otherwise, it can make the dough soggy.

Crafting the Perfect Pie Dough

Now, let’s talk about the dough. A good fried pie crust should be tender and flaky, with just enough structure to hold the delicious filling. We’re going to make a simple yet incredibly effective dough using self-rising flour.

In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the salt. Add the cubed, cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, 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 pieces of butter are key to creating those lovely flaky layers.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks and the 1/3 cup of HOT milk. Be careful when handling hot milk. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a cohesive ball. You don’t want to knead this dough like bread; just bring it together. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which will make the dough easier to roll out and contribute to a flakier crust.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

Once the dough has chilled and the apple filling is completely cool, it’s time for the fun part – assembling!

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a small bowl as a guide (about 5-6 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as you can. Reroll the scraps gently, if needed, to get a few more circles.

Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and lead to leaks during frying. Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling to create a semi-circle. Crimp the edges firmly with your fingers or a fork to seal the pies. This sealing is crucial to prevent the filling from escaping during the frying process.

Now, we’re ready to fry! Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to come up about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.

Carefully, one or two at a time, place the assembled apple pies into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pies. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden-brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip the pies and remove them from the oil. Place the fried pies on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

The Finishing Touch: A Sweet Glaze

While the pies are still warm, it’s time to add the final touch: a simple yet delicious glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 Tablespoon of milk and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free. You want a pourable consistency, not too thick and not too thin.

Drizzle this sweet glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, adding a lovely touch of sweetness and shine. Serve your homemade fried apple pies warm and be prepared for rave reviews! They are absolutely divine on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy every single bite of this classic comfort food, made with love from your own kitchen.

Conclusion:

I truly believe this is the best fried apple pies recipe you’ll ever make! The flaky, golden-brown crust, perfectly spiced and tender apple filling, and the simple yet decadent frying process combine to create an unforgettable treat. These homemade fried apple pies are a testament to the joy of baking from scratch. They’re ideal for satisfying a sweet craving, bringin extractg to potlucks, or simply enjoying as a comforting dessert. Don’t be intimidated by frying; it’s a straightforward process that yields incredible results.

For serving, I love these warm, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or drizzled with caramel sauce. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly decadent experience. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon extract to your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor. You could also experiment with different crust spices like cinnamon or cardamom. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Yes, 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 save you time on the day you plan to assemble and fry your pies.

What’s the best oil to use for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust without imparting any unwanted flavors.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While the magic of this recipe truly lies in the frying, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t have the same crispy texture, but they will still be delicious!

---