Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade Recipe

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic journey back to simpler times, a portable piece of comfort that always hits the spot. There’s something undeniably magical about the crisp, golden-brown exterior giving way to a warm, gooey filling bursting with sweet, spiced apples. It’s no wonder these delightful hand pies have captured hearts for generations! What truly sets this homemade fried apple pie recipe apart is the perfect balance of tender, flavorful apples and a flaky, shatteringly crisp crust that’s achieved through careful frying. Forget those store-bought imposters; we’re talking about a truly authentic, from-scratch experience that will transport your taste buds. Get ready to create a batch of fried apple pies that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Taste of Tradition

There’s a reason fried apple pies remain a beloved classic. They evoke memories of grandma’s kitchen, cozy autumn evenings, and pure, unadulterated joy. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone in, promising a treat that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about a warm, homemade fried apple pie. The crispy, golden-brown crust giving way to a sweet, spiced apple filling is pure bliss. Forget those store-bought versions; making your own from scratch is a rewarding experience that will have your kitchen smelling like pure autumn magic. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between tart and sweet apples, with a flaky, tender crust that’s just beggin extractg to be devoured. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

Making the Apple Filling

The heart of any great apple pie is the filling, and ours is no exception. We’re aiming for tender, flavorful apple pieces that aren’t too mushy and have a perfect sweet-tart balance.

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples. I find a small dice, about 1/2 inch, works best as it cooks evenly and stays put within the pie. Using a combination of a tart apple like Granny Smith and a sweeter, crisp apple like Honeycrisp creates a wonderfully complex flavor profile. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple cider. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly.
2. Thicken the Filling: In a tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken our apple filling beautifully without making it gloopy. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the apples.
3. Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly and the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to overcook the apples; they should still have a slight bite to them. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. This is crucial; a hot filling will melt your dough.

Crafting the Flaky Pie Dough

A good fried pie crust is tender and flaky, with just enough structure to hold the delicious filling. This recipe uses a simple yet effective method to achieve that.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted self-rising flour and salt. Add the cubed, cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingertips, 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 create those wonderful flaky layers.
2. Create the Dough: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup of HOT milk. Make sure the milk is hot, but not boiling. Pour this liquid mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork until just combined and a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in a tough crust.
3. Knead and Rest: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it just comes together. It might still be a little sticky. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat disc, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for making the dough easier to handle and ensuring a flaky crust.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

This is where the magic truly happens! The aroma of frying apples and dough is simply non-intoxicating.

1. Roll and Fill: Once the dough is chilled, take one disc out at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter and about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfectly even; rustic is beautiful! Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
2. Seal and Crimp: Lightly brush the border of the dough with a little water or the remaining 1 tablespoon of milk. 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 use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative and secure seal. Make sure there are no gaps where the filling can escape during frying. You can also cut a few small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
3. Fry to Golden Perfection: Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully slide 1-2 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the pies are a deep golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully turn the pies and remove them from the oil.
4. Drain and Glaze: Place the fried pies on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. While the pies are still warm, prepare the simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract with enough milk (start with a teaspoon and add more as needed) to create a smooth, drizzleable glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fried apple pies.

Serve these delightful fried apple pies warm. They are absolutely divine on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is never a bad idea! Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the blueprint for creating truly amazing, homemade fried apple pies! This recipe isn’t just about a dessert; it’s about conjuring up those comforting, nostalgic flavors that warm the soul. The magic lies in the perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust that encases a sweet, tender apple filling bursting with cinnamon and spice. It’s the ideal balance of textures and tastes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.

For an extra delightful experience, serve these best fried apple pies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also stand beautifully on their own, a testament to their inherent deliciousness. Feel free to get creative with variations! Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or gin extractger to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth, or perhaps a splash of bourbon extract for a more adult twist. Chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the filling add a delightful crunch. Don’t be intimidated by the frying process; with a little patience, you’ll achieve bakery-worthy results right in your own kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try – I know you’ll fall in love!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling a day or two 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 for frying apple pies?

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

How do I prevent my fried apple pies from leaking?

Ensure you crimp the edges of your pie crusts very securely. You can even go over the edges twice with a fork to create a tight seal. Also, be careful not to overfill the pies with the apple mixture, as this can put too much pressure on the seal.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
6-8 pies

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
   For the filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat apples and set aside.
2. Step 2
   For the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks, hot milk, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until just combined. Do not overwork.
4. Step 4
   Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Step 5
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie for steam to escape.
6. Step 6
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the apple pies, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7
   Remove pies from oil and drain on paper towels. While still warm, whisk together milk and powdered sugar to create a glaze. Drizzle over the 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.