Best Fried Apple Pies Homemade and Delicious

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug from your childhood, a taste of crisp autumn air, and a symphony of sweet, spiced apples nestled in a perfectly golden, flaky crust. There’s a reason these little pockets of joy are so universally beloved. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, a simpler time when the aroma of baking filled the kitchen. What makes our homemade fried apple pies truly special is the marriage of textures: the delightful crunch of the fried exterior giving way to the tender, cinnamon-kissed apples within. Forget the store-bought imposters; making your own is an incredibly rewarding experience, and the results are simply unparalleled. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share these with!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something undeniably comforting and nostalgic about a warm, flaky fried apple pie. The kind with that perfectly golden-brown crust, giving way to a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth. Forget the store-bought versions; this homemade recipe is the real deal, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s a project that’s well worth the effort, resulting in a treat that will transport you back to simpler times. We’ll be making everything from scratch, including a tender, buttery dough that fries up beautifully. Get ready for a truly delicious adventure!

Ingredients:

Making the Apple Filling

Let’s start with the heart of our fried apple pies: the filling. This is where we build those warm, comforting apple flavors.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples. I’ve found that a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offers a fantastic balance of tartness and sweetness. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and the first teaspoon of vanilla. Stir everything together gently to coat the apples.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider (or juice) and the cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will act as our thickener, ensuring we have a jammy, not runny, filling. Pour this slurry into the saucepan with the apples.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the apples begin extract to soften and the filling thickens. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely. This is crucial – a hot filling will make it difficult to handle the dough.

Preparing the Pie Dough

Now, for the magic of the dough! This recipe creates a wonderfully flaky and tender crust that’s perfect for frying.

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the salt. Add the cubed, cold unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crum extractbs. You want some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining; these will create those lovely flaky layers.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the HOT milk. The hot milk helps to activate the self-rising flour and create a tender dough. Be careful, as the milk will be quite hot. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix!
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a few times until it comes together. It should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour; if too dry, a splash of milk. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is essential for making the dough easier to roll and preventing it from shrinking.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

It’s time to bring it all together and get ready for that glorious frying!

1. Once the dough has rested, take it out of the refrigerator. Lightly flour your work surface and your rolling pin. Divide the dough in half. Roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out as many circles as you can. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more circles. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
2. Place a tablespoon or two 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 cause the pies to burst during frying. Lightly brush the edges of the dough circles with a little water.
3. Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling, creating a semicircle. Press the edges firmly together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure a good seal. You can also use your fingers to create decorative edges. Make sure there are no gaps where the filling can escape. If you have any extra dough, you can cut out small shapes for decoration.
4. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be around 350-375°F (175-190°C). A good way to test if it’s ready is to drop a small piece of dough in; it should sizzle and float to the surface immediately. Carefully slide 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Fry the pies for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them carefully. Once golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before glazing.

The Finishing Touch: The Glaze

No fried apple pie is complete without a simple, sweet glaze.

1. 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’re looking for a thick but pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the slightly cooled fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set. Serve these warm and enjoy the incredible homemade goodness! They are truly a delight.

Conclusion:

I truly believe this is The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) you’ll ever try! The combination of flaky, golden-brown crust and sweet, spiced apple filling is simply irresistible. These pies are a delightful journey back to classic comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weekend baking project, a special treat for family and friends, or just a moment of pure indulgence, these homemade fried apple pies deliver on every level. They’re wonderfully versatile, too. Serve them warm dusted with powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You could add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a deeper spice profile, or swap out some of the apples for pears for a different fruity sweetness. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the apple mixture before filling would add a delightful crunch. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. The satisfaction of biting into a warm, homemade fried apple pie you made yourself is unparalleled!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie dough a day or two in advance and store it, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator. This can actually improve the dough’s texture, making it even flakier. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to roll it out.

What’s the best way to store leftover fried apple pies?

For the best quality, store any leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them for longer, refrigerating them is an option, but they might lose a bit of their crispiness. Reheating them gently in a skillet or a low oven can help revive their texture.

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
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 (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: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Stir to coat apples evenly. Set aside.
2. Step 2
   For the crust: In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
4. Step 4
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until it just comes together. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
5. Step 5
   Place a portion of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
6. Step 6
   Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the apple pies, a few at a time, until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Step 7
   Remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Step 8
   For the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle over the 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.