Homemade Fried Apple Pies – Best Recipe Ever

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm, nostalgic embrace of comfort food at its finest. There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a golden-brown, perfectly crisp pastry shell that gives way to a sweet, tender, spiced apple filling. It’s the kind of treat that instantly transports you back to simpler times, perhaps to a grandparent’s kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of baking. What makes these fried apple pies so special? It’s the contrast of textures – the satisfying crunch of the fried crust against the soft, juicy apples, infused with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg. It’s the fact that you can create this delightful experience right in your own home, with love and simple ingredients. Forget store-bought imitations; this homemade fried apple pie recipe will become your go-to for an unforgettable indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

It’s the ultimate in homemade goodness.

The perfect balance of sweet and spiced.

Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, flaky fried apple pie. The crispy, golden crust gives way to a sweet, spiced apple filling that just screams homemade goodness. Forget those store-bought versions; making your own from scratch is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart apples, encased in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. Let’s get baking (and frying!).

Ingredients:

Preparing the Apple Filling

The heart of any great apple pie is its filling. For these hand pies, we want a filling that’s tender but still has a little texture, and bursting with sweet-spiced apple flavor.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir everything together to coat the apples evenly. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin extract to soften slightly. You don’t want them to become mushy at this stage, as they will cook further during frying.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider (or juice) and cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will help thicken our apple filling and give it that lovely syrupy consistency. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the apples. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 2-3 minutes, or until the filling has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. It’s crucial that the filling is cool before you assemble the pies; a warm filling will make the pastry difficult to handle.

Crafting the Perfect Pastry

A good pastry is the foundation of a fantastic fried pie. We’re using a simple, yet effective, method that results in a tender and flaky crust.

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the cubed unsalted butter. 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 larger butter pieces are key to creating flakiness in the final pastry.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks, 1/3 cup of HOT milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The hot milk helps to bloom the flour and develop gluten, leading to a tender pastry. Gradually pour this liquid mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough will result in tough pies.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it just comes together into a cohesive ball. Do not knead extensively. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential for making the dough easier to roll out and for ensuring the butter stays cold, contributing to that desirable flaky texture.

Assembling and Frying Your Pies

Now for the exciting part – bringin extractg it all together!

1. Once the dough has chilled, divide it in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 5-inch round cutter or a bowl, cut out as many circles as you can. You should aim for about 6-8 circles per half of the dough. Gather any scraps, re-roll them, and cut out more circles. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
2. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. It’s important not to overfill the pies, as this can cause them to burst during frying.
3. Lightly moisten the edges of the pastry with water. Fold the other half of the pastry 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 for a decorative finish and to ensure a tight seal, preventing the filling from leaking out during frying.
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 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain a consistent oil temperature for evenly cooked pies. If the oil is too hot, the pies will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
5. Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them gently. Remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pies.

Finishing Touches and Enjoyment

A quick glaze elevates these homemade fried apple pies from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

1. While the pies are still warm, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tablespoon of milk and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Drizzle this simple glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The glaze will set slightly as the pies cool. Serve them warm for the ultimate experience. The contrast between the warm, crisp pastry, the tender, spiced apples, and the sweet glaze is pure bliss. These are perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every single bite of your homemade fried apple pie masterpiece!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited about making these homemade fried apple pies as I am about sharing them! This recipe truly stands out because it delivers that perfect balance of crispy, golden crust and a warm, spiced apple filling that just bursts with flavor. It’s a taste of pure comfort and nostalgia, brought to life right in your own kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine, and the satisfaction you get from creating something so delicious from scratch. Don’t be intimidated by frying; with a little care, you’ll achieve fantastic results!

These fried apple pies are incredibly versatile. They’re wonderful served warm on their own, but I love them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate them even further. For variations, feel free to experiment with the spices. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon can add another layer of warmth. You could also incorporate a splash of lemon juice into the apple filling for a brighter, tangier note. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this best fried apple pies recipe a try. I promise, it’s worth every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these apple pies instead of frying them?

While frying is what gives these pies their signature crispy, golden exterior, you can certainly bake them. To bake, place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a nice shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The texture will be different, but they will still be delicious!

How do I store leftover fried apple pies?

Leftover fried apple pies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have some, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They might lose some of their crispiness over time. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore some of that delightful crunch.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

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

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (1 granny smith and 1 honeycrisp)
• 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

1. Step 1
   For the filling: Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until apples are tender and mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Step 2
   For the dough: In a large bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/3 cup hot milk. Add this to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
4. Step 4
   Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle.
5. Step 5
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
6. Step 6
   Heat about 2 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 in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7
   For the glaze: Whisk together the 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.