Fried apple pies are a classic treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of spiced apple filling with a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or want to impress your family with a homemade delight, making fried apple pies from scratch is easier than you might think. Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to make fried apple pies that are tender, flaky, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling:
– 2 large apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works great for a balance of tart and sweet)
– Brown sugar
– Ground cinnamon
– Vanilla extract
– Apple cider or apple juice
– Cornstarch
– Butter
– Lemon juice (optional, for a hint of brightness)
– A pinch of salt
For the Pie Dough:
– All-purpose flour
– Sugar
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Shortening or cold butter
– Egg
– Evaporated milk or regular milk
For Frying and Glazing:
– Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
– Powdered sugar (for glaze)
– Milk (to mix with powdered sugar for glaze)
Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small cubes. Using two types of apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives your filling a perfect sweet and tart flavor combo. In a saucepan, combine the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the apples soften and release their juices—about 8 to 12 minutes.
Next, mix apple cider (or juice) with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this into the apple mixture. Cook on higher heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens nicely. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using it to fill your pies.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Dough
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening or cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This chilling step helps the dough become easier to roll out and creates a tender, flaky crust.
Step 3: Assemble Your Fried Apple Pies
Once your dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a small saucer (around 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
Spoon about one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. For a decorative touch and extra seal, press the edges with a fork.
Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet and chill them in the freezer for about an hour. This helps the pies hold their shape when frying.
Step 4: Fry the Pies to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add 2-3 pies at a time, frying them for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the pies and place them on a paper towel-lined rack to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Add a Sweet Glaze (Optional but Recommended!)
For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth to create a simple glaze. Drizzle this over the warm fried pies or dip the tops of the pies into the glaze. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Fried Apple Pies
– Use firm apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
– Don’t overfill the pies to avoid leaks during frying.
– Keep the oil temperature consistent for even frying and to prevent greasy pies.
– Serve the pies warm for the best taste and texture.
Making fried apple pies at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a nostalgic, comforting dessert with a flaky crust and luscious filling. With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create a treat that rivals any fast-food version—and tastes so much better!
Enjoy your homemade fried apple pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea for the perfect cozy indulgence.