Name: The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
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 Tablespoon milk; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; Vegetable oil, for frying

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) transports you back to simpler times, to cozy kitchens and the comforting aroma of sweet, spiced apples bubbling within a golden, crisp pastry. There’s something undeniably magical about a perfectly fried apple pie, a treat that sparks joy and nostalgia in so many of us. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a memory maker, a hug in edible form. What truly sets these homemade fried apple pies apart is that irresistible combination of tender, flavor-packed apple filling and a shatteringly crisp, slightly chewy crust, all achieved through the magic of a good fry. Forget store-bought imitations; this recipe is crafted to deliver that authentic, soul-warming taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to create your own delicious memories with The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden-brown fried apple pie. The crisp, flaky pastry giving way to a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling – it’s pure nostalgia in every bite. While store-bought options can be convenient, nothing truly compares to the homemade version. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for the best fried apple pies, a recipe that’s surprisingly easy to master and guarantees rave reviews. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these delightful treats!

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the tartness of Granny Smith apples and the sweetness of Honeycrisp, creating a filling that’s neither too sweet nor too bland. The dough is tender and flaky, thanks to the butter and the richness of the egg yolks. And the simple glaze ties it all together beautifully. Let’s get started!

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

Preparing the Apple Filling

The foundation of any great apple pie is a delicious apple filling. We want tender apples infused with warm spices.

In a medium bowl, combine your diced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Toss gently to coat the apple pieces evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step allows the sugar to start drawing out some of the apple’s natural juices, which will help create a more syrupy filling.

While the apples are marinating, in a small separate bowl, whisk together the 2 teaspoons of apple cider (or apple juice) with the 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. This slurry is crucial for thickening the filling and preventing it from becoming too watery once it starts to cook.

Pour the apple cider and cornstarch mixture into the bowl with the apples and brown sugar. Stir everything together thoroughly. At this point, you can either cook this mixture on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened and the juices have thickened, or you can use it as is for a slightly firmer apple texture inside your pies. For the absolute best texture, I prefer the stovetop method as it ensures the apples are tender and the filling is perfectly set. If cooking, let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies to avoid melting the dough.

Making the Flaky Pastry Dough

The dough is what truly elevates these fried apple pies. We’re aiming for a delicate, flaky crust that’s easy to work with.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted self-rising flour and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Add the cubed 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 little pockets of butter are what will create the flakiness in our pastry.

In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 egg yolks with the 1/3 cup of HOT milk and the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The milk should be hot enough to slightly cook the egg yolks but not so hot that it scrambles them – think around 150-160°F (65-70°C). This creates a rich, tender dough.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough crust. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of milk. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it just comes together. Flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential for the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking too much during frying.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

This is where the magic happens – transforming simple ingredients into golden, delicious fried apple pies.

Once the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-5 inch round cutter (or an inverted bowl), cut out circles of dough. You’ll want to gather and re-roll scraps as needed, but try to minimize handling. Repeat with the second portion of dough. You should get about 6-8 circles from this recipe, depending on your cutter size.

Place a generous tablespoon of your cooled apple filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst open during frying.

Lightly moisten the edges of the dough with a little water using your fingertip or a pastry brush. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp them with the tines of a fork. This ensures the filling stays securely inside. Make a small slit or two on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during frying.

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking and browning. Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to carefully flip the pies and remove them from the oil. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil.

Finishing Touches: The Glaze

A simple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and polish to these already delicious pies.

While the pies are still warm (but not hot), whisk together the 1 tablespoon of milk with the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fried apple pies. The warmth of the pies will help the glaze set slightly. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Serve these homemade fried apple pies warm, and be prepared for them to disappear quickly! They are a delightful treat any time of year. Enjoy!

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Conclusion:

You’ve made it to the end of our guide on crafting the best fried apple pies from scratch! I truly believe this recipe delivers an unparalleled combination of flaky, golden-brown crust and a warm, spiced apple filling that’s simply irresistible. The magic lies in the perfect balance of cinnamon and nutmeg with the tender, sweet apples, all encased in that delightfully crispy fried dough. These homemade fried apple pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a comforting hug in every bite, perfect for any occasion.

Serve them warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. They also pair beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee or cider on a crisp autumn afternoon. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! Consider adding a pinch of cardamom for a more complex spice profile, or a tablespoon of lemon zest to brighten the apple flavor. Some folks even love a handful of chopped pecans folded into the filling for added texture. I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try. The satisfaction of creating these delightful treats yourself is immense, and the taste will undoubtedly speak for itself!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these apple pies instead of frying?

While frying is key to achieving that classic crispy texture, you absolutely can bake them. If baking, brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden sheen and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. The texture will be different, but still delicious!

How should I store leftover fried apple pies?

For the best quality, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh. However, you can store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or a dry skillet to revive their crispness.

What makes this the ‘best’ fried apple pies recipe?

This recipe stands out due to its carefully balanced spice blend in the filling, ensuring a delightful aroma and taste without being overpowering. The dough recipe is designed for maximum flakiness and crispness when fried, creating a truly superior texture. The instructions are detailed and begin extractner-friendly, making the process accessible for everyone to achieve delicious results.

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Delicious homemade fried apple pies with a perfectly balanced sweet and tart filling, encased in a flaky crust.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
8 servings

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 Tablespoon milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Step 1
In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple cider, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, combine sifted self-rising flour and salt. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and 1/3 cup HOT milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Step 4
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Step 5
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the apple pies in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6
Drain the fried pies on a wire rack lined with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract with 1 Tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm 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.

Homemade Fried Apple Pies-Best Recipe Ever

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)