Fried apple pies are a classic dessert that brings back memories of cozy kitchens and warm family gatherings. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, or even just as a sweet snack. With a flaky crust and sweet apple filling, they’re hard to resist. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe for homemade fried apple pies that are sure to impress your family and friends!
Why Make This Recipe
Making fried apple pies at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. You get to enjoy fresh apples and a homemade crust, which means better taste than store-bought versions. Plus, the process of making these pies can be a fun and rewarding experience! Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, these pies are a delicious choice that everyone will love.
How to Make The Best Fried Apple Pies
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 Tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Directions:
- To start making these delicious fried apple pies, prepare the apple pie filling. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. A blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp will give you a great sweet and sour flavor.
- In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until juices begin to form.
- In a small bowl, mix the apple cider (or juice) with cornstarch. Pour this mix into the saucepan. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Now it’s time to make the pie dough. In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-rising flour. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and use a pastry cutter to mix it into the flour until you have small lumps.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and salt. Heat the milk in the microwave until it’s steaming hot, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture while stirring.
- Combine the milk and egg mix with the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on parchment paper for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball into a circle, not worrying too much about shape.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto each circle. Fold the dough in half and pinch the edges to seal. You can cut away any excess dough and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 350 degrees. You can check the temperature using a wooden spoon; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready.
- Carefully fry each pie for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn a light golden brown. Place fried pies on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While frying, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Apply the glaze to the pies while they are still warm, using a pastry brush or by dipping them.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes, and then enjoy your delicious fried apple pies!
How to Serve The Best Fried Apple Pies
Fried apple pies are best enjoyed warm. Serve them alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They can also be drizzled with additional glaze for extra sweetness.
How to Store The Best Fried Apple Pies
To store your fried apple pies, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply fry them again or warm them in the oven.
Tips to Make The Best Fried Apple Pies
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature to avoid soggy pies.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the filling by adding a bit more cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg.
- For a fun twist, try adding raisins or pecans to the apple filling.
Variation
You can experiment with different types of apples or add other fruits like peaches or berries to the filling for a unique flavor. Consider using a cinnamon-sugar coating after frying for an extra sweet treat!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own.
2. What kind of apples are best for fried apple pies? A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith with sweet apples like Honeycrisp is ideal for balance.
3. How can I make the pies ahead of time? You can prepare the filling and dough in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and fry the pies when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful fried apple pies with your loved ones! They are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Fried Apple Pies
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (1 Granny Smith and 1 Honeycrisp recommended)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Pie Dough
- 2 cups self-rising flour, sifted
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup HOT milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
For Frying
- as needed Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes.
- In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until juices begin to form.
- In a small bowl, mix the apple cider with cornstarch. Pour this mix into the saucepan. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the filling thickens.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-rising flour. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and use a pastry cutter to mix it into the flour until you have small lumps.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks and salt. Heat the milk in the microwave until it’s steaming hot, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture while stirring.
- Combine the milk and egg mix with the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on parchment paper for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball into a circle.
Assembling and Frying
- Place about 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto each circle. Fold the dough in half and pinch the edges to seal.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 350 degrees. Fry each pie for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn a light golden brown.
- Place fried pies on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While frying, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Apply the glaze to the pies while they are still warm.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
