The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)
The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)
The joy of indulging in a homemade treat is unmatched, and there’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, crispy fried apple pie. This delightful recipe not only captures the essence of traditional apple pie but elevates it to new heights with the magic of frying. Perfectly golden on the outside, with a luscious, sweet apple filling on the inside, these crispy desserts are a cherished favorite among many.
Why Make This Recipe
Fried apple pies are more than just a dessert; they are a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked happiness. This recipe combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the satisfying texture of a fried pastry. Making them from scratch allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, resulting in pies that are fresh, delicious, and filled with your personal touch. Plus, the process of creating these treats from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience for both solo cooks and families alike.
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 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Directions:
To make these delicious fried apple pies, you’ll start first by making the homemade apple pie filling. First, peel, core, and dice 2 large apples into small cubes. I recommend using 1 Granny Smith and 1 Honeycrisp for the perfect sweet/sour combo. Next, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until juices start to form for about 3 minutes.
Next, combine the apple cider (or apple juice) and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this into the saucepan and turn the heat up to high, cooking for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly, or until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Now, it’s time to make the homemade pie dough. Start by sifting the flour in a large mixing bowl. Cut the cold butter into cubes and use a pastry cutter to integrate it into the flour until it resembles tiny lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt. Microwave the milk at 30-second intervals until it is steaming hot. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while stirring constantly.
Finally, combine the milk and egg mixture with the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and knead for about 1 minute until smooth. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Use a rolling pin or glass to roll out each ball into circles. Don’t fret if they aren’t perfectly round; you’ll be cutting away the excess later.
Fill each dough circle with 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling, folding the dough in half. Pinch the edges to seal, trimming away any excess dough. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure the filling stays intact during frying.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep saucepan to 350 degrees. If you don’t have a thermometer, use the wooden spoon trick: insert a wooden spoon into the oil; if bubbles form around the handle, it’s ready. Fry the pies one at a time for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn a light golden brown. Place the fried pies on a paper towel to drain.
While the pies are frying, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for the glaze until smooth. Glaze the warm pies quickly after they come out of the oil while they’re still hot. You can use a pastry brush for an even coating or drizzle the glaze over the pies.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then enjoy your delicious fried apple pies!
How to Serve The Best Fried Apple Pies
These fried apple pies are best served warm, allowing the sweet apple filling to shine. They can be enjoyed on their own or complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch, you might consider serving them alongside a warm caramel sauce for dipping.
How to Store The Best Fried Apple Pies
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their taste for about 1-2 days. For the best texture, consider reheating them in an oven or air fryer to regain some of their original crispness.
Tips to Make The Best Fried Apple Pies
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: For a balanced flavor, mix sweet and tart apples. The combination enhances the filling’s complexity.
- Master the Dough: Ensure your butter is cold, as this will help create a flaky crust. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pies.
Variation
For a twist on the classic, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling. Additionally, you could swap out the apple for other fruits like peaches or cherries to create delicious variations of this recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade dough provides a fresh taste, store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield delicious results.
2. How can I prevent the pies from leaking during frying?
Make sure to seal the edges well by pinching them tightly and crimping with a fork to create a tight seal.
3. Can I freeze the fried pies?
Yes! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake in the oven for best results.
Enjoy creating and indulging in these delightful fried apple pies—they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection!
Fried Apple Pies
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 2 large large apples, peeled, cored, and diced Recommended: 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
For the Pie Dough
- 2 cups self-rising flour, sifted
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed Make sure it's cold.
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup HOT milk Microwave until steaming.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying Enough for deep frying.
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and dice 2 large apples into small cubes.
- Combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until juices start to form, about 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine apple cider and cornstarch, then pour into the saucepan. Increase heat to high and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Pie Dough
- Sift flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Cut cold butter into cubes and integrate into the flour until it resembles tiny lumps using a pastry cutter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and salt. Gradually pour in the hot milk while stirring constantly.
- Combine the milk and egg mixture with the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Transfer dough onto parchment paper and knead for 1 minute until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each into a ball, then roll out into circles.
Assemble and Fry the Pies
- Fill each dough circle with 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling, fold in half, and pinch to seal.
- Crimp edges with a fork to secure the filling.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 350 degrees.
- Fry pies one at a time for 2 minutes per side or until light golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
Glaze the Pies
- Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Glaze warm pies quickly after frying while they are still hot.
- Let glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
