The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Craving fried apple pies this Fall season? Then try my Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)! These delightful treats are perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or holiday celebrations. Made with a tender, flaky pie crust and a cinnamon-sugar apple filling, they capture the essence of homemade goodness. With a sweet glaze to top them off, these pies are sure to impress everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples with cinnamon creates an irresistible filling that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these tasty treats.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner.
• Old-Fashioned Charm: These pies bring back memories of classic homemade desserts, making them a nostalgic treat.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties or add your favorite spices for a unique twist.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Deep fryer or deep saucepan
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Rolling pin: Ensures your dough is rolled evenly for perfectly shaped pies.
• Pastry cutter: Helps incorporate butter into the flour for a flaky crust.
• Deep fryer or deep saucepan: Provides the right environment for frying, ensuring crispy edges and tender filling.

Ingredients

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) includes the following 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

How to Make The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by making the homemade apple pie filling.
1. Peel, core, and dice 2 large apples into small cubes. Use 1 Granny Smith and 1 Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook until juices begin to form (about 3 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, mix together apple cider (or juice) and cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the saucepan.
4. Increase heat to high and cook while stirring constantly until thickened (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pie Dough

Next, it’s time to create your pie crust.
1. Sift flour into a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut cold butter into cubes; use a pastry cutter to mix it with flour until tiny lumps form.
3. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks and salt together.
4. Heat milk in the microwave until steaming hot; gradually pour it into the egg mixture while stirring continuously.
5. Combine milk mixture with flour mixture; stir until dough forms.
6. Transfer dough onto parchment paper and knead lightly for about 1 minute until smooth.

Step 3: Shape the Pies

Now it’s time to fill your pies!
1. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces; roll each piece into a ball.
2. Roll each ball out into circles using a rolling pin or glass—perfectly round shapes are not required!
3. Fill each circle with 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling; fold dough over and pinch edges together to seal.
4. If desired, cut away excess dough with a pastry wheel or pizza cutter; crimp edges with a fork.

Step 4: Frying Time

Prepare to fry your delicious creations!
1. Heat oil in deep fryer or deep saucepan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Use the wooden spoon trick as an alternative method: stick it in the oil; if bubbles form around it, oil is ready.
2. Carefully add pies one at a time into hot oil; fry for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.
3. Place fried pies on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Glaze Your Pies

Finish off your fried apple pies with sweetness!
1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
2. Glaze pies while warm using a pastry brush or drizzle icing over them.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Let glaze set for a few minutes before indulging in your delicious fried apple pies!

How to Serve The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Serving fried apple pies can be as delightful as making them. You can elevate your dessert experience with a few simple accompaniments that enhance the flavors and presentation of this classic treat.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delicious contrast to the warm, spiced apple filling.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra kick, try cinnamon ice cream which complements the pie’s flavor beautifully.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the fried pies creates a rich and indulgent experience.
• Store-bought Caramel: For quick serving, use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience without compromising on taste.

Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that balances the crispy pie crust.
• Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Toasted Almonds: Toasted almonds offer a delicate crunch that pairs well with apples and cinnamon.

How to Perfect The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

To ensure your fried apple pies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Boldly choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples will create a balanced filling that is both flavorful and enjoyable.
• Boldly use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and milk cold will help create a flakier pie crust.
• Boldly monitor oil temperature: Frying at the correct temperature (350°F) ensures a golden brown crust without greasy pies.
• Boldly crimp edges tightly: Sealing the edges well prevents filling from leaking out during frying.
• Boldly let them cool briefly: Allowing pies to cool slightly after frying helps set the glaze better when applied.
• Boldly experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for additional warmth and depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

Adding side dishes can enhance your meal when serving fried apple pies. Consider these delicious options to round out your dessert experience.

1. Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing side that provides a crunchy contrast to the sweetness of the pies.
2. Savory Mashed Potatoes: Rich mashed potatoes add comfort and balance the sweetness of dessert.
3. Seasoned Green Beans: Lightly seasoned green beans offer a crisp, fresh element alongside richer dishes.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that complement sweet desserts perfectly.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks can serve as an interesting savory option before indulging in dessert.
6. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and lightness, making it an ideal pairing with fried pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making fried apple pies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are created equal. Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
• Overcooking the filling: Cooking the apple filling too long can make it mushy. Cook just until juices form and thicken; this keeps the apples slightly firm.
• Ignoring dough temperature: If your dough is too warm, it won’t hold its shape when frying. Make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges of your pies well can cause them to burst during frying. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly for a tight seal.
• Frying at incorrect temperature: Frying at too low or too high a temperature can result in greasy or burnt pies. Aim for 350 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect frying.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store fried apple pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

• Allow pies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. This method may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat and reheat each pie for about 2 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) special?

These pies stand out due to their flaky crust, flavorful cinnamon sugar filling, and sweet glaze, making them a delightful treat any time of year.

Can I customize The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade)?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or different spices like nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for added flavor.

How do I prevent my fried apple pies from bursting?

Ensure that you seal the edges well by crimping with a fork and avoid overfilling them with the apple mixture.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives the best balance of sweet and tart flavors in your filling.

Conclusion

The Best Fried Apple Pies Recipe (Homemade) captures the essence of comfort food with its delicious flavors and crispy texture. These versatile treats allow you to customize fillings based on your preferences, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful pies with family and friends!

---