Fried Apple Pies Easy Recipe for Beginners

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of warm, spiced apples and flaky pastry, isn’t there? That’s exactly what you get with fried apple pies, a delightful treat that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon or a special dessert. Whether you’re craving a taste of nostalgia or simply looking for a delicious way to use up those fresh apples, these little pockets of goodness are sure to hit the spot. You can even find inspiration for other desserts by checking out various dessert recipes.

The beauty of fried apple pies lies in their simplicity. They’re quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and offer a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. Imagine a crispy, golden exterior giving way to a warm, sweet, and spiced apple pie filling. They are a classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a holiday dessert spread. This recipe will guide you through creating perfect fried apple pies every time.

Get ready to indulge in a taste of pure comfort with this easy-to-follow recipe for fried apple pies. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating amazing fried apple pies. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything you need. This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful filling and a perfectly flaky crust.

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 6 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Pie Dough

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water, plus more if needed

For Frying and Finishing

• Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

How to Make fried apple pies

Now comes the fun part: bringing all those delicious ingredients together to make perfect fried apple pies. This section will walk you through each step, from preparing the dough to frying those golden-brown pockets of joy. You will be able to make the best apple pie recipe ever.

Making the Apple Pie Filling

The apple pie filling is the heart of your fried apple pies, so let’s start there. This step is all about coaxing the best flavors from your apples. Choosing the right apples is key. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a delightful texture. However, you can use any variety you enjoy.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, apple pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This cooling step is crucial; otherwise, the filling will make your dough soggy.

If you prefer a smoother filling, you can mash some of the cooked apples with a fork or potato masher. This will create a slightly thicker filling. The lemon juice in this recipe helps to prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. A little secret ingredient you can add is a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Preparing the Pie Dough

A flaky, tender crust is essential for the best fried apple pies. This recipe uses a simple dough that’s easy to work with, but the key is to keep everything cold. Cold butter and ice water are your best friends here. This helps create those lovely layers that make the crust so flaky.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing develops gluten and can make the crust tough. If the dough seems dry, add more ice water, a teaspoon at a time.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during frying. You can also make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

Now for the exciting part: putting everything together! This is where you transform your prepared dough and filling into beautiful, golden-brown fried apple pies. Be sure to work quickly, and don’t let the dough get too warm.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple pie filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. This will keep the filling from leaking out during frying.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the apple hand pies to the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve warm. For those looking for a healthier option, consider making an air fryer apple pie.

Tips for Perfect Fried Apple Pies

Want to take your fried apple pie recipe to the next level? Here are some extra tips and tricks to ensure your pies are a resounding success. These little nuances can make a big difference in the final product.

Dough Tips

When working with dough, keep it cold. Cold butter is key to flaky crusts. If the dough starts to get warm, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. If you find the dough difficult to handle, don’t worry. Sometimes, it just needs more ice water. It’s also important to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to a tough crust.

For extra flakiness, you can use a combination of unsalted butter and shortening in your dough. Shortening provides a more tender crust. You can also experiment with different flours. Cake flour can produce a more tender crust, but all-purpose flour works just fine. To improve your baking skills and learn about different flours, you can explore the differences between all-purpose flour vs cake flour.

Filling Tips

The apple filling should be completely cooled before you assemble the pies. Warm filling will make the dough soggy, and the pies won’t crisp up properly. Feel free to experiment with different varieties of apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples often provides the best flavor. You can also add other spices to the filling, such as cardamom or cloves, to customize the flavor.

If you want a richer filling, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a splash of bourbon to the apples while they cook. Be sure to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness and spices as needed. If you want to make an apple pie with caramel, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the filling before folding the pies.

Frying Tips

Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to ensure the pies cook evenly and don’t become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the pies will brown too quickly on the outside and remain undercooked inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the pies will absorb too much oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pies.

Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to maintain a consistent oil temperature. Make sure the oil is deep enough to fully submerge the pies. Drain the fried pies on paper towels to remove excess oil. For a vegan option, use a vegan pie crust and omit the butter in the filling. To learn more about how ingredients affect the outcome of your desserts, you can read about how eggs affect desserts.

Serving and Storage

Once your fried apple pies are done, how should you serve them? And how do you store them if you have leftovers? Here’s everything you need to know.

Serving Suggestions

Fried apple pies are best served warm, shortly after frying. The warm filling and crispy crust are a delightful combination. Dust the pies with powdered sugar for a classic touch. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

For a savory twist, serve the apple hand pies with a sprinkle of sea salt. Consider serving them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a fun presentation, serve the pies on a platter with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few apple slices. If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional pie, then consider making mini apple pies for a quick snack.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover fried apple pies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best eaten within a day or two. To reheat, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or in an air fryer. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the crust may not stay as crispy.

If you want to freeze the pies, let them cool completely and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can make the filling and dough ahead of time and freeze them separately. This is a great way to prepare for a last-minute dessert. For those who can’t tolerate it, you can also make a vegan apple pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about making fried apple pies, with helpful answers to guide you through the process.

Can I use store-bought pie crust? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it. You can often find pre-made pie crusts in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store.

What kind of apples are best for fried apple pies? Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a delightful texture. However, you can use other varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn.

How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during frying? Make sure to seal the edges of the dough very well by crimping them with a fork. Don’t overfill the pies. Also, ensure the filling has cooled completely before assembling the pies. If you notice any cracks in the dough, you can brush the edges with a bit of water to help seal them.

Can I bake these instead of frying? While these are traditionally fried, you can certainly bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the pies with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water), and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture will be different, but they will still be delicious. You can also try a variety of apple pie variations.

How long do the fried apple pies last? Fried apple pies are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness. If you want to make a classic apple pie from scratch, you can always make a large one with a crust.

Making fried apple pies is a rewarding experience, and with this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delightful treat that everyone will love. Remember to enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, have fun! Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. For those who are looking to reduce the sugar in their diet, you can learn about the differences between honey vs sugar in baking.

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