Fried apple pies are a delightful bite-sized treat that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen, where the smell of sweet cinnamon and warm apples waft through the air. Imagine biting into a crispy golden crust, only to reveal a gooey, spiced apple filling that sings with nostalgia. These mini desserts are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in with your favorite movie.
Every time I make fried apple pies, I’m reminded of my childhood—those summer evenings spent on the porch, where my family would gather around as these little wonders cooled. The excitement in the air was palpable; everyone wanted to grab one before they vanished! If you’re ready to relive those moments and create some new memories, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fried apple pies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks
- Each bite bursts with flavor, combining sweet apples and aromatic spices
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown crusts, these treats will steal the show at any gathering
- Versatile enough to be served warm or cold, they’re great for breakfast or dessert!
One memorable evening, I surprised my family with these fried apple pies. Their delighted faces were priceless as they took the first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pie Crust: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds a personal touch; aim for a flaky texture.
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Apples: Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
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Cinnamon: This spice elevates the flavor profile; fresh ground is always best!
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
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Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the filling and keeps the apples from browning.
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Vegetable Oil: For frying; use enough to submerge half of the pie for an even cook.
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Egg Wash: An egg mixed with water gives that beautiful golden sheen when baked or fried.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Apples: Start by peeling and coring your apples. Chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly and become tender during frying. Add lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook until tender and slightly caramelized; about 5-7 minutes should do it.
Roll Out Your Dough: If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, roll them out on a floured surface until they’re about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut circles out of the dough.
Assemble Your Pies: Place a spoonful of your apple mixture onto one half of each circle. Fold over the other half of the dough and seal it well by crimping edges with a fork for an adorable touch.
Fry Away!: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (a small piece of dough should sizzle), gently place your filled pies inside. Fry until golden brown on each side—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Cool and Enjoy!: Once fried, transfer your pies onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly before digging in—trust me on this one; molten apple filling can be surprisingly hot!
Now you’ve got yourself some fried apple pies that are sure to impress! Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or keeping them all for yourself (no judgment here), these treats will surely bring joy with every bite!
You Must Know
- Fried apple pies are the ultimate comfort food, delivering crispy, flaky goodness wrapped around sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone think you’re a gourmet chef
- These treats are perfect for gatherings or as a cozy treat at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough and filling separately. Roll out your dough while the apples cook down with sugar and spices, allowing for optimal flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to tweak the filling! Add raisins or nuts for extra texture, or swap cinnamon for nutmeg to surprise your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven to regain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for flakier dough; it makes all the difference
- Make sure not to overfill the pies to avoid bursting during frying
- Let the filling cool slightly before assembling for better handling
Sometimes I whip up these fried apple pies when friends come over, and they disappear faster than my attempts at keeping plants alive. The joy on everyone’s faces is priceless!
FAQ
What type of apples are best for fried apple pies?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully for a balanced tartness and sweetness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking offers a healthier option! Brush with butter and bake until golden brown.
How do I know when the pies are done frying?
Fried apple pies should be golden brown and crispy, usually taking about 3-4 minutes per side.
Fried Apple Pies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Fried apple pies are a nostalgic treat that combines crispy, golden crusts with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for any occasion, these mini desserts are sure to spark joy and create lasting memories. With a simple recipe that’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned cooks, you’ll find yourself reaching for these delightful bites time and again.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick and cut into circles.
- Assemble the pies: Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold and seal edges with a fork.
- Fry the pies: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until hot. Fry pies for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Transfer fried pies to paper towels to absorb excess oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
