There’s nothing quite like a warm fried apple pie to bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia. These Southern favorites are crispy on the outside, with a sweet and spiced apple filling inside, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making fried apple pies from scratch, ensuring that each bite is filled with homemade goodness.
Why Make Fried Apple Pies at Home?
Making fried apple pies at home allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients that elevate the taste far beyond what you’d find in store-bought varieties. By crafting your own crust and filling, you can avoid preservatives and create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also made with care and attention to detail.
The Advantages of Homemade Crust
A significant aspect of the perfect fried apple pie is the crust. While it might be tempting to use pre-made dough, creating a buttery, flaky crust from scratch ensures a superior texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple filling. For more tips on achieving a delicious crust, check out The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, which offers insights that can be adapted to various baked goods.
Choosing the Right Oil for Frying
Selecting the right frying oil is crucial for achieving that ideal crispy texture without making the pies too greasy. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key, as it prevents the pies from absorbing too much oil and keeps them light and flaky. If you’re looking for alternatives to vegetable oil, this Cheesy Cauliflower Bites recipe provides insights into using healthier oils that can work well for frying.
Ingredients for the Perfect Fried Apple Pies
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating a delicious fried apple pie. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 large apples (1 Granny Smith, 1 Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
The Pie Dough:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
The Powdered Sugar Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Additional Ingredients:
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fried Apple Pies
1. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
The filling is what gives these pies their rich, comforting flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Using a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples provides the ideal blend of tart and sweet flavors.
- In a saucepan, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat until the apples begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the apple cider with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan and increase the heat to high.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Pie Dough from Scratch
A perfect fried apple pie starts with a well-made dough. Follow these steps:
- Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and salt. Microwave the milk until it’s steaming hot, then gradually add it to the egg mixture while stirring constantly.
- Pour the milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until the dough forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 1 minute until it’s smooth. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Use a rolling pin to roll out each dough ball into a circle. Don’t worry if the circles aren’t perfect—any excess can be trimmed after folding.
3. Assemble the Fried Apple Pies
Now that the filling and dough are ready, it’s time to assemble your pies:
- Place 2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Trim any excess dough with a pastry wheel or a knife.
4. Fry the Apple Pies
Frying is where the magic happens, giving these pies their signature golden, crispy crust:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dipping the handle of a wooden spoon into it—if bubbles form around the handle, the oil is ready.
- Fry the pies one or two at a time, depending on the size of your fryer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Prepare the Powdered Sugar Glaze
While the pies are frying, you can prepare the glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Once the pies are slightly cooled but still warm, use a pastry brush to apply the glaze on both sides. Alternatively, you can drizzle the glaze on top or dip the pies into the glaze.
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Fried Apple Pies
- Use the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. Both varieties hold their shape well during cooking, ensuring your filling is neither too mushy nor too firm.
- Frying Tips: Maintaining a steady oil temperature of 350°F is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the crust will burn before the filling is cooked through; if it’s too cold, the pies will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: The glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the pies a beautiful finish as it hardens. Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Fried Apple Pies
What are the Best Apples for Fried Apple Pies?
The best apples for fried apple pies are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Granny Smith apples are tart and balance out the sweetness of the filling, while Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, offering a pleasant texture.
Can I Bake the Pies Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake the pies if you prefer a lighter option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Apple Pies?
Leftover pies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them and reheat in a microwave before serving. Note that refrigerated pies may lose some of their crispiness.
Are Homemade Fried Apple Pies Healthier than Store-Bought?
Absolutely! By making your pies at home, you avoid preservatives and can use high-quality ingredients. Plus, you can control the amount of sugar and fat, making them a healthier option.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Conclusion: A Delicious Way to Enjoy Apples
Making fried apple pies from scratch is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious, homemade dessert. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create a treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert, a snack, or a special breakfast, these fried apple pies are sure to become a favorite in your home.
So next time you’re craving something sweet and comforting, skip the store-bought options and make your own fried apple pies—you won’t be disappointed!