Imagine biting into a golden, crispy fried apple pie; the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and tender apples dances in the air, instantly transporting you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly autumn evening. Each flaky layer crumbles delightfully with every bite, revealing a luscious filling that brings a smile to your face while evoking cherished memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations.
These fried apple pies are not just desserts; they’re little pockets of happiness that shine at festive occasions or serve as a delightful afternoon snack. Whether you’re reliving childhood moments or creating new ones, the anticipation of that first bite promises an amazing flavor experience that is sure to leave you craving more.
Why Is fried apple pies So Irresistibly Good?
Crispy texture: The perfectly fried crust gives each pie a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet apple filling.
Flavor explosion: Infused with cinnamon and a hint of lemon, every bite is a delightful burst of sweetness that will keep you coming back for more.
Quick prep: With just 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up these treats in no time, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a quick dessert fix.
Endless variations: Feel free to customize the filling—mix in other fruits or spices to make it your own!
Crowd-pleaser: Whether at parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, these fried apple pies are sure to impress everyone.
fried apple pies Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your pastry, creating a flaky and delicious crust.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough, balancing the sweetness of the filling.
- 1 tbsp sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust, making it perfectly inviting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed) – Cold butter ensures a tender and flaky texture in your dough.
- 6 tbsp cold water – Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.
For the Filling
- 3 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced) – Choose sweet varieties like Granny Smith for a perfect balance with cinnamon.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the apple filling, enhancing its natural flavors while complementing the spices.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon – Infuses your filling with warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and prevents apples from browning before cooking.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent to help bind the filling together.
For Frying
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) – Use this for frying to achieve that golden, crispy exterior on your fried apple pies.
Step-by-Step fried apple pies
1. Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar. Add in the cold, cubed 1/2 cup unsalted butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually stir in 6 tbsp cold water until a dough forms. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together 3 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Set this delicious mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or a plate, cut into circles approximately 5 inches in diameter.
4. Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of your apple filling on one half of each circle. Carefully fold over the dough to enclose the filling and use a fork to seal the edges tightly, ensuring no filling escapes during frying.
5. Fry the Pies: Heat up 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the pies in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve Warm: Allow your fried apple pies to cool slightly before serving them warm for that perfect comforting bite—enjoy every sweet morsel!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best fried apple pies
- Chill Your Dough: Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This keeps the butter cold, resulting in a flakier crust.
- Right Apple Choice: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work beautifully together!
- Seal Well: When folding the dough over the filling, press firmly to seal the edges. A secure seal prevents filling from oozing out during frying.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature; too hot can burn the pies quickly, while too cold may lead to soggy crusts.
- Batch Frying: Don’t overcrowd the fryer; give each pie enough space to cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow fried apple pies to cool slightly after frying. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to handle.
How to Store and Freeze fried apple pies
Room Temperature: Enjoy your fried apple pies fresh for up to 2 days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the pies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their crispy texture.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled dough or fully cooked fried apple pies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To revive your fried apple pies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy again.
fried apple pies Your Way
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful treats with your favorite flavors and ingredients!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously crispy crust. Just make sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum for ideal texture.
- Vegan: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk in place of cold water. Enjoy the same great taste while keeping it animal product-free!
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the filling for an added crunch. This simple addition gives the pies a delightful texture and flavor contrast that everyone will love.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple filling for a warm, spicy twist. It’s a surprising enhancement that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before serving, sprinkle each pie with cinnamon sugar while still warm. This extra touch creates a sweet crust that your family will rave about.
- Apple Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Each type brings its own unique flavor profile to the filling.
- Cheesy Delight: For an unexpected savory twist, add 1/4 cup of cream cheese to the apple mixture. It adds creaminess and richness that makes these pies truly unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
Fried apple pies are a delightful treat that can easily be prepped in advance, making them perfect for busy days or unexpected guests. You can prepare the dough with 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold cubed unsalted butter mixed until crumbly. Once you stir in 6 tbsp of cold water and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, it’s ready to roll out. For the filling, combine 3 cups of diced apples, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp cornstarch; this can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble your pies and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days before frying. When you’re ready to serve your fried apple pies, simply heat vegetable oil and fry them fresh for that crispy goodness. Enjoy warm!
fried apple pies Recipe FAQs
What type of apples work best for the filling?
For the sweetest and most flavorful fried apple pies, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp contribute sweetness. Aim for 3 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples to achieve that perfect balance.
How should I store leftover fried apple pies?
If you have any leftover fried apple pies (though it’s hard to resist them!), let them cool completely before storing. Place the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider putting them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week.
Can I freeze fried apple pies?
Absolutely! To freeze your fried apple pies, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough turns out too crumbly and isn’t forming properly, it might need more moisture. Try adding an additional tablespoon of cold water gradually until the dough comes together. Remember, it should be soft but not sticky—this makes rolling out much easier!
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 4 generous servings of deliciously crispy fried apple pies. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, making them a delightful treat or snack without going overboard!
What’s the best way to tell when the pies are done frying?
Fry your pies for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they cook; this is when they become irresistibly crispy! Once done, place them on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
