The Ultimate Guide to Fried Apple Pies: A Delicious Homemade Treat

Fried apple pies are a beloved dessert, known for their crisp, golden exterior and warm, sweet apple filling. Whether you’re a fan of Southern comfort food or simply want to replicate that nostalgic McDonald’s treat, fried apple pies can be a delightful addition to your recipe collection. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making the perfect fried apple pie from scratch.

Choosing the Right Apples for the Best Fried Apple Pies

The first step in creating perfect fried apple pies is selecting the right apples. Not all apples are created equal, and choosing a variety that balances tartness and sweetness is crucial for a flavorful filling.

• Granny Smith: A tart apple that holds up well during cooking, making it perfect for pies.
• Honeycrisp: A sweet-tart variety that brings a natural sweetness to your filling.
• Braeburn: Offers a balanced flavor and texture, ideal for apple desserts.

For a deeper understanding of how to choose the best apples for baking, refer to this helpful guide on Best apples for baking and frying. Selecting the right apples is key to creating a filling that holds its shape and provides just the right amount of sweetness.

Preparing the Filling: The Heart of the Pie

A well-prepared filling is the heart of any fried apple pie. The apples should be soft but not mushy, with a sweet and spiced flavor that complements the crispy exterior.

Ingredients for Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps to Prepare the Filling:

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pan.
4. Cook until the apples are soft and the sugar has caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in the lemon juice for a slight tang and let the mixture cool.

The caramelized sugars and spiced apples create the perfect filling for your pies. Fried apple pies are all about the balance of flavors, and ensuring your filling has the right consistency is crucial to avoid soggy pies.

Making the Dough: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

While many recipes suggest using store-bought dough for convenience, nothing compares to a homemade dough. It’s flakier, more tender, and gives your pies that made-from-scratch feel that elevates them to the next level.

Homemade Pie Dough Recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

For those short on time, you can use a quality store-bought pie dough, but homemade is always recommended. For a guide to making pie dough from scratch, check out this resource on Flaky pie dough from scratch. A good dough is essential for achieving the right texture when frying your pies.

Assembling and Frying Your Apple Pies

Once your filling is prepared and your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble and fry your pies.

Assembling the Pies:

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness.
2. Cut the dough into 5-6 inch circles using a cookie cutter or small bowl.
3. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
5. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies tightly.

Frying Instructions:

1. Heat oil (vegetable or canola) in a large pot to 350°F.
2. Carefully add 2-3 pies at a time to the oil, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make sure the oil temperature is consistent to avoid soggy or burnt pies. Frying at 350°F ensures that your fried apple pies turn out perfectly crisp.

Glazing and Dusting Your Fried Apple Pies

Once the pies are fried, the final touch is either a dusting of sugar or a drizzle of glaze.

Cinnamon Sugar Dusting:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together, and while the pies are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet, crunchy exterior.

Simple Glaze Recipe:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle the glaze over the pies for an extra touch of sweetness. The contrast between the crisp dough and the smooth glaze creates an irresistible combination.

Variations on Traditional Fried Apple Pies

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are several ways to customize your fried apple pies to suit your taste.

McDonald’s-Style Fried Apple Pies

To recreate that crispy, fast-food version of the fried apple pie, use puff pastry instead of traditional pie dough for an extra crunchy texture. Fry them the same way for a fast-food-inspired treat that’s even better than the original.

Southern Hand Pies with Dried Apples

For a more traditional Southern approach, use dried apples in your filling for a more concentrated apple flavor. These “applejacks” are a staple in many Southern kitchens and offer a unique twist on the classic.

Healthier Alternatives: Baked or Air-Fried Apple Pies

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can easily adapt this recipe by baking or air-frying the pies.

Baking Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Arrange the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Air Frying Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

These methods offer a crisp texture with significantly less oil, making them a great option for those looking to indulge without the extra calories. For more tips on air frying, visit Air frying for a healthier alternative.

FAQs About Fried Apple Pies

Can I Make Fried Apple Pies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make the pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a crisp exterior.

What Oil is Best for Frying Apple Pies?

Neutral oils such as vegetable or canola oil are best because they can handle high heat and won’t impart a strong flavor to your pies.

How Do I Prevent My Pies from Leaking?

Make sure to seal the edges of your pies well by crimping them with a fork. You can also brush the edges with a bit of water or egg wash to help the dough stick.

Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Pie Filling?

While homemade filling offers better flavor and texture, store-bought apple pie filling is a convenient option if you’re short on time.

How Should I Store Leftover Fried Apple Pies?

Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Fried Apple Pies

With a crispy exterior and a warm, spiced apple filling, fried apple pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you opt for a traditional Southern hand pie or a McDonald’s-style replica, this treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Experiment with different fillings, glazes, and dough options to make the recipe your own. And remember, these pies are best enjoyed warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!