Fried Apple Pies
Fried apple pies are a delightful dessert that bring together the crispy, flaky texture of pie crust and the sweet, tender filling of spiced apples. This Southern classic is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make your own fried apple pies, complete with tips, variations, and storage advice. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress your friends and family with this comforting dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are numerous reasons to love fried apple pies. First and foremost, they evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding many of childhood memories filled with homemade treats. The combination of sweet, spiced apples encased in a crispy crust creates a satisfying texture that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Furthermore, this recipe is straightforward, utilizing store-bought pie crusts, which means you can whip them up in no time. Lastly, they are delightful whether served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Pro Tips for Making Fried Apple Pies
- Use Firm Apples: To ensure a great texture and flavor, choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Create an Even Seal: Make sure to press the edges of the pie crust thoroughly to prevent any filling from leaking out during frying.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Checking the temperature of your frying oil ensures that your pies won’t absorb too much oil and become greasy. Aim for around 350°F.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather your ingredients for fried apple pies.
Filling:
- 2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (usually contains 2 crusts)
For Frying:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 10 minutes. The sugars will draw out the natural sweetness in the apples and the spices will infuse a comforting flavor.
Step 2: Create a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the apple filling and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, or until the filling has thickened. This step ensures your filling will hold together and not make the crust soggy.
Step 3: Cool the Filling: Once the filling is thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This is important because filling the pies with hot filling can cause the crust to become too soft and difficult to handle.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crusts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles about 4-5 inches in diameter. The size can vary depending on your preference, but make sure they are large enough to hold a good amount of filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Pies: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. This not only adds a decorative touch but also ensures your filling is tightly sealed within the crust.
Step 6: Fry the Pies: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the prepared pies in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Drain the Pies: Remove the fried pies from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step is vital to keep your pies crispy and not greasy.
Step 8: Serve: Dust the fried apple pies with powdered sugar before serving. These tasty treats are best enjoyed warm, but they are equally delicious at room temperature. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen pie crusts?
Yes, you can use frozen pie crusts. Ensure they are fully thawed and rolled out before assembling your pies.
2. What type of apples are best for frying pies?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are excellent choices because they hold their shape and provide a sweet-tart flavor.
3. Can I make the filling in advance?
Absolutely! The apple filling can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and let it cool completely before using it to fill the pie crusts.
4. Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! Brush the pies with egg wash and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. How do I store leftover fried apple pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate to extend their freshness.
Conclusion
Fried apple pies are an easy and delightful dessert to prepare that is sure to be a hit. With fresh apples, a few pantry staples, and minimal prep, you can recreate this classic treat in your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or just because, the crispy crust enveloping the tender, spiced apple filling is bound to bring joy to anyone who bites into it. So put on your apron, gather some friends or family, and enjoy a delicious batch of homemade fried apple pies!
