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Apple Fried Pies

The apple fried pies feature a flaky, golden-brown crust on the outside protecting a tender fruit-filled center. The filling is a thoroughly spiced apple mixture, commonly flavored with warm cinnamon and just the right amount of sugar. Some bakers also add hints of ginger or vanilla for extra depth. 
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups: All-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons: Butter cubed, cold
  • ⅓ cup: Milk hot
  • 1 large: Egg
  • 1 tablespoon: Water
  • ¼ teaspoon: Salt

For the Filling:

  • 2 large: Apples peeled, cored, and diced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best
  • ¼ cup: Brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon: Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon optional: Vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon optional: Apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 teaspoon optional, for thickening: Cornstarch

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • ½ cup: Powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon: Milk
  • ½ teaspoon: Vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

  • Dice Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples into small cubes. Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, which balances the sweetness.
  • Cook the Filling: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the apples begin to soften.
  • Thicken the Filling (Optional): Mix cornstarch with a teaspoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the filling thickens.
  • Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and apple cider for an extra depth of flavor. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
  • Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk together milk, egg, and water. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  • Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the dough become easier to handle and results in a flakier crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

  • Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a thin sheet. Use a 5-inch round cutter (or the rim of a bowl) to cut circles.
  • Add Filling: Place 1-2 tablespoons of apple filling in the center of each circle.
  • Seal the Edges: Brush the edges with egg wash (whisked egg and water), fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

  • Heat Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature control.
  • Fry Pies: Carefully add pies to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 1-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Drain: Remove fried pies and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

  • Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Glaze Pies: Once the fried pies have cooled, brush or drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill the Dough: Cold dough is easier to handle and fries better without becoming greasy.
Use a Fry Thermometer: Maintain a steady oil temperature of 350°F to ensure even frying.
Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause pies to burst during frying.
Test One Pie First: Fry one pie as a test to check for proper sealing and dough thickness.
Keyword apple desserts, Fried Pies with Apple Filling, Homemade Fried Pies, Southern Fried Apple Pies