Indulge in these crispy, golden-brown homemade fried apple pies filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfectly tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, this classic dessert is a comforting treat for all ages. With a balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery apples, these pies are ideal for fall or anytime you crave a warm, fruity snack.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Home bakers looking to recreate a classic fairground treat.
- Families wanting a fun and easy dessert to make together.
- Anyone who loves warm, spiced apple desserts with a crispy crust.
Why it’s Great
- Easy to make: Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Customizable: Swap Granny Smith apples for your favorite variety.
- Perfectly balanced flavor: Sweet, tangy, and spiced apple filling inside a buttery fried crust.
- Kid-friendly: Fun to assemble and delicious for all ages.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork or pastry cutter
- Rolling pin
- Round cutter or glass
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 6-8 tablespoons cold water
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
For Dusting (Optional):
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
- Combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pies
- Roll out a dough disk on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles using a round cutter or glass.
- Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
4. Fry the Pies
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the pies until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
5. Serve
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Storage
- Store cooled pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Q: What type of apples work best?
A: Granny Smith apples are ideal for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can also be used.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate.
Q: Can I use butter instead of shortening in the dough?
A: Yes, butter works too, but shortening gives a flakier texture.
Conclusion
These homemade fried apple pies are a deliciously nostalgic dessert that’s simple enough for home cooks yet impressive enough for guests. Crispy, golden, and filled with spiced apples, they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy evening at home, these pies capture the essence of homemade comfort food.
