Master the Art of Fried Apple Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Them Perfectly!

There’s nothing quite like the mouth-watering aroma of freshly fried apple pies filling your kitchen. With crisp, flaky crusts and warm, gooey apple filling, these golden treats are a fall favorite that never goes out of style. But have you ever wondered how to make these delectable desserts at home? Fear not, because we have the ultimate guide on how to cook fried apple pies right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic recipe that is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Understanding Fried Apple Pies

Fried apple pies are a delicious, classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. These sweet treats consist of a flaky crust filled with warm, spiced apples that have been cooked until tender. The pies are then deep-fried to golden perfection and served piping hot with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Fried apple pies have been a staple in Southern cuisine for decades, but their origins can be traced back to Medieval Europe. Recipes for deep-fried fruit pies can be found in cookbooks dating back to the 16th century, with variations using different fruits such as cherries, pears, and apples.

The Perfect Filling

The key to a delicious fried apple pie lies in the filling. It’s important to use the right type of apples – those that hold their shape and have a balanced sweet-tart flavor such as Granny Smith or Jonagold apples. These varieties also hold up well during the frying process without becoming mushy.

To create the perfect filling, start by peeling and dicing your apples into small pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together some sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss the diced apples in this mixture until they are well coated.

Making the Crust

A flaky crust is an essential part of any pie and fried apple pies are no exception. Making your own pie crust may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need is flour, butter (or shortening), salt, and ice water.

To begin, cut cold butter into small cubes and place it in a bowl with flour and salt. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until you get pea-sized crumbles. Slowly add cold water to this mixture while gently mixing until it forms a dough. Divide the dough into two equal-sized balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Assembling and Frying

Once your filling and crust are ready, it’s time to assemble your fried apple pies. Roll out the first ball of dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or similar tool to cut out circles of dough.

Place spoonfuls of the apple filling on one half of each circle, leaving some space around the edges. Fold the other half over the filling and use a fork to crimp the edges closed. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place two to three pies in the hot oil at a time, depending on the size of your skillet. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Fried Apple Pies

– Make sure you roll out your dough thinly – too thick of a crust will result in an undercooked center.
– Don’t overcrowd your skillet or pot when frying – this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy, soggy pies.
– If you don’t have access to ice water, you can use cold milk as a substitute.
– After frying, place your pies on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
– These pies are best served warm, so try to eat them shortly after frying for maximum enjoyment.

Variations on Fried Apple Pies

While traditional fried apple pies are made with a classic pie crust, there are many variations that you can try to switch things up.

Southern Fried Hand Pies

This version omits using pie crust altogether and instead uses canned biscuit dough. The dough is flattened, filled, and then folded over to create a half-moon shape before frying.

Apple Empanadas

For a Latin twist on fried apple pies, use empanada dough instead of pie crust. You can also incorporate traditional Mexican flavors such as chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Caramel Apple Pies

Take your fried apple pies to the next level by drizzling them with a homemade caramel sauce after frying. This will add an extra layer of sweetness and decadence to the already delicious dessert.

Fried apple pies are a classic dessert that is loved by people all over the world. While they may seem intimidating to make, with the right ingredients and techniques, anyone can create delicious, crispy pies in their own kitchen. Experiment with different variations and find your favorite way to enjoy this beloved treat!

Fried apple pies are a delicious and indulgent treat that are loved by many. Crispy, flaky crust filled with sweet and gooey apples, these fried pies are the perfect combination of texture and flavor. Despite their popularity, many people shy away from making fried apple pies at home, thinking it’s a complicated and time-consuming process. But fear not, we’re here to guide you through the steps of how to cook fried apple pies with ease.

Gathering the Necessary Ingredients

Before you start making your fried apple pies, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For the crust, you’ll need all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, salt, ice-cold water, and egg for an egg wash. For the filling, you’ll need apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent. Make sure all your ingredients are fresh and of good quality to ensure that your fried apple pie turns out perfectly.

Making the Perfect Pie Dough

The key to any great pie is in its crust. Making a good pie crust may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll be able to whip up a perfect one in no time. To make the perfect pie dough for your fried apple pies, start by combining flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut your cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using either a pastry cutter or your fingers (if you don’t mind getting messy), incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

Next, add ice-cold water to this mixture little by little until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this can result in tough pastry that won’t be as flaky. Once the dough comes together, form it into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let the dough chill in the fridge for at least an hour before rolling it out.

Preparing the Filling

While the dough is chilling, you can start preparing your apple pie filling. Peel and core your apples and cut them into small pieces. In a bowl, mix together the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch or flour. Make sure all the apples are coated evenly with this mixture. Let this sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Rolling Out the Dough and Assembling the Pies

After an hour has passed, take out your chilled pie dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with. Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface into a large circle that’s about ¼ inch thick. Using a round cutter or a bowl as a guide, cut out circles from the rolled-out dough.

Place about two tablespoons of filling in one half of each circle of dough. Brush some water along the edges of one half of the circle and fold over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp or press down on the edges using a fork to seal them together. Make sure there are no gaps in your sealing to prevent any filling from oozing out while frying.

Frying Your Apple Pies

To fry your apple pies, you’ll need a deep saucepan or Dutch oven filled with oil that’s heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently lower two or three pies at a time into hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining pies.

Serving Suggestions

Fried apple pies are best served warm, so make sure to let them cool for a few minutes before digging in. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat. These pies can be enjoyed on their own, or you can serve them with some warm caramel sauce for dipping.

Now that you know how to cook fried apple pies, go ahead and treat yourself with this delectable dessert. With just a little bit of effort, you can enjoy these crispy and delicious treats anytime you want. Experiment with different types of apples and fillings to find your favorite variation. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some mouth-watering fried apple pies!

Q: What ingredients do I need to make fried apple pies?
A: To make fried apple pies, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, butter, cold water, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and oil for frying.

Q: How do I prepare the dough for fried apple pies?
A: Start by combining the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add water and mix until a dough forms. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Q: Can I use any type of apple for fried apple pies?
A: Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. However, Granny Smith apples are often preferred as they hold their shape well when cooked and have a tart flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the pie.

Q: Should I peel the apples before adding them to the filling?
A: Yes, it is recommended to peel the apples before dicing them for the filling. This will ensure that there are no tough or stringy bits in your pie.

Q: How thin should I roll out the dough for fried apple pies?
A: The dough should be rolled out to about 1/8 inch thickness. This will give you a crispy crust without being too thick or thin.

Q: How long should I fry the pies for?
A: Fry the pies for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying. Drain on paper towels before serving warm.

In conclusion, cooking fried apple pies is a delicious and time-honored culinary tradition that anyone can learn and enjoy. By following a few simple steps and tips, one can achieve a crispy, golden crust filled with warm, sweet apple filling. It is important to choose the right apples and to properly prepare them for the best flavor and texture. Additionally, mastering the frying process with the right temperature and technique will ensure that the pies are evenly cooked and not overly greasy. Whether for a special occasion or simply a comforting treat, fried apple pies are sure to satisfy any craving.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that fried apple pies can be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions by using alternative ingredients such as gluten-free flour or vegan butter. This makes it possible for everyone to enjoy these delicious treats.

It is also important to keep in mind that cooking is an art that requires practice and experimentation. Do not be afraid to try different variations or add your own personal touch to the recipe. The key is to have fun while cooking and enjoying the end result.

In addition, fried apple pies can be served in various ways – on their own, with toppings such as whipped cream or ice cream, or even incorporated into other desserts like crepes or milkshakes. The possibilities are endless!