Fried Apple Pies

Here’s a detailed recipe for Fried Apple Pies (a.k.a. fried pies, fry pies, or apple hand pies) – a golden, flaky pastry filled with sweet apple filling and fried until crispy. 🍏🥟✨

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📝 Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled, cored, and diced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup brown sugar (or white sugar)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

• Pinch of salt

For the Dough (shortcut or homemade):

Option 1 (Shortcut): Use refrigerated pie crusts or biscuit dough.
Option 2 (Homemade Pie Dough):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/3 – 1/2 cup ice water

For Frying & Finishing:

• Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut) for frying

• Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until apples are softened and juices are released.

4. Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook another 1–2 minutes until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and cool completely before using (important so the dough won’t get soggy).

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Step 2: Make the Dough (if homemade)

1. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt.

2. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

3. Slowly add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until dough just comes together.

4. Shape into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pies

1. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.

2. Cut circles using a 4–6 inch round cutter (a bowl works too).

3. Place 1–2 tbsp cooled apple filling in the center of each circle.

4. Fold over into a half-moon shape and press edges with a fork to seal tightly.

5. (Optional but recommended) Chill pies in the fridge 15–20 minutes to firm up before frying.

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Step 4: Fry the Pies

1. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).

2. Fry pies in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Drain on paper towels.

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Step 5: Finish & Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar or toss in cinnamon sugar while still warm.

• Serve warm on their own or with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. 🍦✨

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✅ Storage Tip:

• Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.

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