How to Make Crispy Fried Apple Pies Fast
If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a satisfyingly crispy crust, look no further than Fried Apple Pies. This recipe reveals the secret to making these golden, flaky pies fast, perfect for any craving or occasion. Whether you want a quick dessert after dinner or a charming snack for the kids, these pies bring comfort and joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings or busy schedules.
- Crispy Perfection: The unique frying method creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that holds flavorful apple filling.
- Made from Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry to whip these up instantly.
- Customizable Flavor: Add spices or nuts to match your personal taste for an elevated pie experience.
- Great for Any Occasion: Impress family and friends with this comforting dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Fried Apple Pies recipe works together to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crispy texture, making the process both straightforward and rewarding.
- Apple filling: Granulated sugar, cinnamon, finely chopped apples, and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Pie dough: Pre-made or homemade pie crust for a flaky and tender shell that fries beautifully.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil to ensure crispiness without burning.
- Egg wash: A simple beaten egg mixed with water to add a gorgeous golden shine to the crust.
- Optional spices: Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for an extra cozy, warm flavor.
Variations for Fried Apple Pies
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Fried Apple Pies are incredibly adaptable, so you can easily accommodate different tastes or dietary needs.
- Gluten-free crust: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pie dough for a similar crispy texture without gluten.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based pie crust and replace egg wash with almond milk or aquafaba for frying.
- Added nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Caramel drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance sweetness and add a decadent touch.
- Spiced up: Boost your filling’s warmth by including extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger.
How to Make Fried Apple Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling and finely chopping your apples, then combine them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice. Mix well and let it sit for a few minutes while you roll out your dough. This filling should be juicy yet not overly wet to avoid soggy crusts.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into circles or squares using a cookie cutter or knife, ensuring each piece is large enough to hold a tablespoon of filling.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies
Spoon the apple mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Brush the edges with water or egg wash, then fold and press to seal the pies tightly using a fork or your fingers, preventing filling leakage during frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature ensures your Fried Apple Pies cook evenly and crisp up without absorbing excess oil.
Step 5: Fry the Pies
Carefully place a few pies into the hot oil, frying each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding to keep the oil temperature steady. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
While still warm, brush with egg wash to enhance color and optionally sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish. Serve immediately or allow to cool slightly—either way, they taste incredible!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Apple Pies
- Correct oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep your oil at 350°F for perfectly crispy pies without oily texture.
- Dough thickness: Keep the dough thin but sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking during frying.
- Don’t overfill: A tablespoon of filling per pie prevents spills and ensures even cooking.
- Drain well: Place pies on a cooling rack over paper towels to let excess oil drip away, keeping them crisp longer.
- Serve hot: Fried Apple Pies are best enjoyed warm to fully appreciate their crisp crust and succulent interior.
How to Serve Fried Apple Pies
Garnishes
Drizzle warm caramel or dust with powdered sugar for an inviting look and extra flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top creates the ultimate comforting dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair these pies with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a side of lightly sweetened cream cheese for added richness. Fresh berries add color and balance the sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Fried Apple Pies on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates for a cozy vibe. Individual pie servings make great party treats or picnic snacks—wrap them in parchment paper and tie with string for adorable packaging.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Fried Apple Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze them after frying and cooling completely. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches work well and can be substituted in the filling for a fun twist on Fried Apple Pies.
Is it necessary to deep fry, or can I bake these pies?
Deep frying gives the pies their signature crispy crust, but you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a lighter version.
How do I prevent the pies from breaking while frying?
Make sure your edges are sealed tightly and the dough isn’t too thin. Using an egg wash or water to help seal edges is essential to prevent leaks.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying, which helps the flavors meld and the crust hold together better.
What type of oil is best for frying these pies?
Choose oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to ensure crispiness and avoid burning during frying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about biting into perfectly crispy Fried Apple Pies filled with warm, fragrant apple goodness. This recipe makes it so easy and quick to enjoy that magic at home anytime you want. Whether for a festive occasion, a cozy family night, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these pies will surely become a beloved favorite to share again and again. Give it a try—you’re just one batch away from your new go-to comfort dessert!
PrintFried Apple Pies
Fried Apple Pies are a quick and easy treat combining warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling with a crispy, golden fried crust. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this versatile dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be customized with spices, nuts, or various crust options. Ready in under 30 minutes, these pies offer a comforting snack or dessert that’s delicious served warm with optional garnishes like caramel or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 1–2 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pie Dough
- Pre-made or homemade pie crust dough (enough to cut into 8-10 circles or squares, about 9 inch diameter rolled out to 1/8-inch thickness)
Oil for Frying
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (enough to fill about 2 inches in skillet or fryer)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Optional Spices and Additions
- Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice (to taste)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel and finely chop the apples. In a bowl, combine with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well and allow to sit for a few minutes until juicy but not watery to avoid soggy crusts.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles or squares large enough to hold about one tablespoon of filling each.
- Fill and Seal the Pies: Spoon the apple mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Brush the edges with water or egg wash, then fold over and press edges tightly with a fork or fingers to seal, preventing leakage during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer about 2 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.
- Fry the Pies: Carefully place a few pies at a time into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
- Add Finishing Touches: While still warm, optionally brush pies with egg wash to enhance color and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve immediately or allow to cool slightly.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crisp, non-greasy pies.
- Keep dough thin but sturdy enough to avoid breaking during frying.
- Use approximately 1 tablespoon filling per pie to prevent spills and uneven cooking.
- Drain fried pies well on a cooling rack over paper towels to retain crispiness.
- Serve warm to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy crust and tender filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fried apple pies, cinnamon apple pies, quick dessert, crispy pies, apple snacks, fried desserts
