Simple Fried Apple Pies

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Golden, flaky, and filled with warm spiced apple goodness—Simple Fried Apple Pies are the ultimate comfort treat. These hand-held delights are crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside, thanks to their sweet apple-cinnamon filling wrapped in a tender dough. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert or looking for a fun twist on the classic apple pie, these fried pies are an irresistible answer.

Ideal for fall gatherings, Sunday desserts, or even as a sweet breakfast idea, these apple pies are delightfully simple to make yet deliver big on nostalgic flavor. Each bite brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen or a favorite roadside diner. Quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear, this easy recipe makes homemade fried apple pies accessible to every home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Fried Apple Pies Recipe

These pies are the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. No need for fancy ingredients or baking expertise. The dough can be store-bought or homemade, and the filling comes together with pantry staples. They cook in just minutes and are endlessly customizable. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm pastry with a crisp golden edge and syrupy apple center?

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Rolling Pin – Helps flatten the dough to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking.
• Circle Cutter or Bowl – For cutting uniform circles of dough, which ensures even folding and frying.
• Medium Skillet or Deep Fryer – For frying the pies until they reach that perfect golden crisp.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer – To safely remove pies from hot oil and drain excess grease.
• Mixing Bowls – Used for tossing apple slices with sugar and spices.
• Fork – To crimp and seal the edges, preventing filling from leaking during frying.

Having the right tools makes the preparation seamless and helps achieve a professional-looking result with minimal effort.

Preparation Tips

To make the process smoother, prep everything before heating the oil. Peel, core, and chop your apples evenly so they cook at the same rate. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F/175°C) before adding the pies—this prevents them from absorbing too much oil. Don’t overfill the pies; a tablespoon or two of filling is enough. If you’re using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature to make it more pliable and easier to seal. Finally, drain the fried pies on a paper towel-lined plate to keep them crisp.

Ingredients for this Simple Fried Apple Pies Recipe

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and diced small
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for pre-cooking apples, optional)
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough if preferred)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting after frying

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Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (if using). Add diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture slightly thickens. If you like a thicker filling, stir in the cornstarch and cook for another minute. Let the mixture cool completely before assembling the pies.

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Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 4 to 5 inches wide), cut out as many circles as possible. Gather any leftover dough scraps and re-roll them to cut more circles. Aim for 8–10 dough rounds total.

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Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies

Place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then seal firmly by crimping the edges with a fork. Be sure no filling is leaking out.

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Step 4: Fry the Apple Pies

In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 2–3 pies at a time into the oil, depending on the size of your skillet. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove pies and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pies warm. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an extra treat. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style twist.

Notes

For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the sugar and ensure the filling doesn’t become mushy. If you prefer softer apples, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Using a small amount of lemon juice adds brightness and keeps the apples from browning too quickly. These pies are versatile—you can experiment with different fruits or even add caramel bits or raisins to the filling for a twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the dough: This can cause leaks during frying and messy oil splatters.
• Not sealing edges properly: If the edges aren’t crimped tightly, the filling may escape during frying.
• Frying at incorrect temperature: Too low and the pies absorb oil and become greasy; too high and the crust may burn before the inside is cooked.
• Using wet filling: Excess liquid can prevent the crust from sealing and create soggy spots.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Pie, Approximate)

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apple works best for fried pies?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes, but drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy dough and ensure easier sealing.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

Absolutely! Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Can I freeze them before frying?

Yes. Assemble the pies and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Fry from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a kitchen thermometer or test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and rise to the top.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pie dough. Be careful while rolling and sealing, as it may be more delicate.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave unless you don’t mind a softer crust.

Can I add other spices or flavors?

Absolutely. Try adding a pinch of clove, allspice, or even a splash of vanilla extract to the filling.

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Conclusion

Simple Fried Apple Pies are the ultimate nostalgic treat—easy to make, packed with cozy flavors, and wonderfully crisp on the outside. They’re perfect for entertaining, afternoon snacks, or even breakfast on the go. With just a few ingredients and a bit of frying, you can bring the charm of a classic homemade dessert to your table in under 30 minutes.

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