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Crispy Fried Apple Pies

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These easy homemade old-fashioned fried apple pies feature a tender, flaky crust and a gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a nostalgic treat, they’re ready in under an hour and guaranteed to spark joy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, cold (or regular milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
  • 2 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft but not mushy (about 8 minutes).
  4. Stir in cornstarch and cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  5. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
  6. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  7. Stir in cold buttermilk until dough comes together. Knead gently on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
  8. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 20 minutes.
  9. Roll and Assemble the Pies: Divide chilled dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a 4-5 inch circle.
  10. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto one half of each circle.
  11. Fold dough over filling to make a half-moon shape. Press edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.
  12. Set assembled pies on parchment paper or a lightly floured tray.
  13. Frying the Pies: Heat 2-3 cups vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F.
  14. Carefully lower pies into hot oil, 2-3 at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning when golden brown.
  15. Remove pies with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  16. Finish and Serve: Dust warm pies with confectioners’ sugar or cinnamon sugar, if desired.
  17. Serve immediately for best crunch, or let cool for a softer bite.

Notes

Keep butter and dough cold for a flaky crust. Don’t overfill pies to prevent bursting during frying. Seal edges tightly and fry in batches for best results. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute flour and butter as needed. Pies can be baked instead of fried for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried apple pies, old-fashioned dessert, southern pies, crispy apple pies, homemade apple pies, comfort food, easy dessert, potluck recipe, nostalgic treat

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-fried-apple-pies-recipe-easy-homemade-old-fashioned-treat/