Fried Apple Pies Recipe

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If you grew up on the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples bubbling away on the stove, this Fried Apple Pies recipe will feel like a warm hug from the past. These golden, crisp hand pies are a Southern staple, with their flaky crusts giving way to sweet, tender spiced apples tucked inside. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just need something nostalgic and delicious, these pies check every box.

What makes them especially charming is the balance between the buttery exterior and the soft fruit filling. You get all the decadence of a pie, but in a grab-and-go form that makes them perfect for any time of day. Eaten warm, dusted with sugar or drizzled with glaze, they’ll disappear faster than you think.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple Pies Recipe

You don’t need to wait for the holidays to enjoy something indulgent and delightful. This Fried Apple Pies recipe brings together ease, tradition, and crowd-pleasing flavor in one bite-sized dessert. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, the dough comes together quickly, and the frying process delivers that satisfying crunch every time. Plus, you can make a batch ahead and freeze them for a later treat.

Whether you’re after a dessert with rustic charm or just looking to wow guests with something homemade, these fried apple pies deliver. And once you try them fresh from the skillet, you might just decide they’re better than anything from a bakery.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

Great apple pies start with the right apples. For this recipe, you want a variety that holds its shape when cooked and provides a nice balance of sweet and tart. Granny Smith is always a classic pick, but mixing it with something sweeter like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add depth to the flavor. Avoid apples that turn mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.

Chopping the apples small helps them cook faster and evenly, ensuring each bite of the fried pie is juicy and flavorful without being soggy. If you like a bit more spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla when cooking the filling. The result is a robust apple flavor that shines through that crackly crust.

Ingredients for the Fried Apple Pies Recipe

A good fried pie starts with quality ingredients, each playing a role in texture and flavor. From the flaky dough to the warm, spiced apple center, every component is chosen to create a comforting, homemade bite that tastes like it came straight from a country kitchen.

• Apples – The heart of the recipe. Use a tart-sweet mix for flavor depth and a firm texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the apples and helps create that syrupy consistency as they cook.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a rich molasses note that complements the cinnamon.
• Cinnamon – Warms up the apple filling with classic spice.
• Nutmeg – Just a pinch brings out the apple’s natural sweetness.
• Butter – Adds silkiness to the apple mixture and helps it caramelize.
• Lemon Juice – A splash brightens up the filling and keeps it from being overly sweet.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the dough, creating structure and crispness.
• Salt – Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavor.
• Baking Powder – Gives the dough just a touch of puff.
• Shortening or Butter – Adds flakiness and helps bind the dough.
• Milk or Buttermilk – Moistens the dough and gives it a soft, tender crumb.
• Oil for Frying – Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for even browning.

How To Make the Fried Apple Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and dice your apples, then cook them in a saucepan with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and a splash of lemon juice. Let them simmer until they’re tender and syrupy. Once done, allow the filling to cool completely before using.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk or buttermilk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles. Spoon the cooled apple filling onto one half of each circle, then fold over and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork to prevent leaking while frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat your oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the pies and fry until golden brown on each side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

While warm, dust the pies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze. Serve immediately for the best texture, or let them cool and enjoy as a snack later.

How to Serve and Store Fried Apple Pies

These fried apple pies are at their absolute best when served warm, right out of the skillet. The crust is golden and flaky, with the filling still soft and slightly gooey. If you’re planning to serve them to guests, you can keep them warm in a low oven until ready. A dusting of powdered sugar or a quick glaze adds a final touch of sweetness that’s hard to resist.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, a few minutes in the oven or air fryer will help bring back that crispy texture. They can also be frozen after frying—just cool completely, wrap tightly, and reheat straight from the freezer.

This recipe makes about 8 fried pies, enough to serve 4 to 6 people depending on how generously you portion them. For larger crowds, you can easily double the dough and filling without adding too much prep time.

What to Serve With Fried Apple Pies?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The hot-and-cold combo of fried apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is unbeatable. The creamy, cold sweetness melts into the warm filling for a dreamy dessert.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent bite. The richness pairs beautifully with the spiced apple interior.

Fresh Whipped Cream

Light and airy whipped cream offers a delicate counterbalance to the crispy crust and sweet filling.

Maple Bacon

For a savory twist, serve your pies with crispy maple-glazed bacon. It adds a smoky element that makes this treat feel brunch-worthy.

Cheddar Cheese

A slice of sharp cheddar next to a warm pie is a classic in some regions. The saltiness of the cheese plays off the sweet filling perfectly.

Chai Tea or Hot Apple Cider

Pair with a spiced beverage for a cozy, comforting feel that matches the warmth of the pies.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

If you’re eating one for breakfast or a mid-morning treat, a dollop of tangy yogurt on the side can make it feel a little more wholesome.

Crunchy Candied Nuts

Sprinkle some toasted candied pecans or walnuts over the top or on the side for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If these fried apple pies made you swoon, wait until you try these other flavor-packed creations from the kitchen:

• Try the rich and buttery Ooey Gooey Butter Cake when you’re craving something decadently soft.

• For a no-fuss dessert, the Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars are perfect for quick gatherings and late-night sweet tooths.

• Love fruity flavors? These Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes balance tart and sweet in every bite.

• Our Lemon Truffles deliver a burst of zesty citrus, wrapped in creamy white chocolate.

• The Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are tiny, tangy, and ideal for afternoon tea or brunch spreads.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep the filling classic or add something fun like raisins or cardamom? Maybe you swapped out the crust for a shortcut version? I’d love to hear it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Fried apple pies are more than just a dessert—they’re a taste of tradition. Crispy on the outside, tender and spiced within, they bring the essence of home cooking to your kitchen with every bite. Whether you fry up a batch for a cozy evening or freeze them for later indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a year-round favorite. Simple, soulful, and undeniably delicious.

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