Description

Bite into a crispy, golden-brown fried apple pie and enjoy the warm, spiced apple filling that oozes out with every bite. These handheld treats are a nostalgic Southern classic, featuring a buttery, flaky crust that turns perfectly crisp when fried. Quick to make and incredibly delicious, homemade fried apple pies are the ultimate comfort dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Filling:

3 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced)
½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing apples)

For the Dough & Frying:

1 batch pie dough (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups oil for frying (peanut or vegetable oil recommended)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and caramelize.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Pro Tip: Cooling the filling prevents the dough from getting soggy.

2. Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness.
Use a 4-inch round cutter (or a small bowl) to cut circles from the dough.

3. Assemble the Pies

Spoon 1 tablespoon of apple filling onto one side of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges with a fork to seal.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
Fry the pies for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Pro Tip: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent soggy pies.

Notes

✔ Best Apples to Use: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold.
✔ Storage Tips:

Store at room temperature for 1 day.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

✔ Reheating Instructions:

Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes.
Air Fryer: 370°F (188°C) for 4-5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

✔ Variations:

Glazed Fried Apple Pies: Drizzle with a vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Southern Biscuit Dough Pies: Use biscuit dough instead of pie crust for a fluffier texture.
Air-Fryer Version: Brush with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: dinner
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fried apple pie
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 2g