Fried Apple Pies Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.

Cold and cubed butter: Essential for creating a flaky crust.

Ice water: Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cold.

Apples: The star of the filling, providing sweetness and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the apple filling.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.

Nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty spice to the filling.

Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.

Vegetable oil: Used for frying the pies to a golden brown.

When making the dough, ensure that the butter is very cold and cubed. This helps create a flaky texture in the pastry. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. When adding the ice water, do so gradually and mix with a fork to avoid overworking the dough, which can make it tough.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the crust slightly denser.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.

• cold and cubed butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

• ice water - Substitute with cold milk: Cold milk can add a bit of richness to the dough.

• peeled, cored, and chopped apples - Substitute with peeled, cored, and chopped pears: Pears offer a similar texture and sweetness, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

• cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can provide a similar warm spice flavor, though it is more complex.

• nutmeg - Substitute with mace: Mace is the outer covering of the nutmeg seed and offers a similar but slightly milder flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a similar high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.

• Allow the fried apple pies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming and making the crust soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the cooled pies in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer to refrigerate, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, wrap each fried apple pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the pies at room temperature for about 1-2 hours if frozen. For a crispier texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Avoid microwaving the pies as it can make the crust chewy instead of crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover fried apple pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and the crust is crisp.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the fried apple pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly and the crust is becoming crispy again.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the pan. Place the fried apple pies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and the crust is crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the fried apple pies on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until heated through. Note that this method may not keep the crust as crispy as other methods.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fried apple pies on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through and the crust is crisp.

• Mixing bowl: To combine the flour and salt, and later to mix the apple filling ingredients.

• Fork: To toss the dough mixture with ice water until it forms a ball.

• Plastic wrap: To wrap the dough and refrigerate it.

• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness.

• Floured surface: To prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out.

• Round cutter: To cut the dough into 5-inch circles.

• Frying pan: To heat the oil and fry the pies.

• Paper towels: To drain the fried pies and remove excess oil.

• Knife: To peel, core, and chop the apples.

• Measuring cups: To measure the flour, sugar, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

• Spatula: To turn the pies while frying them.

• Cooling rack: To place the pies after draining them on paper towels.

Prepare the filling: Make the apple mixture in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-made dough: Purchase pre-made pie dough from the store to skip the dough-making process.

Batch frying: Fry multiple apple pies at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Uniform shape: Use a cookie cutter for consistent dough circles, ensuring even cooking.

Prep ingredients: Peel, core, and chop apples ahead of time and store them in lemon water to prevent browning.