Old fashioned fried apple pies: best fry pie recipe
These Old-Fashioned Fried Apple Pies are the perfect nostalgic treat, featuring a flaky, golden crust filled with warm, spiced apple goodness. This is the best fry pie recipe for anyone craving a sweet, comforting dessert that's easy to make and bursting with classic apple pie flavors. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the fryer or as a handheld snack, these pies are a delicious nod to traditional, homemade goodness!
Ingredients
Fry pie ingredients:
Pastry:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- ½ cup (115g) shortening - chilled
- ½ cup (120ml) cold water
Apple Filling:
- 2-4 apples - peeled, cored, and diced (about 250g-400g)
- ½ cup (100g) packed dark brown sugar - or to taste
- 1 teaspoon (2.6g) ground cinnamon - or to taste
- ⅓ teaspoon nutmeg
For Frying:
- 1 quart oil for frying - about 960ml, or as needed
Instructions
How to make fry pies Directions
- Prepare the pastry: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled shortening using two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add water gradually: Stir in cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, using a fork to mix until the dough starts to hold together. Be careful not to add too much water—the dough should form a ball when squeezed. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Make the apple filling: In a saucepan, add the diced apples. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then pour this mixture over the apples and toss to coat. Cook over low heat, covered, until the apples soften. Mash them into a thick applesauce-like consistency, then set aside to cool.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s about ⅛-inch thick. Use a large cookie cutter to cut out eight 4-inch rounds.
- Assemble the pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling in the center of each dough round. Moisten the edges with a little cold water, fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Repeat this process for the remaining dough and filling.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the pies: Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil in batches. Fry each pie for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pies.
- Enjoy your delicious fried apple pies!
Baked Fry Pies Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the pies: Follow the steps to make the pastry and filling. After assembling the pies (steps 1-5 from the original recipe), place the sealed pies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash to help them get a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the pies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pies turn golden brown and the crust is crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your baked fry pies—crisp, golden, and just as delicious without frying!
Notes
One serving is approximately 751 calories.
Fried pies are best enjoyed fresh but will stay good for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days and reheat before eating.