Fried apple hand pies are a delicious and comforting treat that brings the warmth of homemade goodness right to your kitchen. These portable pastries are filled with sweet apples and warm spices, making them perfect for dessert or a snack anytime. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, they offer a delightful crunch and a soft, fruity interior.
Why Make This Recipe
Making fried apple hand pies is an excellent way to use fresh apples, turning them into a delightful treat that everyone will love. This recipe is not only simple to follow, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, the crispy, flaky crust combined with the sweet apple filling is hard to resist! Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a cozy night at home, these pies are sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Fried Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1 cup for rolling out dough)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 apples (Gala or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and diced)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
Directions:
For the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Cut in shortening until crumbly.
- Add evaporated milk and egg; mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
For the Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine diced apples, cornstarch, water, sugar, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook over medium heat until apples are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool.
Make the Pies:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut into circles using a large cookie cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and crimp edges to seal.
- In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry pies until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Fried Apple Hand Pies
Serve the fried apple hand pies warm or at room temperature. Dust them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They can also be paired with whipped cream or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
How to Store Fried Apple Hand Pies
Store any leftover fried apple hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a warm oven to restore crispiness. For long-term storage, freeze the pies in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven from frozen until warmed through.
Tips to Make Fried Apple Hand Pies
- Use a mix of apples for different flavors and textures; some sweet and some tart apples work great together.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the pies, so they fry properly and don’t become greasy.
- Experiment with spices like allspice or add a bit of vanilla extract to the filling for a unique twist.
Variation
Try adding dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, to the apple filling for added sweetness and texture. You can also use different fruits like pears or peaches for a change!
FAQs
Can I bake the apple hand pies instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
How can I make the crust flakier?
To make a flakier crust, ensure that your shortening is cold before you incorporate it into the flour. Avoid overmixing the dough to help maintain its structure.
Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pie dough can save time. Just roll it out, fill it with the apple mixture, and proceed with frying or baking as directed.
Fried Apple Hand Pies
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Plus 1 cup for rolling out dough.
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cups shortening
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling
- 4 apples (Gala or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Pinch of salt.
- 0.5 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- 0.25 cups sugar
For Frying and Serving
- 3 cups vegetable oil For frying.
- 2.5 cups powdered sugar For dusting.
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
For the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Cut in shortening until crumbly.
- Add evaporated milk and egg; mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
For the Filling
- In a saucepan, combine diced apples, cornstarch, water, sugar, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook over medium heat until apples are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool.
Make the Pies
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut into circles using a large cookie cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the apple filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and crimp edges to seal.
- In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry pies until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and allow to cool slightly before serving.
