Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These fried apple pies are the perfect blend of sweet and crispy, a delightful treat that's perfect for a cozy night in or a fun family gathering. Forget complicated baking; this recipe delivers homemade deliciousness with minimal effort. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this quick and easy recipe for fried apple pies!
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
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For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
3. Assemble the Pies:
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick). Use a 3-4 inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
4. Fill and Seal:
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
5. Fry the Pies:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of dough should sizzle when added), carefully place a few apple pies in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and Serve:
Remove the fried apple pies from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra crispy pies, use a deep fryer instead of a skillet.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet while frying; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pies.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter in the dough.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the apple filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Incorporate raisins or cranberries into the filling for added texture and sweetness.
- Drizzle the finished pies with a caramel sauce or honey for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per pie, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 3-4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy-to-make fried apple pies are a delicious and satisfying dessert option that’s perfect for any occasion. They're a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and crispy textures – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy this simple recipe and share the joy of homemade cooking with your loved ones.