Quick & Cozy Fried Apple Hand Pies Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crispy, golden fried apple hand pies deliver a magical burst of sweet nostalgia in every delectable bite.

Small handheld pastries capture the essence of comfort and indulgence with minimal effort.

Buttery, flaky crusts cradle warm spiced apple filling that melts seamlessly on your tongue.

Seasonal orchard fruits change into compact, irresistible treats perfect for casual dessert moments.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients combine with traditional cooking techniques.

Compact and portable, these delightful hand pies promise to satisfy sudden cravings and spark joyful memories.

Rich, aromatic spices complement the tender apple interior, making each morsel an irresistible culinary adventure.

Explore this delightful recipe and unleash your inner pastry chef.

What’s Delicious About Fried Apple Hand Pies

• These fried apple hand pies deliver classic homestyle goodness with a crispy exterior and warm, gooey apple filling that reminds you of grandma's kitchen.
• The simple pastry method and straightforward filling preparation make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal culinary expertise.
• Perfectly sized hand pies are ideal for on-the-go snacking, picnics, school lunches, or casual gatherings where individual servings are preferred.
• Cinnamon-spiced apple filling nestled in a golden-brown crispy crust creates an irresistible flavor combination that captures traditional American dessert comfort.

Ingredients Needed for Fried Apple Hand Pies

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a tender and flaky pie crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.
• Shortening: Provides a soft, crumbly texture to the dough, best when chilled.

• Apples: Fresh, firm apples work best for a chunky, flavorful filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the apple mixture.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep-frying, ensures crispy and golden hand pies.
• Water: Used to seal the edges of the pastry for a tight closure.

How to Make Fried Apple Hand Pies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Pastry Dough

Mix flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Slice chilled shortening into tiny pieces using knives or a pastry blender until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs. Pour in cold water gradually, stirring with a fork until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Create Luscious Apple Filling

• Chopped apples
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Cook the mixture on low heat, covered, until apples soften completely. Mash the ingredients into a smooth, thick applesauce. Set aside and allow the filling to cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Shape the Hand Pies

Sprinkle flour on your work surface. Roll out the chilled dough until it’s paper-thin (about 1/8 inch thick). Cut eight perfect 4-inch circles using a round cutter or glass. Spoon apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Wet the edges with water, then fold each round in half. Press the edges firmly with a fork to create a sealed pocket.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slide hand pies into the hot oil, cooking in small batches. Fry each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Tips for Crispy Fried Apple Hand Pies

• Master the Dough Consistency: Ensure your shortening is ice-cold and work quickly to keep the pastry tender and flaky.
• Perfect Apple Filling Technique: Cook apples slowly to create a thick, smooth applesauce-like filling without excess moisture.
• Seal Pies Like a Pro: Use a fork's tines to create a tight, decorative seal that prevents filling from leaking during frying.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 375°F to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
• Cool and Drain Smartly: Let fried pies rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and maintain a crisp texture.

Storing Fried Apple Hand Pies Properly

• Refrigerate: Carefully place hand pies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm pies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Spread on a baking sheet and heat until thoroughly warmed and slightly crisp.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Add-Ons for Fried Apple Hand Pies

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Chai: Brew a spicy, creamy chai tea that complements the cinnamon notes in the apple filling, enhancing the hand pie's sweet warmth.
• Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Scoop rich, buttery salted caramel ice cream alongside the crispy fried pies, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a touch of ground cinnamon and powdered sugar, offering a light, airy topping that echoes the pie's warm spices.
• Accompany with Apple Brandy: Pour a small glass of smooth apple brandy, which intensifies the apple flavor and provides a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert.

Fried Apple Hand Pie Twists to Try

• Caramel Apple Pocket Pies: Drizzle caramel sauce into the apple filling for a rich, sweet enhancement. Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and create depth of flavor.
• Spiced Pecan Hand Pies: Mix chopped pecans into the apple filling for extra crunch. Sprinkle ground nutmeg and ginger to bring warmth and complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Berry Apple Fusion Pies: Incorporate a handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries into the apple filling. The tartness of berries will complement the sweet apple mixture and add vibrant color to the hand pies.
• Cream Cheese Stuffed Apple Pies: Mix softened cream cheese with a touch of powdered sugar before adding it alongside the apple filling. This creates a creamy, tangy layer that elevates the classic hand pie.

FAQs About Fried Apple Hand Pies

• How long can I store these fried apple hand pies?

These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3-4 days and reheat in the oven to crisp them up.

• Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 2 days in advance. Keep the dough wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator and store the cooled apple filling in a sealed container. This makes the final assembly much quicker.

• What if I don't have a deep fryer?

No worries! You can use a large, deep saucepan with a heavy bottom. Just make sure to use a cooking thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature of 375°F for perfect, crispy hand pies.

• Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work great. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor and texture in your hand pies.

Fried Apple Hand Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 51 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets sweet nostalgia in these crispy fried apple hand pies, delivering golden pastry pockets stuffed with cinnamon-spiced apples. Warm, flaky crusts envelop a delightful filling that connects you to generations of home-style baking traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 1 quart oil for frying

Dry Seasonings and Sweeteners:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white sugar (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or to taste)

Binding and Texture Ingredients:

• ½ cup chilled shortening
• ½ cup cold water

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate pastry dough by sifting flour and salt into a generous mixing bowl. Utilize two knives or a pastry blender to incorporate chilled shortening until the mixture transforms into sandy, uneven crumbles.
2. Gradually introduce cold water, gently folding with a fork until the dough coheres into a unified mass. Encase the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.
3. Prepare the apple filling by combining diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture covered over gentle heat, stirring occasionally until the apples soften completely.
4. Mash the cooked apple mixture into a rustic, thick compote, then set aside to cool to room temperature.
5. Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll the chilled dough to a gossamer-thin thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Carefully cut eight circular shapes using a 4-inch round cutter.
6. Place a generous spoonful of cooled apple filling at the center of each dough round. Lightly moisten the edges with water to create a secure seal.
7. Fold each round in half, creating a crescent shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from escaping during frying.
8. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed saucepan to 375 degrees F. Carefully lower the hand pies into the hot oil, cooking in small batches.
9. Fry each pie until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Ensure even browning by gently turning them midway through cooking.
10. Transfer the fried pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Pastry preparation requires chilled shortening and precise mixing to achieve the perfect flaky texture.
• Cooking apple filling slowly helps develop rich, deep flavors and creates a smooth, thick consistency.
• Sealing edges with water and crimping with a fork prevents filling from leaking during frying.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even, golden-brown results.
• Drain pies immediately on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep the crispy exterior.
• These hand pies are best served warm and can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes (per batch)
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg