Deep Fried Apple Pie: A Deliciously Crispy Recipe

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to make those amazing deep-fried apple pies you see at fairs and festivals? Well, you're in the right place! This recipe will guide you through creating your own deliciously crispy deep-fried apple pies right in your kitchen. Get ready for a treat that's both comforting and indulgent!

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the how-to, let's gather our ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, a little organization goes a long way in the kitchen!

Ingredients for the Apple Filling:

For the apple filling, the heart of our deep-fried masterpiece, you'll need the following:

6 medium apples: (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work great!) Peeled, cored, and diced. The type of apple you choose will impact the overall flavor, so feel free to experiment. Granny Smiths offer a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisps provide a satisfying crisp texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness to complement the apples' natural flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your preference; some people like it sweeter, others prefer a more subtle taste.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Introduces a molasses-like flavor that adds depth and complexity to the filling. The brown sugar also helps create a luscious, almost caramel-like consistency.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent, preventing the filling from becoming too watery during the cooking process. This is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the pie.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, comforting spice that is synonymous with apple pie. Cinnamon enhances the other flavors and adds an aromatic dimension.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle but important spice that adds a hint of warmth and complexity. Nutmeg complements the cinnamon beautifully and rounds out the flavor profile.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling, creating a smoother, more decadent texture. The butter also helps the apples soften and caramelize.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning. The acidity of the lemon juice balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing zest.

Ingredients for the Dough:

The dough is equally important, providing the crispy, golden-brown exterior that encases the flavorful apple filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of our dough, providing the structure and texture we need. Make sure to use all-purpose flour for the best results.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the filling. Salt is a crucial component in any dough recipe.
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter: Cut into small cubes. The cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the dough. Keep it as cold as possible until you're ready to use it.
1/2 cup ice water: The cold water helps bind the dough together without overdeveloping the gluten. Add it gradually until the dough just comes together.

Other Essentials:

Vegetable oil: For deep frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Powdered sugar: For dusting (optional). A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let's get down to the fun part – making those deep-fried apple pies! Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

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Making the Apple Filling:

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and lemon juice.
Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The mixture should be bubbly and the apples easily pierced with a fork.
Cool Completely: Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Preparing the Dough:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the crust will be.
Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
Divide and Chill: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.

Assembling the Pies:

Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut Circles: Use a round cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles of dough (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each circle. Don't overfill, or the pies will be difficult to seal.
Seal the Edges: Moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork to create a decorative edge and ensure a tight seal.

Deep Frying the Pies:

Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Pies: Carefully place a few pies into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain: Remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Finishing Touches:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: While the pies are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired.
Serve: Serve the deep-fried apple pies warm and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Deep Fried Apple Pie

To ensure your deep-fried apple pies are a resounding success, here are some essential tips and tricks:

Keep Ingredients Cold: The key to a flaky crust is cold butter and ice water. Make sure your butter is very cold, and add the ice water gradually to prevent overmixing the dough. This ensures that the butter remains in small, solid pieces within the dough, which will create steam and flaky layers when baked or fried.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and then stop. A lightly mixed dough will be more tender and flaky.
Cool the Filling Completely: Hot filling can melt the butter in the dough, resulting in a soggy crust. Make sure the apple filling is completely cooled before assembling the pies. You can even prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Seal the Edges Properly: To prevent the filling from leaking out during frying, make sure to seal the edges of the pies tightly. Moisten the edges with water and press firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for an extra layer of security and a decorative touch.
Maintain the Correct Oil Temperature: The ideal oil temperature for deep frying is 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the pies will brown too quickly on the outside and may not cook through on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the pies will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust as needed.
Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: Frying too many pies at once can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Fry the pies in batches, making sure there is enough space around each pie for even browning.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the pies on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy and prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also use paper towels to blot any remaining oil.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the apple filling with your favorite spices and flavors. Try adding a pinch of cardamom, a dash of vanilla extract, or a splash of bourbon for an extra kick.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

While the classic deep-fried apple pie is a timeless treat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

Caramel Apple Pie: Add a layer of caramel sauce to the apple filling for an extra decadent treat. Use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own from scratch.
Apple Crumble Pie: Top the apple filling with a buttery crumble topping made from flour, oats, butter, and sugar. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth filling.
Spiced Apple Pie: Add a blend of warm spices to the apple filling, such as ginger, cloves, and allspice. This is perfect for the holiday season.
Mini Apple Pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini apple pies, perfect for parties and gatherings. These bite-sized treats are easy to eat and always a hit.
Savory Apple Pies: For a savory twist, add some crumbled bacon or shredded cheddar cheese to the apple filling. This creates a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Deep-fried apple pies are delicious on their own, but they can be even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing for apple pie. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, crispy pie perfectly.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pies for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.
Whipped Cream: Top the pies with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy addition.
Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the pies with cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor and sweetness.
Coffee or Tea: Enjoy the pies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying treat.

Conclusion

Making deep-fried apple pies might seem intimidating, but with this recipe and a little practice, you'll be whipping up these treats like a pro in no time. The combination of the warm, spiced apple filling and the crispy, golden-brown crust is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort and indulgence. Happy frying, guys!