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The Best Homemade Southern Fried Apple Pies with Cinnamon Glaze

A close-up of delicious fried apple pies, one cut open to show the apple filling, drizzled with white icing.
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Make old-fashioned fried apple pies from scratch. This recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust filled with warm, spiced apples and finished with a sweet cinnamon glaze. These hand pies are comfort food made simple.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup ice water, plus more if needed
  • 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil or shortening, for frying
  • For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, form into two flat disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch and cook for 1 more minute until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
  3. Assemble the Pies: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 5-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Cut two small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  5. Fry the Pies: Pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  6. Carefully place 2 or 3 pies into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Make the Glaze: While the pies are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
  9. Dip or drizzle the warm fried apple pies with the cinnamon glaze. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For the flakiest crust, keep your butter and water as cold as possible when making the dough.
  • If you prefer a simpler finish, skip the glaze and toss the warm pies in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead.
  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/fried-apple-pies-homemade-southern-style-recipe/