Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a super fun and incredibly tasty dessert adventure? Today, we're going to tackle a recipe that's sure to impress: Deep Fried Apple Pie. Yes, you heard that right! We're taking the classic comfort of apple pie and giving it a crispy, golden makeover. Trust me, once you try this, you'll be hooked. It’s way easier than you might think, and the result is absolutely divine. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get frying!

What You'll Need

Before we get started, let's make sure we have everything we need. Here's a handy list of ingredients and equipment to keep you organized and ready to roll. Having everything prepped and measured out will make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, it’s always a good idea to double-check – nobody wants to be halfway through a recipe and realize they're missing a key ingredient! So, take a quick inventory and let's dive in!

Ingredients

• Granny Smith Apples: 3 medium-sized apples. These are the stars of our pie, so make sure they're nice and crisp. Granny Smiths offer a great balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up beautifully when fried.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. This forms the base of our dough, providing structure and a tender crumb. Make sure it's fresh for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, plus extra for dusting. The sugar sweetens the apples and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough. And who can resist a dusting of extra sugar for that perfect finishing touch?
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds a warm, caramel-like flavor that complements the apples perfectly. The molasses in brown sugar also helps to keep the filling moist and delicious.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Cinnamon is a classic apple pie spice, adding warmth and aromatic depth. Feel free to add a pinch more if you're a cinnamon lover!
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. Nutmeg adds a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the other spices. A little goes a long way, so don't overdo it.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the pie. It's a crucial ingredient, so don't skip it!
• Cold Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted and cut into small cubes. Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky, tender crust. Make sure it's as cold as possible before you start working with it.
• Ice Water: 1/4 cup, plus more if needed. Ice water keeps the butter cold and helps to bind the dough together without overworking it.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it perfect for deep frying.

Equipment

• Large Bowl: For mixing the dough.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the apple filling.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough.
• 3-inch Round Cookie Cutter: Or a knife, to cut out the pie shapes.
• Deep Fryer or Large Pot: For frying the pies. If using a pot, make sure it's deep enough to safely submerge the pies in oil.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider: For removing the pies from the oil.
• Paper Towels: For draining the fried pies.
• Thermometer: To monitor the oil temperature. This is crucial for ensuring the pies are cooked evenly and don't burn.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Fried Apple Pie

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make these amazing deep-fried apple pies. Don't worry; I'll walk you through each step to make sure you get it just right. We'll start with making the dough, then move on to the filling, and finally, we'll fry those little pies to golden perfection. Remember, the key to success is to follow the instructions closely and have fun with it. Let's get started!

Making the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for the texture of the dough. Thorough mixing at this stage will prevent any pockets of salt or sugar, resulting in a more consistent flavor.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, no larger than pea-sized. This is crucial for creating a flaky crust because as the butter melts during baking or frying, it creates pockets of steam that separate the layers of dough.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. The dough should be slightly shaggy but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more ice water, but only a teaspoon at a time.
4. Form and Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which will make the dough easier to roll out and prevent it from shrinking during frying. You can even chill the dough overnight for best results.

Preparing the Apple Filling

1. Peel and Chop Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, even pieces. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure that the apples cook evenly and the filling has a consistent texture. Nobody wants a mouthful of crunchy apple in their perfectly fried pie!
2. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure that all the apple pieces are coated with the spices and sugar. This not only adds flavor but also helps to draw out some of the moisture from the apples, which will prevent the filling from being too watery.

Assembling and Frying the Pies

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a rolling pin and apply even pressure to ensure a uniform thickness. If the dough is sticking to the surface, sprinkle a little more flour underneath.
2. Cut Out Circles: Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 12-15 circles, depending on how thinly you roll the dough. Re-roll any scraps to get as many circles as possible.
3. Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Don't overfill the pies, as this can cause them to burst open during frying. A heaping teaspoon of filling is usually just right.
4. Seal the Pies: Top with the remaining dough circles and press the edges together with a fork to seal. This is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. Make sure the edges are tightly sealed to create a secure pocket for the filling.
5. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly fried pies – too low, and they'll be greasy; too high, and they'll burn on the outside before the inside is cooked.
6. Fry the Pies: Carefully drop the pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy pies. Fry in batches, making sure each pie has enough room to cook evenly.
7. Drain and Cool: Remove the fried pies with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before dusting with extra sugar and serving. Be careful when handling the pies, as the filling will be very hot.

Tips for the Perfect Deep Fried Apple Pie

Making deep fried apple pies is a delightful experience, but like any recipe, there are some insider tips that can elevate your results from good to outstanding. These tips cover everything from ingredient preparation to frying techniques, ensuring your pies are consistently delicious. So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, these pointers will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust and warm, flavorful apple filling every time.

• Keep Ingredients Cold: The colder your butter and water, the flakier your crust will be. Seriously, this makes a HUGE difference! Cold butter doesn't melt into the flour as easily, creating those crucial layers of fat that result in a flaky texture. I like to put my butter in the freezer for about 15 minutes before I start, and I always use ice water. Trust me; it's worth the extra effort.
• Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together, and then stop. A slightly shaggy dough is better than an overworked one. Remember, we're aiming for tender and flaky, not chewy and dense.
• Use a Thermometer: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the pies will burn on the outside before the filling is heated through. If it's too cold, they'll be greasy. A thermometer takes the guesswork out of the equation and ensures perfectly fried pies every time.
• Don't Overcrowd the Fryer: Frying too many pies at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, unevenly cooked pies. Fry in batches, leaving plenty of room for each pie to cook properly. Patience is key here – it's better to take a little extra time and get it right.
• Dust with Sugar While Warm: Dusting the pies with sugar while they're still warm allows the sugar to adhere better, creating a sweet, sparkly coating. Plus, who can resist a little extra sweetness?
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices to the apple filling, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Get creative and customize the recipe to your liking!

Serving Suggestions

Alright, you’ve made these amazing deep-fried apple pies, and now it's time to think about serving them. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, planning a special dessert, or just treating yourself, there are plenty of ways to make these pies even more irresistible. From classic pairings to creative twists, let’s explore some serving suggestions that will take your deep-fried apple pies to the next level.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, crispy pies. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the hot, crunchy pie, creating a delightful textural and temperature contrast.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. The rich, buttery flavor of caramel complements the apples and spices perfectly.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Believe it or not, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese is a classic pairing with apple pie. The salty, savory cheese balances the sweetness of the pie and adds a unique flavor dimension.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat. The warm beverage complements the spices in the pie and makes for a perfect autumn afternoon snack.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a deliciously easy recipe for deep-fried apple pie that’s sure to become a new favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just a fun weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and toppings to make them your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy frying, and enjoy every crispy, apple-filled bite!