Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly fried apple pies wafting through the kitchen, evoking memories of grandma’s cooking and cozy family gatherings. Traditional fried apple pies are a delightful treat that combines the goodness of apples with a crispy, golden crust.

 

This article will take you through a step-by-step guide on preparing fried apple pies and the best storage practices.

 

Preparing Traditional Fried Apple Pies

Here’s a step by step guide on how to prepare traditional fried apple pies and the required ingredients:

 

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon salt
3. 2/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
4. 1/4 cup cold water
5. 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (use tart apples like Granny Smith)
6. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
7. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
9. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
10. Vegetable oil for frying

 

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Stirring continuously, gradually add cold water to the ingredients until the dough comes together. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes after shaping it into a ball and covering it with plastic wrap.
3. Mix the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Preheat your frying oil in a deep pan to around 350?F (175?C).
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a round cutter or a glass.
6. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal the pie.
7. Fry the pies in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they are golden brown on each side, usually about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

 

How to Store Fried Apple Pies

To prolong the deliciousness of your traditional fried apple pies, follow these storage tips:

 

1. Room Temperature

You can store the pies at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a day or two. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.

2. Refrigeration

For longer storage, keep the fried apple pies in the refrigerator. Again, keep them in an airtight container or wrap them well to prevent them from absorbing odors.

3. Freezing

Fried apple pies freeze exceptionally well. To freeze them, arrange the pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm. Then, transfer the frozen pies to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag. This method allows you to take out individual pies as needed.

 

Fresh Apples vs. Store-Bought Apple Pies as Ingredients

Using fresh apples is the way to go for the most authentic and delicious flavor. Fresh apples allow you to choose the variety and tailor the sweetness and tartness to your liking. On the other hand, store-bought apple pies might have added preservatives or flavors that could alter the traditional taste of your fried pies.

 

Sweet Fried Apple Pies

If you have a sweet tooth, you can enhance the sweetness of your fried apple pies by sprinkling powdered sugar on top of the pies after frying. Alternatively, you can glaze the pies with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and a small amount of milk or water. The glaze adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish to your pies.

 

The Best Oil for Fried Apple Pies

When it comes to frying, the smoke point and flavor of the oil matter. Refined coconut oil has a high smoke point, making it an excellent choice for frying at high temperatures. Additionally, it imparts a light coconut flavor, which complements the apple filling without overpowering it. However, you can also use other vegetable oils like canola or peanut if refined coconut oil is unavailable.

 

Sealing the Fried Pies

Press the edges firmly together using a fork to seal the fried pies effectively. This creates a crimped pattern and ensures the filling remains intact during frying.

 

Should Fried Pies be Glazed?

The decision to glaze your fried apple pies is optional and depends on personal preference. Glazing adds a sweet finish to the pies, but if you prefer the traditional taste, you can also enjoy them without glaze.

 

Preparing traditional fried apple pies is a delightful and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients, patience, and a touch of love, you can create these mouthwatering treats that your family and friends will cherish. Don’t forget to experiment with different types of apples and enjoy the process of making these delicious fried pies in your kitchen.