Fried apple pies are a classic dessert that can be found in many bakeries and restaurants. However, making them at home can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to working with dough and fillings. One of the most common questions people have when making fried apple pies is whether they can use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned. The answer is yes, you can use homemade apple pie filling, and it’s actually preferred by many because it allows for more control over the ingredients and the flavor.
To make a homemade apple pie filling, you’ll need a combination of sliced apples, sugar, flour, and spices. The type of apples you use will depend on your personal preference, but firmer apples like Granny Smith work best. You’ll also need to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the apples.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of making delicious fried apple pies, from the filling to the dough, and provide you with tips and tricks for customizing the recipe to your taste. We’ll cover topics such as the best type of oil to use for frying, whether you can bake the pies instead of frying them, and how to store the leftover pies. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at making fried apple pies and will be able to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique creations.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- You can use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned for more control over ingredients and flavor
- The type of oil used for frying affects the taste and texture of the pies
- Baking the pies is a healthier alternative to frying, but it changes the texture and flavor
- You can customize the filling with other fruits and spices to create unique flavor combinations
- The type of biscuit dough used can affect the texture and flavor of the pies
- Freezing the pies is a great way to store them for later use
The Benefits of Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Using homemade apple pie filling gives you more control over the ingredients and the flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, and use the type of apples you prefer. To make a homemade apple pie filling, you’ll need to peel, core, and slice the apples, then combine them with sugar, flour, and spices in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the apples are tender and the filling is thickened.
The type of apples you use will affect the flavor and texture of the filling. Firmer apples like Granny Smith work best, while softer apples like Red Delicious will make a sweeter filling. You can also add other fruits, such as berries or cherries, to create a unique flavor combination. For example, you could add some cranberries to the filling for a sweet and tangy flavor, or some cherries for a fruity and slightly sweet flavor.
Choosing the Right Oil for Frying
The type of oil used for frying the pies can affect the taste and texture. You’ll want to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil, to prevent the oil from burning or smoking. The oil should also be at the right temperature, between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure the pies cook evenly and quickly.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to frying, you could try using an air fryer. An air fryer uses less oil than deep-frying and can produce a similar texture and flavor. Simply place the pies in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and timer, and cook until the pies are golden brown and crispy. You can also use the air fryer to cook the pies at a lower temperature, which can help preserve the nutrients in the filling and the dough.
Baking vs Frying: Which is Better?
While frying the pies gives them a crispy exterior and a tender interior, baking is a healthier alternative that can produce a similar texture and flavor. To bake the pies, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with a little bit of oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
Baking the pies can also be a good option if you’re looking for a lower-calorie dessert. Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use a whole-wheat biscuit dough to make the pies. You can also add some nuts or seeds to the filling for extra crunch and nutrition. For example, you could add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy and flavorful texture.
Customizing the Filling and Dough
One of the best things about making fried apple pies is that you can customize the filling and dough to your taste. You can add other fruits, such as berries or cherries, to the filling to create a unique flavor combination. You can also use different types of biscuit dough, such as whole-wheat or gluten-free, to make the pies.
To customize the filling, simply add your desired fruits or spices to the apple filling mixture and cook until the filling is thickened. You can also add some nuts or seeds to the filling for extra crunch and nutrition. For example, you could add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy and flavorful texture. To customize the dough, simply substitute your desired type of flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. You can also add some herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Freezing and Storing the Pies
If you want to make the pies ahead of time, you can freeze them after frying. Simply place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer until they’re frozen solid. Then, transfer the pies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the pies, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. You can also reheat the pies in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them. It’s also a good idea to store the pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help keep the pies fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy or stale.
Serving and Pairing the Pies
Fried apple pies are a delicious dessert that can be served on their own or paired with a variety of toppings. You can serve the pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. You can also pair the pies with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying treat.
If you want to get creative, you could try pairing the pies with some unique toppings, such as a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. You could also try serving the pies with a side of fruit, such as a slice of apple or a handful of berries. For example, you could serve the pies with a slice of apple and a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet and satisfying dessert. You could also try serving the pies with a handful of berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet and fruity treat.
Making Mini Fried Apple Pies
If you want to make mini fried apple pies, you can simply use a smaller biscuit cutter to cut out the dough. You’ll also need to adjust the cooking time, as the mini pies will cook more quickly than the larger pies. Simply fry the mini pies in hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
You can also bake the mini pies in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. To make the mini pies, simply follow the same steps as the larger pies, but use a smaller biscuit cutter to cut out the dough. You can also use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough and filling, which can make the process easier and more efficient.
Reducing the Sugar Content
If you want to make the pies less sweet, you can simply reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as honey or maple syrup, to give the pies a unique flavor. To reduce the sugar content, simply omit some of the sugar from the filling mixture and adjust to taste.
You can also try using a combination of sugar and honey or maple syrup to give the pies a richer flavor. For example, you could use 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of honey to give the pies a sweet and slightly caramel-like flavor. You can also try using a sugar-free sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol, to make the pies sugar-free. Simply substitute the sugar-free sweetener for the sugar in the filling mixture and adjust to taste.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prevent the pies from becoming soggy?
To prevent the pies from becoming soggy, make sure to not overcrowd the frying basket or baking sheet. Also, don’t overmix the dough, and make sure the oil is at the right temperature.
You can also try dusting the pies with a little bit of cornstarch or flour before frying or baking to help absorb excess moisture. Additionally, make sure to not overfill the pies, as this can cause them to become soggy. Finally, if you’re storing the pies in the fridge or freezer, make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in.
Can I use a deep fryer to make the pies?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer to make the pies. In fact, a deep fryer can be a great way to make the pies, as it allows for more even cooking and can help prevent the pies from becoming greasy.
Simply heat the oil in the deep fryer to the right temperature, then carefully place the pies in the basket. Fry the pies for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure to not overcrowd the basket, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know if the oil is at the right temperature?
To ensure the oil is at the right temperature, use a thermometer to check the temperature. The ideal temperature for frying the pies is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. If it doesn’t sizzle, the oil is not hot enough. If it burns or smokes, the oil is too hot.
Can I make the pies in advance and store them in the fridge?
Yes, you can make the pies in advance and store them in the fridge. Simply follow the recipe up to the point where you would fry or bake the pies, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to serve the pies, simply fry or bake them according to the recipe. You can also freeze the pies after frying or baking, then reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve. Make sure to store the pies in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in and making the pies soggy.
What is the best way to reheat the pies?
The best way to reheat the pies is to bake them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. You can also reheat the pies in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them.
To reheat the pies in the microwave, simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds, or until they’re warm and crispy. You can also reheat the pies in a toaster oven or air fryer, which can help crisp up the exterior and heat the interior evenly.

