Amish Apple Fry Pies are a tasty treat filled with warm, sweet apples and wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They’re easy to pick up and enjoy anytime, making them a perfect snack!
Every time I make these, I can’t help but nibble on the edges while they cool—so good! Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for a fun dessert that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the dough. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work, but the texture might change slightly.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for balance between tart and sweet. If those aren’t available, you can use Honeycrisp or even a mix of apples for varied flavor. Just avoid very soft apples.
Sugar: I use granulated sugar in both the filling and the glaze. You can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities carefully.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative will work, though it may impact the taste slightly.
Vegetable Oil: This is for frying the pies. You can use canola oil or peanut oil as substitutes. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point.
How Do You Ensure the Dough Turns Out Flaky?
Creating a flaky dough is all about temperature and technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use cold butter and ice water; this keeps the fat from melting before baking.
- Mix the dough gently. Overworking it develops gluten, making the dough tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and enhances flakiness.
When rolling out the dough, make sure your surface is well-floured to avoid sticking. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness—too thin might cause them to burst while frying!
How to Make Amish Apple Fry Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation and an additional 15 minutes for frying and glazing. After chilling the dough, you can enjoy your warm, delicious fry pies in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt. Next, add the cold, cubed butter into the mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, mixing until a dough forms into a nice ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is chilling, grab another bowl and combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix it all together so the apples get a nice coating from the sugar and spices, then set this aside.
3. Roll out the Dough:
Once the dough is chilled, sprinkle some flour onto a clean surface. Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Then use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 4-5 inches wide.
4. Fill the Pies:
Take one dough circle and spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of it. Carefully fold the other half over the filling. Press the edges together, and use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges and seal the pie nicely.
5. Fry the Pies:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, gently place a few pies into the oil without crowding them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using). Keep mixing until smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more milk to get the consistency you like.
7. Glaze the Pies:
When the fry pies have cooled just a bit, drizzle the glaze over them or dip the top of each pie into the glaze for a sweet finish.
8. Serve:
Your homemade Amish Apple Fry Pies are now ready! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—perfect for a snack or dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use any firm apple variety such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require less sugar in the filling, so adjust to your taste!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. After mixing it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and makes rolling out easier. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling out.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fry Pies?
Store any leftover fry pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for about a week if you prefer. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake the fry pies for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tops of the pies with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a bit of water) for a golden finish, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Just remember that the texture will be different from fried pies!
