Hamdi Saidani This crispy, golden Pioneer Woman Fried Apple Hand Pies is made with diced tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a flaky crust and ready in 50 minutes. Biting through the hot fried pastry reveals a gooey, spiced apple filling that practically melts in your mouth. I love making these comforting treats when autumn weather finally rolls in.
Why This Classic Works
I used to struggle with hand pies leaking in the hot oil until I learned to seal the edges firmly with a fork. Using store-bought pie dough saves so much time without sacrificing that essential flaky texture.
Frying instead of baking gives these pies an incredibly rich, shattering crust that you just cannot get from the oven. I always make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling to keep the delicate pastry firm.
Pioneer Woman Fried Apple Hand Pies Ingredients
- 2 store-bought pie crusts (1 box)
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Pioneer Woman Fried Apple Hand Pies
- Cook the filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender, then let cool completely.
- Cut the crusts: Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter or a large glass.
- Assemble the pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash, fold the dough over to form a half-moon, and crimp the edges tightly with a fork.
- Fry the pastry: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully drop 2 to 3 pies at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown.
- Drain and glaze: Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together, then drizzle generously over the warm pies.
Recipe Tips
- Dice apples finely: Large apple chunks will poke holes through your delicate pie crust during assembly.
- Cool the filling: Hot apple filling will melt the butter in your unbaked dough, making it impossible to seal properly.
- Monitor oil temperature: Keep the oil at exactly 350°F so the crust cooks evenly without burning or absorbing too much grease.
What To Serve With Fried Apple Hand Pies
Serve these warm pastries alongside a large scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert contrast. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of black coffee or spiced cider for a relaxing afternoon break.
How To Store
Store completely cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To freeze, place unglazed baked pies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months, reheating in a 350°F oven before adding the fresh glaze.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. However, the crust will not have the same shattering crispness as the traditional fried version.
What apples are best for hand pies?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape beautifully when cooked. Their tartness also balances the sweet brown sugar and glaze nicely.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the apple filling up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.
Why did my pies open in the oil?
This usually happens if the edges were not sealed tightly enough or if too much filling was packed inside. Always use egg wash to glue the edges and press down firmly with a fork.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Protein: 3g
Try More Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Coffee Cake
- Pioneer Woman Mini Pecan Pies
- Pioneer Woman Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Pioneer Woman Fried Apple Hand Pies
Description
Crispy, golden Pioneer Woman Fried Apple Hand Pies wrap a tender, spiced filling inside a flaky crust. Made with simple store-bought dough and fresh diced apples, these warm treats are ready in 50 minutes and suited for crisp autumn days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1. Cook the filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender, then let cool completely.
- 2. Cut the crusts: Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter or a large glass.
- 3. Assemble the pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush the edges lightly with egg wash, fold the dough over to form a half-moon, and crimp the edges tightly with a fork.
- 4. Fry the pastry: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully drop 2 to 3 pies at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown.
- 5. Drain and glaze: Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together, then drizzle generously over the warm pies.
