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Southern Fried Apple Pies

Prep time: 30 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Total time: 50 mins
Servings: 8 pies | Yield: 8 hand pies | Calories: ~340 kcal per serving
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 pies
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Spiced Filling:
  • 3 medium apples Granny Smith/Honeycrisp, peeled and finely diced (~350g)
  • 2 tbsp 28g unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup 70g packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp 15ml water
  • For the Pastry & Frying:
  • 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup 95g cold vegetable shortening or lard
  • 1/3 cup 80ml ice water
  • Neutral oil vegetable/canola for frying (~2 cups / 480ml)
  • Powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting

Method
 

  1. Make Filling: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, spices, and water. Simmer 10–12 minutes until soft and thickened. Cool completely.
  2. Make Dough: Whisk flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Stir in ice water until dough forms. Divide into 8 balls; chill 20 minutes.
  3. Assemble: Roll each ball into a 6-inch (15 cm) circle. Place 2 tbsp cooled filling on one half. Moisten edges with water, fold over, and crimp securely with a fork twice.
  4. Fry: Heat 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet. Fry pies in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on a wire rack and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Ensure filling is chilled before adding to dough.
Maintain oil temp between 340°F–350°F (170°C–175°C) for maximum crispiness without grease retention.