Frying and Finishing
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a cast iron skillet to about ½ inch depth and heat over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C); you can test it by dropping in a small piece of dough — it should sizzle immediately and float to the top.
- Fry the Pies: Fry a few pies at a time, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side, or until each side turns a deep golden brown. Flip carefully using tongs or a spatula. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Once done, transfer the pies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a few drops of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more sugar for thickness or more milk for drizzling.
- Glaze and Serve: While still slightly warm, drizzle or brush the glaze over the fried pies. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. The slight crunch of the glaze complements the soft, flaky crust and warm apple filling perfectly.
Serving Tips
- Serve warm for the best flavor — the contrast of the crisp crust and gooey filling is unbeatable.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra indulgence.
- Leftover pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
These Fried Apple Pies are the definition of homemade goodness — crisp on the outside, tender inside, and filled with spiced apple filling that tastes just like fall. A drizzle of glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness, making them a dessert worth frying up again and again.