How to Prepare Perfectly Cooked Apples for Flaky Fried Pies- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Cook Apples for Fried Pies

Apples are a classic ingredient in fried pies, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory crust. Whether you’re making apple pies, apple turnover pies, or apple turnover pastries, following the right steps for cooking apples is essential to ensure they are tender and flavorful. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to cook apples for fried pies, from selecting the right apples to the perfect cooking technique.

Selecting the Apples

The first step in cooking apples for fried pies is selecting the right variety. For the best results, choose apples that are firm and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Popular choices for fried pies include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious. These apples hold their shape well during cooking and have a pleasant taste that complements the pie crust.

Peeling and Slicing the Apples

Once you’ve selected your apples, it’s time to prepare them. Start by peeling the apples with a sharp knife, taking care to remove all the skin. Next, core the apples and slice them into wedges or thin slices. If you prefer, you can also dice the apples into smaller pieces, but keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster and may become mushy.

Pre-cooking the Apples

Pre-cooking the apples is an essential step in achieving a tender and flavorful filling for your fried pies. There are a few methods you can use to pre-cook the apples:

1. Sautéing: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or cooking oil. Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly caramelized. This method takes about 10-15 minutes and adds a nice sweetness to the apples.

2. Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the sliced apples. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Drain the apples and pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Microwaving: Place the sliced apples in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for about 3-4 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.

Adding Sweeteners and Spices

After pre-cooking the apples, you can enhance their flavor by adding sweeteners and spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can bring out the natural sweetness of the apples. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a little sugar or honey. Be cautious with the amount of sweetener, as the apples may already be naturally sweet depending on the variety you choose.

Assembling the Fried Pies

Once the apples are pre-cooked and seasoned, you can proceed to assemble your fried pies. Place a small amount of apple filling in the center of each pie crust, fold the crust over, and seal the edges. You can then fry the pies in a pan of hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Conclusion

Cooking apples for fried pies is a straightforward process that requires selecting the right apples, pre-cooking them, and adding the perfect blend of flavors. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create delicious fried pies that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves and start cooking those apple pies today!