These Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a delightful twist on classic fruit pies, with a crispy, golden exterior and a warm, sweet filling of either apple or peach. Perfect for a cozy dessert, these handheld pies are easy to make and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Fried Apple or Peach Pies
I love making these fried pies because they remind me of classic, Southern comfort food. Whether you choose apple or peach filling, the fruit is perfectly spiced and sweetened, then wrapped in a flaky, golden crust that’s fried to perfection. These pies are great for gatherings or as a special treat for your family. They’re easy to hold, portable, and best of all—fried! Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of whipped cream.
These fried pies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, and they’re fantastic alongside Salted Caramel Banana Ritz Icebox Cake Recipe for a sweet dessert spread.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple or Peach Pies Recipe
- Golden and Crispy: The flaky crust is fried until perfectly golden and crispy, creating the ideal texture contrast with the soft fruit filling.
- Versatile: You can choose between apple or peach filling—or make both for variety!
- Perfect for Gatherings: These handheld pies are great for serving at parties, picnics, or as an on-the-go dessert.
- Classic Comfort Food: The warm, spiced fruit filling wrapped in a crispy crust makes this a nostalgic, comforting dessert.
Main Ingredients for Fried Apple or Peach Pies
- Apples or Peaches – The star of the filling, sweetened and spiced for a rich, comforting flavor.
- Pie Dough – A simple, buttery dough that crisps up perfectly when fried.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg – Warm spices that complement the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness to the fruit filling, balancing out the tartness of the apples or peaches.
- Butter – Adds richness to the filling, giving it a delicious, buttery flavor.
- Vegetable Oil – Used for frying the pies to a crispy, golden finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fried Apple or Peach Pies Recipe
Here’s how to make these delicious fried pies step by step:
For the Filling
- Prepare the Fruit: Peel and chop 4 medium apples or 4 large peaches into small cubes. If using frozen peaches, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.
- Tip: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for a more tart filling, or opt for sweeter apples like Honeycrisp if you prefer a naturally sweet filling.
- Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped fruit, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir to combine, then cook for 5-7 minutes until the fruit is softened and the mixture is syrupy.
- Pro Tip: For a thicker filling, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water to help thicken the juices.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely before using it to fill the pies. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
For the Dough and Assembly
- Roll Out the Dough: While the filling cools, roll out prepared pie dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into 5-inch circles using a biscuit cutter or a small bowl.
- Tip: You can use store-bought pie dough for convenience or make your own if you prefer.
- Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled fruit filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Pro Tip: Be careful not to overfill the pies to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
For Frying
- Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
- Tip: Frying at the right temperature ensures a crispy, golden crust without absorbing too much oil.
- Fry the Pies: Carefully place 2-3 pies into the hot oil at a time, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Pro Tip: If the pies brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to ensure the dough cooks through without burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
- Serving Idea: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Extra Tips and Variations
- Make it Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, toss the hot pies in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, crispy coating.
- Add a Glaze: For a bakery-style finish, drizzle the cooled pies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- How to Store: Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- How to Freeze: Freeze the uncooked pies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Health Benefits of Fried Apple or Peach Pies
While these pies are an indulgent treat, the fruit filling provides some nutritional benefits. Apples and peaches are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, which support overall health. To lighten up the recipe, you can bake the pies instead of frying them for a lower-fat option.
- Rich in Fiber and Vitamins: Apples and peaches are packed with fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin C.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: Bake the pies instead of frying for a lighter version that still offers the comforting flavors of fried pies.
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