🍏 Fried Apple or Peach Pies Recipe

Perfect for: Dessert, snacks, or a cozy treat with coffee
Yields: 6–8 pies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Calories per pie: ~250-300 kcal (depending on size and ingredients)

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🧺 Ingredients

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 6 tablespoons cold water (add more as needed)

For the Filling:

• 3–4 medium apples or 2–3 peaches (peeled, cored, and chopped)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adjust based on preference)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for apples) or orange juice (for peaches)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to cover the pies)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating, optional)

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🧁 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still have small pieces of butter visible in the mixture.

3. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together. You may need to add a little more water to get the right consistency, but don’t make it too wet.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together. Divide the dough into 6–8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.

5. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine the chopped apples (or peaches), sugar, cinnamon, and lemon (or orange) juice. Stir to combine.

2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and releases juices. If you want a thicker filling, stir in cornstarch dissolved in a little water and cook for another minute until thickened.

3. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you roll out the dough.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Take the chilled dough balls out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle, about 4–5 inches in diameter.

2. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.

Step 4: Seal and Shape the Pies

1. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, and then crimp with a fork to seal the pies.

2. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Heat the Oil for Frying

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to submerge at least half of the pies.

2. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into the pan. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Step 6: Fry the Pies

1. Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

2. Use tongs to flip the pies carefully and ensure both sides are evenly browned.

3. Once done, remove the pies and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Coat with Sugar and Cinnamon

1. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon (optional).

2. While the pies are still warm, roll them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture to coat evenly.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Let the pies cool slightly before serving. They are best served warm, with the inside gooey and the outside crispy.

2. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or enjoy on their own!

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Fruit Options: You can make these pies with apples, peaches, or even pears. For a different flavor, try a mixed berry filling or use canned pie filling.

• Dough: If you want a flakier dough, try using half shortening and half butter for the dough. This will make it more tender and flaky.

• Frying Tip: Ensure that the oil temperature is right. Too hot, and the pies will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the pies in advance, freeze them, and then fry them when you’re ready to serve. This way, you can enjoy fresh fried pies without any extra prep work.

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🧊 Storage

• Room Temperature: These pies are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 1–2 days at room temperature.

• Reheat: Reheat the pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up.

• Freezing: If you have leftover pies, freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

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🥰 Who Will Love These?

• Apple and peach lovers who enjoy warm, fruity fillings in a crispy, golden shell.

• Fans of Southern desserts who want a comforting, homemade treat.

• Anyone who loves fried desserts — these pies are crispy, sweet, and irresistible!