FRIED APPLE or PEACH PIES

 

Southern-Style Fried Apple or Peach Pies 🍎🍑

Golden, flaky, and filled with sweet fruit goodness

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a warm fried pie — the crisp, golden crust giving way to a soft, bubbling fruit filling. Whether you fill them with spiced apples or juicy peaches, these hand-held treats are a taste of old-fashioned comfort that never goes out of style.

Once a staple of Southern kitchens and roadside diners, fried pies were the original “to-go” dessert — portable, satisfying, and perfect with a cup of coffee. Today, they’re just as beloved, especially when made from scratch with simple ingredients and plenty of love.

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup shortening or cold butter

• ½ cup cold water (more if needed)

For the Filling (choose one):

Apple Filling:

• 2 cups finely chopped apples (peeled and cored)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Peach Filling:

• 2 cups peeled, chopped peaches (fresh or canned)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp butter

• Pinch of nutmeg

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Make the Dough:
   In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the shortening or butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a small saucepan, combine your choice of fruit with sugar, butter, and spices. Cook over medium heat until the fruit is tender and syrupy. Let it cool completely before using.

3. Assemble the Pies:
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick. Cut into 5–6-inch circles. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each circle. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.

4. Fry to Perfection:
   Heat oil (about 1 inch deep) in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry pies in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

5. Finish and Serve:
   Dust with powdered sugar while warm or drizzle with a simple glaze. Serve immediately — preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

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🍴 Tips & Variations

• Try mixing apples and peaches for a twist.

• To make them ahead, freeze un-fried pies and cook straight from frozen.

• Want a lighter version? Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.

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💛 A Bite of Tradition

These fried apple or peach pies capture the essence of simple Southern comfort — crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday dessert, or just a cozy weekend treat, they’ll disappear as fast as you can fry them.