Fried Apple or Peach Pies: A Sweet and Crispy Delight

Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a delightful Southern treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with a crispy, golden-brown crust. These handheld pies are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings or for a delightful snack. Whether you prefer the comforting flavor of apple or the lusciousness of peach, these pies will transport your taste buds to a place of pure indulgence. Join us as we explore the recipe for Fried Apple or Peach Pies and prepare to savor every bite of these sweet and crispy delights.

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Filling (Choose Either Apple or Peach):

Apple Filling:

• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Peach Filling:

• 2 cups peeled, pitted, and diced ripe peaches
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 store-bought or homemade pie crusts (enough for a double-crust pie)
• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Fruit Filling:

Apple Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in the all-purpose flour to thicken the filling further. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Peach Filling: 

4. In a saucepan, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and the mixture thickens, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
6. Stir in the all-purpose flour to thicken the filling further. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assemble the Pies:

7. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
8. Using a round cutter (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the rolled-out pie crusts. You can reroll the scraps to make more circles.
9. Place a spoonful of the cooled fruit filling in the center of each pie crust circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
10. Fold the pie crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal the pies.

Fry the Pies: 

11. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
12. Carefully add the pies to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
13. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy: 

14. Allow the Fried Apple or Peach Pies to cool slightly before serving.
15. Dust the pies with powdered sugar if desired.
16. Serve the warm and crispy pies as a delicious dessert or snack.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can adjust the sweetness of the fruit filling according to your taste. Add more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of your fruit.
• Ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F/175°C) to achieve a crispy and golden crust.
• These pies are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for later enjoyment.
• Serve these pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a sweet and crispy delight that captures the essence of Southern comfort food. Whether you choose apple or peach filling, these handheld pies are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. So, follow this recipe, create your Fried Apple or Peach Pies, and savor the crispy, fruity goodness that makes them a true Southern favorite.