Sweet Orchard Magic: Fried Apple Or Peach Pies Recipe

Crisp autumn days invite us to savor these delectable fried apple pies that spark childhood memories.

Sweet orchards whisper tales of golden pastry waiting to be crafted.

Tender fruit nestles inside delicate pockets of buttery dough, promising pure comfort.

Grandmothers across southern kitchens have perfected this nostalgic dessert through generations of love and skill.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside caramelized fruit, creating irresistible aromas.

Each bite tells a story of simplicity and tradition.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start baking right now.

What You’ll Need For Fried Apple or Peach Pies

• Flour: The fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture for the hand-held pies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pastry dough.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich, buttery taste to the pie crust.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the dough ingredients together without overworking the mixture.

• Apples or Peaches: Fresh fruits that offer a sweet and tender filling for the hand-held pies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the fruit during cooking.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the fruit.
• Nutmeg: Introduces a subtle, sweet-spicy flavor to the fruit mixture.

• Egg: Used for creating a golden, glossy exterior when brushed on the pie edges.
• Vegetable Oil: The medium for deep-frying the pies to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Powdered Sugar: Dusted on top to add a delicate sweetness and decorative finish.

How To Make Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Step 1: Prepare Flour Mixture

Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of dry ingredients.

Step 2: Incorporate Cold Butter

• Cold butter

Cube the butter and blend into the flour using fingertips. Work the mixture until it resembles rough, uneven crumbs.

Step 3: Form Pastry Dough

Add cold water gradually, gently kneading until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Avoid overworking the mixture.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour, allowing the gluten to relax and butter to firm up.

Step 5: Create Fruit Filling

• Apples or peaches
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Peel and finely chop the fruit. Mix with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to develop a rich, aromatic filling.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch round circles.

Step 7: Fill and Seal Pies

Place a spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold and crimp edges completely to seal the pocket.

Step 8: Prepare Egg Wash

• Egg

Whisk the egg and brush along the pie edges to create a golden, shiny exterior when fried.

Step 9: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.

Step 10: Fry Hand Pies

Carefully lower prepared pies into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a rich, crispy golden brown.

Step 11: Drain Excess Oil

Remove pies using a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip onto paper towels.

Step 12: Add Final Touch

Dust warm pies generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet coating that complements the crisp pastry and warm fruit filling.

Tips For Getting Fried Apple or Peach Pies Just Right

• Select Cold Butter: Use butter straight from the refrigerator to ensure flaky, tender pastry texture.
• Control Dough Handling: Mix pastry ingredients minimally to prevent tough, dense hand pies.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil steady at 375°F for perfectly crisp, evenly cooked pies without greasiness.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Press pie edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
• Drain Excess Oil: Rest fried pies on paper towels to absorb extra oil and maintain crisp exterior.

Tasty Twists For Fried Apple or Peach Pies

• Gluten-Free Hand Pies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same flaky texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan Fruit Pastries: Swap butter with cold coconut oil and use plant-based egg wash substitute like aquafaba for a dairy-free, egg-free alternative.
• Savory Handheld Pies: Transform the recipe by using roasted vegetables, cheese, and herbs instead of fruit, creating a delicious lunch or appetizer option.
• Low-Sugar Treat: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a delightful sweetness.

Perfect Pairings For Fried Apple or Peach Pies

• Savor Delightful Flavor Companions: Perfect Pairings
• Brew Golden Spice Tea: Complement the warm, crispy fruit pies with a cinnamon-infused black tea that echoes the sweet spices in the filling. The aromatic beverage will highlight the pastry's delicate notes and refresh your palate.
• Scoop Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a creamy, cold contrast to the hot fried pies by serving a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The smooth, cool texture will beautifully balance the crispy, warm pastry and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Pour Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the dessert's sweetness by creating a light caramel sauce drizzled over the powdered sugar-dusted pies.

How To Store Fried Apple or Peach Pies The Right Way

• Stash leftover hand pies in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture.
• Carefully wrap individual pies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for future enjoyment. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pies on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp edges return.
• Set air fryer to 350°F.

FAQs For Fried Apple or Peach Pies

• How do I prevent the dough from becoming tough?

Avoid overworking the dough. Mix ingredients just until they come together, and handle the pastry minimally to keep it tender and flaky.

• Can I make the hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pies and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the dough stays cold.

• What type of fruit works best for these hand pies?

Firm, slightly tart fruits like apples, peaches, or berries work excellently. Choose fruits that hold their shape and provide a balanced sweetness when cooked.

Why Fried Apple or Peach Pies Are A Classic Southern Treat

• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to learn pastry skills without complex equipment or advanced techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Portable hand pies delight guests at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings with their irresistible golden-crispy exterior and sweet fruit filling.
• Versatile Flavor Adventure: Swap fruit fillings like apples or peaches to create endless taste combinations that match seasonal produce and personal preferences.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps transform basic pantry staples into a delectable treat that satisfies sweet cravings within minutes.

Fried Apple Or Peach Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 42-48 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets sweet nostalgia in these irresistible fried apple or peach pies, a delightful handheld dessert that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen. Crisp golden pastry encases warm, spiced fruit, promising a delectable journey through classic American culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

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Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup cold water

Filling:

• 3 medium apples or peaches
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Frying and Finishing:

• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Craft the pastry dough by sifting flour and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a delicate dry foundation for your hand-held pies.
2. Dice cold butter into small cubes and integrate into the flour mixture, using fingertips to work the fat into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
3. Gradually introduce cold water, gently kneading the dough until it forms a cohesive, smooth ball without overworking the delicate mixture.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and butter to firm.
5. Peel and finely chop apples or peaches, tossing with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a fragrant, sweet filling.
6. Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, cutting into 4-inch round circles.
7. Place a generous spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each dough circle, carefully folding and crimping edges to seal the pocket completely.
8. Whisk the egg and brush the sealed pie edges to ensure a golden, glossy exterior when fried.
9. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
10. Carefully lower prepared pies into the hot oil, frying 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a rich, crispy golden brown.
11. Remove pies with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.
12. Dust warm pies generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet finish that complements the crisp pastry and warm fruit filling.

Notes

• Prevent dough from becoming tough by handling it minimally, ensuring a flaky, tender crust every time.
• Opt for firm, slightly underripe fruits to maintain structural integrity during frying, preventing soggy or disintegrating fillings.
• Control oil temperature precisely using a digital thermometer, guaranteeing perfectly crisp exteriors without greasy or burnt results.
• Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and using coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that maintains delicious traditional flavors.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg