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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually introduce cold water, gently kneading the dough until it forms a cohesive, smooth ball without overworking the delicate mixture.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and butter to firm.
- Peel and finely chop apples or peaches, tossing with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a fragrant, sweet filling.
- Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness, cutting into 4-inch round circles.
- Place a generous spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each dough circle, carefully folding and crimping edges to seal the pocket completely.
- Whisk the egg and brush the sealed pie edges to ensure a golden, glossy exterior when fried.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Carefully lower prepared pies into the hot oil, frying 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a rich, crispy golden brown.
- Remove pies with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.
- 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