Oh my goodness, let me tell you about fried apple and peach pies! These little golden pockets of joy bring back so many childhood memories of summer fairs and family gatherings. Just the thought of biting into that crispy, flaky crust and discovering the warm, sweet, and spiced fruit filling inside makes my heart skip a beat. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they fry to perfection! I love making these pies not just because they’re delicious, but also because they’re such a treat to share with friends and family. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, these pies are sure to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds. So let’s get ready to create some delicious memories together!
Ingredients for Fried Apple or Peach Pies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to pie perfection! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for that flaky, tender crust that you’ll love
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – just a pinch to enhance the flavors
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced – for richness and flavor
- 1/4 cup shortening – helps create a super flaky texture
- 6 to 8 tablespoons cold water – to bring the dough together
- 2 cups apples or peaches, peeled and chopped – fresh is best, but canned works too!
- 1 cup sugar – adjust to your taste, especially with sweeter fruits
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – for that warm, cozy flavor
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – to brighten up the filling
- Oil for frying – enough to submerge those pies for that golden crispiness
How to Prepare Fried Apple or Peach Pies
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and dive into making these delicious fried pies! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the results will be worth every minute spent. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating something amazing!
Making the Dough
First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour and salt. Next, add the chilled butter and shortening. I usually use my fingers to blend everything together until it looks crumbly, almost like wet sand. This is where the magic happens! Then, slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time. You want just enough to form a soft dough without it becoming sticky. Once it comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This resting period is super important—it helps the crust become flaky and tender!
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is chilling, let’s whip up that filling! In another bowl, mix together your chopped apples or peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This is where you can adjust the sweetness to your liking—don’t hesitate to taste it! The lemon juice adds a lovely brightness that really complements the fruit. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined, and set it aside as you get ready to assemble the pies.
Assembling the Pies
Now, it’s time to roll out your dough! On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place about a tablespoon of the fruit filling on one half of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing in that delicious filling. This is also a great time to get creative—don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
Frying the Pies
To fry the pies, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You want about 1-2 inches of oil to ensure they fry evenly. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a tiny piece of dough—it should sizzle!), carefully place a few pies in at a time. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. And voilà! You’ve got yourself a batch of crispy, mouthwatering fried apple or peach pies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—these pies come together in no time!
- Irresistibly delicious with that crispy exterior and sweet, warm filling.
- Versatile—use your favorite fruits or whatever’s in season!
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends at any gathering.
- Great for dessert or a special treat any time of day.
- Simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests!
Tips for Success
To ensure your fried apple or peach pies turn out perfectly, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter and water; it really helps create that flaky texture. When rolling out the dough, don’t overwork it—just enough to get it to the right thickness. If you find the dough is sticking, a little extra flour on your surface can help. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; you want that sizzle when the pies hit the oil! Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process—let them drain on paper towels to keep that crispy exterior. Enjoy your pie-making adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Apple or Peach Pies
Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these fried pies is their versatility. While I adore apples and peaches, you can totally experiment with other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or even mixed berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits have varying sweetness levels, so feel free to adjust the sugar in your filling to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using seasonal fruits for a fresh twist!
How do I store leftover pies?
If you happen to have any leftover pies (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain some of that crispy goodness before serving. Trust me, they’re still delightful even a few days later!
Can these pies be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake these pies if you prefer a lighter option! To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little melted butter for that golden finish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re nice and golden brown. Just remember that the texture will be a bit different from frying, but they’ll still be delicious!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. That said, here’s an estimated breakdown for one fried apple or peach pie:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
These delightful pies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet! For more information on the health benefits of apples, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Fried Apple or Peach Pies: 7 Irresistible Joys Unveiled
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious fried apple or peach pies made with a flaky crust and sweet filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 6 to 8 tablespoons cold water
- 2 cups apples or peaches, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add butter and shortening, mix until crumbly.
- Stir in cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough forms.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Roll out dough and cut into circles.
- Place filling on one half of each circle.
- Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry pies until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned fruit.
- Adjust sugar based on fruit sweetness.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: fried apple pie, fried peach pie, dessert pies, American desserts
