FRIED APPLE OR PEACH PIES

Who can resist a warm, golden, homemade fried pie filled with sweet, spiced fruit? These Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a Southern classic, crispy on the outside and bursting with tender, juicy apples or peaches on the inside. With their flaky crust and warm filling, they’re perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy dessert after dinner. And the best part? They’re easy to make with a few simple ingredients, including store-bought biscuit dough for convenience.

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Why These Fried Pies Are a Must-Try

1. Classic Southern Flavor: These pies capture the heart of Southern cooking, with simple ingredients that bring out the rich, comforting flavors of apples or peaches and spices.
2. Easy to Make: Using refrigerated biscuit dough cuts down on prep time, while still delivering that flaky, golden crust.
3. Perfectly Portable: Great for road trips, lunches, or picnics, these hand pies are easy to pack and enjoy on the go.
4. Customizable: You can make them with apples, peaches, or even a combination of both.

Ingredients for Fried Apple or Peach Pies

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces dried apples or dried peaches – These are the base for your filling, providing a concentrated fruit flavor.
• 1 cup water – Used to soften the dried fruit and create a sauce-like texture.
• 1/3 cup sugar – Sweetens the filling.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon or apple pie spice – Brings warmth and depth to the fruit filling; use apple pie spice for extra complexity.

For the Crust:

• 1 can jumbo refrigerated flaky biscuits – This makes the crust flaky and easy to work with.

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil – Provides the crispy, golden exterior for the pies.

Optional Fresh Fruit Variation: You can also use fresh apples! See instructions below for preparing fresh apple filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

1. Cook the Dried Fruit: In a medium saucepan, combine the dried apples or peaches with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until the fruit is tender. If pieces are large, you can mash them slightly.
2. Add Sugar and Butter: Once the fruit has softened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the sugar, butter, and cinnamon (or apple pie spice). Mix well, and set the filling aside to cool slightly.

Tip: Mashing the fruit a bit after cooking makes it easier to spread and gives the filling a smooth, jammy consistency.

Step 2: Fresh Apple Variation (Optional)

If you’re using fresh apples for the filling, follow these steps instead:

1. Prep and Cook the Apples: In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 peeled, cored, and chopped apples along with 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
2. Cook Until Soft: Sauté the apples for about 15 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat, mash slightly, and let cool before using.

Note: The lemon juice helps keep the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

1. Roll Out the Biscuits: Lightly flour your work surface and roll each biscuit into a 5-inch circle. This gives enough surface area to hold the filling and allows you to seal the edges well.
2. Add the Filling: Place about 1 tablespoon of the apple or peach filling onto one half of each biscuit circle. Don’t overfill, as too much filling can make sealing difficult.
3. Seal the Pies: Moisten the edges of the dough circle by dipping your fingers in water and running them along the edges. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, making sure the edges are even.
4. Press to Seal: Use a fork dipped in flour to press down on the edges of each pie, creating a tight seal. This helps prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

Sealing Tip: Ensure the edges are well-sealed and avoid poking holes in the dough, as this can cause the filling to escape while frying.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

1. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch, or use a deep fryer if available. Heat the oil to 370°F (188°C) over medium-high heat. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dipping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
2. Fry the Pies: Carefully add a few pies to the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the skillet. Fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side, turning once to ensure even cooking.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Once golden and crispy, remove the pies from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Cooking Tip: Don’t rush the frying process. Cooking over medium-high heat ensures the biscuits are cooked all the way through without burning the outside.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Sealing is Key: Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
• Avoid Frying Too Quickly: Frying at a lower, steady temperature helps the pies cook through without burning on the outside.
• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: Jumbo flaky biscuits work best for this recipe, but regular-sized biscuits can work too—just adjust the filling amount accordingly.
• Storage: Fried pies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to bring back their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bake These Pies Instead of Frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the pies. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

What Other Fillings Can I Use?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings! These pies work well with fruit jams, cherry pie filling, or even a mixture of fresh berries.

Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Filling?

Yes, store-bought apple or peach pie filling can be used for convenience. Just make sure to chop any large pieces for easier filling.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

1. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle the pies with a mix of cinnamon and sugar right after frying for an extra-sweet touch.
2. Glaze: Drizzle the fried pies with a simple powdered sugar glaze (mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla) for a beautiful finish.
3. Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Final Thoughts: Southern Comfort in Every Bite

These Fried Apple or Peach Pies bring the taste of the South to your kitchen. The golden, flaky crust and warm, spiced fruit filling make for a comforting dessert or snack that’s perfect anytime. They’re great for sharing, although once you try one, you might want to keep them all to yourself!

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a taste of homemade goodness with these delicious, nostalgic fried pies.