Here’s a classic Southern-style Fried Apple or Peach Pie recipe—golden, flaky, and filled with sweet fruit 🍎🍑🥧
Fried Apple or Peach Pies
Makes: 8–10 hand pies
Ingredients
Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup shortening or butter, cold
- ¾ cup cold milk (or as needed)
Filling (Apple or Peach)
- 2 cups dried apples or dried peaches
(or 3 cups fresh, finely chopped) - ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for apple)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp butter
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
1. Make the Filling
- Place fruit in a saucepan with enough water to cover.
- Simmer until soft (about 20–30 minutes for dried fruit).
- Drain excess liquid (leave a little for moisture).
- Mash slightly.
- Stir in sugar, cinnamon/nutmeg, lemon juice, and butter.
- Cool completely.
2. Make the Dough
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in shortening/butter until crumbly.
- Add milk gradually until dough comes together.
- Roll dough thin (about ⅛ inch thick) on a floured surface.
3. Assemble Pies
- Cut dough into 5–6 inch circles.
- Spoon filling onto one half, leaving edges clear.
- Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
- Pierce tops once or twice.
4. Fry
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry pies in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve
- Serve warm or room temperature.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
Drizzle over cooled pies.
Tips for Authentic Southern Pies
- Dried fruit gives the most traditional flavor
- Don’t overfill or pies may burst
- Keep oil temperature steady for even browning
- These freeze beautifully (unfried)
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- Old-fashioned skillet method
- Air fryer version
- Baked hand-pie alternative
- Shortcut dough using biscuits
Just tell me 😊
