Fried apple or peach pies are a classic comfort food, offering a crispy, golden crust filled with sweet, spiced fruit. Perfect for a quick treat or a nostalgic dessert, these pies are both delicious and versatile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delightful fried pies from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the pie crust.
- ½ cup shortening, chilled: Helps create a flaky texture. If you prefer, you can use cold butter instead.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- ½ cup cold water: Binds the dough together. Adjust as needed for dough consistency.
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 apples: Peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well.
- ¼ cup white sugar, or to taste: Sweetens the apple filling. Adjust based on the sweetness of the apples and personal preference.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
- Oil for frying: Enough to fill a frying pan about 1-2 inches deep. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut the chilled shortening into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. You may not need the full amount of water. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Adjust the sugar and cinnamon to taste.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter or glass (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
- Assemble the Pies:
- Place a small spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Fry the Pies:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). There should be enough oil to submerge the pies halfway.
- Fry the pies in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each pie for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the pies from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve:
- Allow the fried pies to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips and Variations:
- Fruit Filling Variations: Substitute peaches for apples, or use other fruits like cherries or blueberries. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly.
- Dough Alternatives: For a richer crust, you can use butter instead of shortening. Simply cut the cold butter into the flour as you would with shortening.
- Spices: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile in the filling.
Fried apple or peach pies are a delightful treat that combines a crispy, golden crust with a sweet, spiced fruit filling. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert or a tasty snack, these pies are sure to please. Their homemade charm and delicious flavor make them a perfect choice for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the crispy goodness and the sweet, fruity filling in every bite!
