If there’s one Southern treat that instantly brings back the feeling of a sun-warmed kitchen, it’s Fried Apple or Peach Pies. These golden morsels boast a crispy, flaky crust filled with bubbling hot fruit, lightly kissed with cinnamon and a dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you pick sweet apples or juicy peaches, these hand pies deliver nostalgic comfort and orchard-fresh flavor in every bite. They’re surprisingly simple to make and never fail to charm family, friends, or potluck tables with their homespun goodness.

Fried Apple or Peach Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Fried Apple or Peach Pies starts with a short, thoughtful ingredient list. Each item plays its own special role—delivering flavor, crunch, and color that transforms humble fruit into something truly memorable.

Apples or Peaches (2 cups, peeled and diced): Fresh or frozen fruit works here, but the fresher, the better for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Butter (2 tablespoons): This is the secret to a rich, luscious filling that carries all those warm spices.
Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds just the right sweetness to enhance the fruit without overpowering it.
Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The classic pairing for apples or peaches, giving each bite cozy warmth.
Ground Nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint brings depth and a gentle spiciness that rounds out the flavor.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): This brightens the fruit, balancing out sweetness and keeping your filling from tasting flat.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with 1 tablespoon water): A quick-thickener so your pies stay perfectly juicy, not runny.
Refrigerated Pie Crusts (1 package, 2 crusts): Store-bought means less fuss, but plenty of flaky goodness—just let them come to room temp for easier handling.
Oil for Frying (vegetable or canola): These neutral oils crisp up your pies beautifully without adding heavy flavor.
Powdered Sugar for Dusting (optional): For the prettiest finish, a snowy sprinkle seals the deal.

How to Make Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Start by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add those diced apples or peaches, then stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg if you’re feeling extra cozy, and the lemon juice. Let everything cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit softens and the aroma fills your kitchen. Now, stir in that cornstarch slurry and let it bubble for a minute or two more until thick and glossy. Take the skillet off the heat and be patient—let the filling cool all the way down so it doesn’t turn your crust soggy.

Step 2: Shape Your Pies

Unroll your pie crusts and grab a 4 to 5-inch round cutter, biscuit cutter, or even a drinking glass. Cut out circles, rerolling scraps as needed to get every last bit. Spoon a nice, heaping tablespoon of cooled filling into the center of each circle. Fold them into cute little half-moons and press the edges together. For the classic look (and a firm seal!), press the edges with a fork.

Step 3: Fry the Pies

Pour about two to three inches of oil into a deep skillet or a heavy pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Fry just a few pies at a time—don’t crowd the pan! Each side takes about 2 to 3 minutes to reach that perfect golden brown crunch. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and let them drain on paper towels while you finish the batch. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the hot pies if you like, for that true bakery finish.

How to Serve Fried Apple or Peach Pies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and elegant, but you could go a step further with a drizzle of warm caramel, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a ribbon of honey. These finishing touches make your Fried Apple or Peach Pies gleam at any table.

Side Dishes

If you really want to turn dessert into an event, serve your pies with a side of fresh whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a fruit salad that echoes your filling. These cool and creamy sides balance the hot, crispy pies and bring more texture to the party.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the pies high on a vintage platter, serve them in parchment pockets at a picnic, or wrap them individually for lunchbox surprises. For gatherings, arrange your Fried Apple or Peach Pies on a cake stand and sprinkle over extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for an eye-catching display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have pies left at the end of the day (which is rare!), store them at room temperature in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty for about 1 to 2 days, though the crust is crispiest right after frying. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze Fried Apple or Peach Pies before frying for homemade convenience. Freeze the assembled, uncooked pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two as needed. You can also freeze cooked pies, but they’re at their very best fresh.

Reheating

To bring back the crispy crust, reheat pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Skipping the microwave keeps the crust from turning soggy. Serve them warm for that fresh-from-the-fryer magic.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides apples or peaches?

Absolutely! Berries, pears, or even a mix of stone fruits all work beautifully with this method—just adjust the sugar based on your fruit’s natural sweetness.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry these pies?

Yes! Simply brush your assembled pies with a little egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbly for a lighter twist.

How do I keep the pies from opening while frying?

Be sure to firmly press the edges together and then crimp with a fork. A little water brushed on the edges can help seal the crusts too.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pie crust and double-check your cornstarch brand to keep everything safe for your needs.

What’s the best oil for frying Fried Apple or Peach Pies?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola, which lets your filling’s flavor shine without tasting greasy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Fried Apple or Peach Pies enough—they capture the spirit of Southern comfort, and one bite brings a smile every time. Give them a try, and make a batch for someone you love!

Fried Apple or Peach Pies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 mini pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Fried Apple or Peach Pies are a delightful Southern treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Crispy on the outside, with a warm, gooey fruit filling inside, these mini hand pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

2 cups peeled and diced apples or peaches (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Crust and Frying:

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Filling: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add fruit, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until fruit softens. Add cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Cool.
Assembly: Cut out circles from pie crusts. Spoon filling onto each circle. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
Frying: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry pies until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Serving: Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.