Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream [+ Video]

Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream [+ Video]

Deep fried peaches are rolled in cinnamon sugar then served up with cold, creamy ice cream! This family-friendly treat is warm, crispy, and tastes like peach pie took a spin through the county fair – only faster and easier!

Making a Comeback!

This recipe for deep fried peaches might just be the best summer idea I’ve ever had. Nearly 20 years ago, it was one of the first recipes on our site to go totally viral – websites everywhere were buzzing about this sweet, cinnamon-kissed peach dessert. I felt like I had cracked the code on peach perfection.

Then I had more kids. Got more distracted. And I forgot.

How do you forget a dessert that good? Easy – life gets full. Kids may sleep through the night, but suddenly it’s sports, homework, and snack duty on repeat. But as I looked back through our 2000+ recipes, this one jumped out at me. It was time to bring it back.

I love mine with vanilla ice cream, maybe a spoonful of whipped cream, but the kids go all out with caramel sauce, raspberry drizzle – or both, because of course they do. The whole thing reminds me of my mom’s Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler and our Peach Crisp – those warm, spiced desserts that made every camping trip feel like a feast, even if we were eating cross-legged in the dirt.

If you’re loving these deep fried peaches, you’ll definitely want to check out these other peach-filled handy snacks: the chewy, wholesome Better For You Peach Oatmeal Bars and the buttery, golden Peach Dumplings with Crescent Rolls and Sprite.

Ingredients for Deep-Fried Peaches

Let’s be honest – anything dipped in batter and tossed in cinnamon sugar is already halfway to dessert heaven. Luckily, this easy recipe has simple ingredients that come together fast so you can get straight to the good stuff!

• Fresh Whipped Cream: Optional fluff to finish it off just right.
• All-purpose Flour: Creates that golden, crispy coating.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth – whole milk is best, but any kind works.
• Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
• Large Egg: Binds the batter and adds structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the batter puff up light and fluffy.
• Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweet.
• Peaches: Juicy and sweet – fresh is ideal, canned works if well-drained.
• Cinnamon Sugar: That classic sweet-spiced coating.
• Peanut Oil: Fries up super crisp. Canola or vegetable oil are great backups.
• Fresh Raspberries: Optional, but add tart contrast and color.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Melts perfectly over hot peaches – a must.

What are the Best Peaches for Cooking?

Freestone peaches are ideal for deep-fried peaches – they’re sweet, juicy, easy to pit, and hold their shape beautifully during frying. Look for firm, fragrant fruit with vibrant skin that gives slightly when gently pressed.

You want them ripe, but not overly soft, to avoid mushy results in the hot oil. Some of the best freestone varieties include Early Amber, Golden Jubilee, Lucky 13, Nectar, September Snow, and July Prince.

Frying Tips for the Best Results

Use peanut oil if you can, since it handles high heat and gives the crispiest texture. Avoid olive oil because it burns quickly and changes the flavor. Keep the heat at medium to medium-high. If the oil is too hot, the batter will slide off, and if it is too cool the food will soak up oil and turn soggy.

Once the oil is ready, fry, coat in cinnamon sugar, and finish with vanilla ice cream and raspberries.

Can I Make Dee-Fried Peach in an Air Fryer?

Yes! You can air fry battered peaches at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Use a thicker batter so it doesn’t drip, and don’t overcrowd the basket. They won’t get quite as crispy as deep frying, but they’ll still be golden and delicious.

How to Make Deep Fried Peaches From Scratch

Making these deep fried peaches is easier than you’d think – just a few simple steps, a skillet full of hot oil, and a little cinnamon sugar magic.

1. Prep the peaches: Slice peaches in half, remove the pits, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and let sit for 30 minutes.
2. Make the batter: Whisk flour, milk, sugar, egg, baking powder, and salt until smooth and pourable.
3. Heat the oil: Heat peanut oil over medium-high. It’s ready when bubbles form around a wooden spoon handle.
4. Dip and fry: Dip peaches in batter, let excess drip off, and fry for about 3 minutes until golden.
5. Coat in cinnamon sugar: Transfer directly from oil to cinnamon sugar and roll to coat.
6. Serve: Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, and raspberries, or let cool on a rack to eat by hand.

Storing and Freezing Deep Fried Peaches

Deep fried peaches are best fresh. Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container with a paper towel in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To freeze, place cooled peaches on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp.

For a head start, prep the batter and slice peaches the night before. Store both in the fridge with a splash of lemon juice on the peaches to prevent browning.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use canned peaches: Well-drained canned peaches work if fresh ones aren’t available, just handle gently, as they’re softer.
• Try nectarines or plums: Great alternatives that hold up well and offer a slightly different flavor.
• Sub buttermilk for milk: Adds a rich, tangy depth to the batter if you have it.
• Add nutmeg or allspice: A pinch in the cinnamon sugar mixture gives cozy, warm spice.
• Top with pecans or maple syrup: A peach pie-inspired twist that’s just as comforting.
• Switch out the oil: Canola oil or vegetable oil are great if peanut oil isn’t an option.

Try this delicious and indulgent easy dessert recipe for deep fried peaches and ice cream. Perfect for summer gatherings and special occasions all summer long!

More Mouth-watering Summer Fruit Desserts:

• Peach Cobbler
• Peach Crisp
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Strawberry Pie
• Razzleberry Pie

READ: Deep Fried Peaches and Ice Cream [+ Video]