COMBINE the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients.
MIX the eggs and evaporated milk together in a separate bowl, then add to the shortening-flour mixture. Mix with a fork just until it holds together. Roll out rather thin, to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a 7-inch saucer or circle as a pattern, rerolling the dough as needed. Put ½-cup fruit pie filling on one-half of the circle, leaving a bit of space clear around the edge. Be sure your filling is fairly thick and cold or it will run. Fold over the circle and seal the edges well.
HEAT shortening in a deep pan to a depth of about 2 inches until very hot. Deep-fry the pies until golden brown on both sides, 2 minutes per side. Put onto a baking sheet or cooling rack to cool before serving.