This Fried Apples Recipe is tart, sweet and has just the right amount of spice to make them a favorite side or dessert!
They are as simple as they are delicious, and are a comfort food that everyone loves! Serve as a side, or as dessert (they are so good over ice-cream).
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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Southern Fried Apples
Right around this time of year, there is an abundance of apples available in the store, priced perfectly for making Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Applesauce and of course, these Fried Apples.
This is not terribly diet friendly. I mean, yes, it does contain fruit. However, we cook the apples in butter and add plenty of sugar. It’s like apple pie with the crust, essentially!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This is an easy recipe to make, that doesn’t take long!
- This recipe can be made ahead, refrigerated or frozen (see notes).
- Versatile. It can be a side, a dessert or part of breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes with Fried Apples?
Pork and chicken dishes pair well with these apples as a side, but I particularly like them as dessert with ice-cream. Some people love them with breakfast, too!
How long do fried apples last in the fridge?
Stored properly, in a covered container in the refrigerator, your apples will be good for about 5 days.
Can you freeze fried apples?
You certainly can. Allow to cool completely, then store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw and warm in a saucepan.
What to serve with Fried Apples
This recipe can be a side dish for a main course (it is especially good with fried pork chops), or as a dessert with vanilla ice-cream.
You can even use them in hand pies. Wrap some apples in pie crust, brush with an egg wash, cut a few steam holes and bake.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Butter. I use salted butter for pretty much everything.
- Apples. I use fresh apples, and prefer Granny smith apples for their tartness. They hold their shape well during cooking and the tartness balances the sweetness of this recipe.
- White and Brown Sugar. Both types have their place here! I use dark brown sugar.
- Cinnamon. You could use Apple Pie Spice if you have any in your pantry. Or Pumpkin Pie Spice, for that matter!
- Nutmeg and Salt. Just a pinch of each.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
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- Chopping Board
- Knife. You will need a good sharp knife to cut the apples evenly.
- Vegetable Peeler. To peel the skins off the apples
- Cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet isn’t 100% necessary, but because of all the sugar, you’ll need a very heavy bottomed pan to help prevent burning and uneven cooking
How to make this recipe
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Peel, core and slice the apples into even pieces. You will want them sliced more chunky than thin. Cooking time will be longer, but the apples will have more bite to them.
Cook the apples
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the apples, cover, and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are soft. Stir often so they don’t burn.
Add remaining ingredients
Mix the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together in a bowl.
Add to the apples and stir. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and are syrupy.
Serve
Serve over ice-cream, or as a side.
Kylee’s Notes
Peel and chop apples ahead
Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Substitutions/Additions
You can use more or less sugar and spices according to your tastes.
You can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice in place of cinnamon if you prefer.
Freezing instructions
This recipe can be frozen after cooking.
Allow the apples to cool completely, then store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw and warm in a saucepan.
More delicious Apple Recipes
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls. A delicious new take on an old favorite, these caramel apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for sharing (or not!)
- Apple Cinnamon Waffles. Apples and Cinnamon are the perfect flavorings for these Homemade Apple Cinnamon Waffles from scratch. Warmth, comfort and so much yum! The whole family will enjoy these!
- Apple Dumplings. Tart apples wrapped in a flaky biscuit, and smothered in a buttery vanilla sauce. Topped with crunchy cinnamon sugar, this is a super easy recipe that delivers on taste!
- Homemade Applesauce. A simple, no-frills homemade applesauce recipe, that lets you control the sugar! Perfect for families of all sizes, make a big batch for all of you to enjoy!
- Puff Pastry Apple Tart. A simple yet impressive dessert simple enough for weeknights, but fancy enough for holidays! This Puff Pastry Apple Tart takes just a few minutes to assemble, and 20 mins to bake!
- Chai Spiced Apple Crisp. A new take on a traditional fall favorite, my Chai Spiced Apple Crisp combines gorgeous chai flavors with apples, topped with a decadent, crunchy and buttery topping.
- Apple Cinnamon Scones. Light and flaky apple cinnamon scones filled with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spices. These scones come together quickly with minimal ingredients and are perfect for grab and go breakfasts, or for mid morning/afternoon treats.
- Applesauce Muffins. This yummy and easy Applesauce Muffins Recipe is a fantastic family snack. These muffins are flavored with applesauce and dipped in cinnamon sugar after baking for a tasty treat!
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Southern Fried Apples Recipe
Video
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 apples (Granny Smith)
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup white sugar (granulated, white)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
Serving:
- 6 scoops vanilla Ice cream
Directions
Get prepped
- Peel, core and slice 6 apples into even pieces.
Cook the apples
- Melt ½ cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apples, cover, and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are soft. Stir often so they don’t burn.
Add remaining ingredients
- Mix ½ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pinch nutmeg and 1 pinch salt together in a bowl.
- Add to the apples and stir. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and are syrupy.
Serve
- Serve over ice-cream, or as a side.
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Notes
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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