Try making this Southern Fried Apples Recipe. It’s easy and a great way to use the abundance of apples, butter, a sugar mixture, and warm spices. It’s the perfect side dish!
There are many ways to pair this fried apple recipe, but my favorite is with a fresh batch of Salmon Patties and a side of Homemade Biscuits. For a dessert option, serve with some No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
I have to warn you that if you’re on a diet or not a fan of butter, then you may want to skip this recipe because you have to use butter, or else these will just not taste the same.
I have fond memories of fried apples being made by my grandma and mom for breakfast. They both would pair them with salmon patties or some salty fish. Either way, the combination of the flavors of something salty and the buttery sweetness of these apples is amazing.
Trust me when I say, this is a great recipe that uses simple ingredients that you definitely want to give a try.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – The best apples to use for this recipe are tart apples, like Granny Smith apples. They provide a nice balance to the sweetness of these fried apples. Try to select three medium-sized apples that will be peeled (remove the apple skin), cored, and cut into even-sized apple slices. Feel free to use an apple slicer to make this process easier.
- Butter – You may use salted or unsalted butter, whichever you prefer it really doesn’t matter with this recipe. Just be sure to use regular butter and not margarine or butter that contains vegetable oil. You’ll melt half a stick of butter to break down the apples and give them a nice buttery flavor.
- Lemon Juice – This helps to punch up the tart flavor of the fresh apples and helps to break them down and keep them from browning. You will need the juice of half a lemon for these cinnamon apples.
- Granulated Sugar – Helps to sweeten the apples, use white granulated sugar or pure cane sugar.
- Brown Sugar – Light or dark can be used, whichever you prefer. Light brown sugar is similar to granulated sugar and dark brown sugar has a more rich molasses flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – Provides a nice warming spice to the apples.
- Ground Nutmeg – Gives the fried apples a slightly nutty aftertaste, be sure not to skip the small amount of this spice.
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and instructions.
How to Make Fried Apples
Begin the recipe by preparing the apples. Clean them first by washing off any debris and removing any stickers. Peel the skin off of each apple and cut each apple into even-sized slices. Be sure to remove the core and seeds. Set aside.
Grab a large skillet, I prefer to use a cast-iron skillet and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt, deepen in golden color, and become foamy. About 5 minutes.
Add the sliced apples and drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. Allow the apples time to simmer, about 1 to 2 minutes, until the butter begins to absorb and the apples become tender. Be careful not to overcook.
Add the granulated sugar and the brown sugar into the skillet evenly over the apples. Add the ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
Gently toss to combine and adjust the heat to low. Allow the apples to cook until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture becomes hot and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Give the apples a final toss before turning off the heat. Serve warm and enjoy them as a delicious side dish with something savory like fried chicken or salty for a nice balance. They also pair well on top of your favorite ice cream, especially a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fluffy pancakes. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Be sure not to overcook the apples to the point that they become mushy. They should still have a slight bite to them. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Try to slice the fresh apples to the same size and thickness so that they cook evenly. They do not have to be perfect, just similar in size.
- Taste the apples while cooking and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, you may use more or less.
- Be sure to use a tart apple, such as a Granny Smith, and not apples on the sweeter side like honeycrisp or pink lady apples.
- Pair these simple southern fried apples with some homemade biscuits, salmon patties, fried pork chops, a scoop of ice cream, or with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. There are so many options for this tasty recipe.
Storage Tips
Storage. If you have any leftover apples, then be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating. When ready to serve again, you may reheat them in the microwave for something quick or on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
Freezing. Allow the apples to fully cool to room temperature before placing them in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, simply reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warm. You don’t have to allow them time to thaw. Keep in mind the texture may change a bit.
Want More Side Dish Recipes? Try These:
Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy these sweet Southern Fried Apples? Please share them in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Easy Fried Apples
Try making these Easy Fried Apples. They’re easy and a great way to use the abundance of apples, butter, a sugar mixture, and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ lemon fresh lemon juice, about 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Begin the recipe by preparing the 3 medium Granny Smith apples. Clean them first by washing off any debris and removing any stickers. Peel the skin off of each apple and cut each apple into even size slices and remove the core and seeds. Set aside.
Grab a large skillet, I prefer to use a cast iron and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the 4 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt, deepen in golden color, and become foamy. About 5 minutes.
Add the apple slices and drizzle them with fresh lemon juice of ½ a lemon. Allow the apples time to simmer, about 1 to 2 minutes, until the butter begins to absorb and the apples become tender. Be careful not to overcook.
- Add the 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and the 2 tablespoons brown sugar into the skillet evenly over the apples.
- Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently toss to combine and adjust the heat to low. Allow the apples to cook until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture becomes hot and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Give the apples a final toss before turning off the heat. Serve warm and enjoy them as a side dish with something savory or salty for a nice balance. They also pair well on top of your favorite ice cream or fluffy pancakes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the apples to the point that they become mushy. They should still have a slight bite to them. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Try to slice the fresh apples to the same size and thickness so that they cook evenly. They do not have to be perfect, just similar in size.
- Taste the apples while cooking and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, you may use more or less.
- Be sure to use a tart apple, such as a Granny Smith, and not apples on the sweeter side like honeycrisp or pink lady apples.
- Pair these simple southern fried apples with some homemade biscuits, salmon patties, fried pork chops, a scoop of ice cream, or with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. There are so many options for this tasty recipe.
Original post date 03/10/2014. Updated 02/17/2023 and 12/18/2024.
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