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Southern Fried Apples Simple and Delicious Recipe

by on August 3, 2025
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Southern Fried Apples combine sweet, tender fruit with rich butter and spices. This scrumptious dish makes a perfect dessert or side. I’ll share my simple and delicious recipe, along with tips for the best flavor. You’ll learn how to prepare, cook, and enjoy these apples in just a few steps. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get frying! Your taste buds will thank you.

- 4 large Granny Smith apples - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) You can switch the Granny Smith apples for sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you want a different sweetener, try maple syrup or coconut sugar. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. 1. Preparing the apples Start with four large Granny Smith apples. Peel and core them. Slice them into thin wedges. This helps them cook evenly. 2. Melting butter in the skillet Take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to bubble. 3. Sautéing the apples Carefully add the sliced apples to the skillet. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Stir them gently until they soften and fill the air with their sweet scent. 1. Adding spices and sugars Sprinkle 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar over the apples. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the apples in the sweet spice blend. 2. Stirring in lemon juice and vanilla extract Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir continuously to blend all the flavors together. 3. Cooking to desired tenderness Let the apples cook for about 5 more minutes. Check for tenderness. The sauce should thicken into a glossy glaze. 1. Presentation tips Serve warm fried apples in a charming bowl. Drizzle the sweet sauce over them. For a nice touch, dust with cinnamon and add whole pecans on top. 2. Ideal pairings for Southern Fried Apples These apples go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great side for pancakes or waffles. Enjoy the warm, sweet flavors! To get the best caramelization, cook your apples over medium heat. This allows the sugars to melt without burning. Stir the apples often. It helps them cook evenly and coat all sides with flavor. Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives your fried apples a nice heat. You can also mix in spices like ginger or cloves. This adds depth and makes the dish unique. How do you know when the apples are ready? They should be tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes of cooking. If you like them softer, cook a minute or two longer. Adjust as needed to match your taste. {{image_4}} You can add bourbon to your Southern fried apples for a rich depth. Just a splash enhances the flavor. Mix in seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice for a cozy twist. These small changes make a big difference! If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally safe. Use gluten-free butter or a plant-based option if you want. For low-sugar alternatives, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. This way, you can enjoy the dish while meeting your dietary needs. Serve your fried apples as a warm topping for pancakes or waffles. They add a sweet and spicy touch! You can also use them as a filling for pastries or pies. This way, you turn a simple dish into a delightful dessert or breakfast treat. To keep your Southern fried apples fresh, store them in an airtight container. Glass containers work best, as they do not absorb odors. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they seal well. Place the container in the refrigerator. The apples will stay good for about three days. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the fried apples and stir gently. This way, the apples warm up evenly. If you want to keep the texture, avoid microwaving. To freeze Southern fried apples, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently in a skillet for the best results. Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, you might try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These apples add sweetness and flavor. Just remember, softer apples may cook quicker. How can I make this recipe without sugar? To skip sugar, use unsweetened applesauce. You can also use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Is it possible to make Southern Fried Apples ahead of time? Yes, you can make them ahead. Cook the apples and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve. What’s the best way to prevent apples from browning? To stop browning, soak the apple slices in water with lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of water. This keeps the apples fresh and bright. How do I ensure the apples are not mushy? Cook the apples over medium heat. Stir gently and watch closely. You want them tender but not mushy. This takes about 7 to 8 minutes in total. Can I add other fruits to the recipe? Yes! You can mix in pears or peaches for a fun twist. Chopped berries also work well. Just remember to adjust cooking time for softer fruits. In this post, we explored making Southern Fried Apples. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, you can swap ingredients based on your taste and needs. Try variations for more flavor or adjust for dietary requirements. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy this dish as a topping or in pastries. With these pointers, you can create a delicious treat everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 4 large Granny Smith apples

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter

– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch the Granny Smith apples for sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you want a different sweetener, try maple syrup or coconut sugar. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the apples

Start with four large Granny Smith apples. Peel and core them. Slice them into thin wedges. This helps them cook evenly.

2. Melting butter in the skillet

Take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to bubble.

3. Sautéing the apples

Carefully add the sliced apples to the skillet. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Stir them gently until they soften and fill the air with their sweet scent.

Cooking Process

1. Adding spices and sugars

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar over the apples. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the apples in the sweet spice blend.

2. Stirring in lemon juice and vanilla extract

Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir continuously to blend all the flavors together.

3. Cooking to desired tenderness

Let the apples cook for about 5 more minutes. Check for tenderness. The sauce should thicken into a glossy glaze.

Serving Suggestions

1. Presentation tips

Serve warm fried apples in a charming bowl. Drizzle the sweet sauce over them. For a nice touch, dust with cinnamon and add whole pecans on top.

2. Ideal pairings for Southern Fried Apples

These apples go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great side for pancakes or waffles. Enjoy the warm, sweet flavors!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To get the best caramelization, cook your apples over medium heat. This allows the sugars to melt without burning. Stir the apples often. It helps them cook evenly and coat all sides with flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives your fried apples a nice heat. You can also mix in spices like ginger or cloves. This adds depth and makes the dish unique.

Timing Advice

How do you know when the apples are ready? They should be tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes of cooking. If you like them softer, cook a minute or two longer. Adjust as needed to match your taste.

Variations

Flavorful Twists

You can add bourbon to your Southern fried apples for a rich depth. Just a splash enhances the flavor. Mix in seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice for a cozy twist. These small changes make a big difference!

Dietary Adjustments

If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally safe. Use gluten-free butter or a plant-based option if you want. For low-sugar alternatives, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. This way, you can enjoy the dish while meeting your dietary needs.

Presentation Variations

Serve your fried apples as a warm topping for pancakes or waffles. They add a sweet and spicy touch! You can also use them as a filling for pastries or pies. This way, you turn a simple dish into a delightful dessert or breakfast treat.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Southern fried apples fresh, store them in an airtight container. Glass containers work best, as they do not absorb odors. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they seal well. Place the container in the refrigerator. The apples will stay good for about three days.

Reheating Tips

When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the fried apples and stir gently. This way, the apples warm up evenly. If you want to keep the texture, avoid microwaving.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze Southern fried apples, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently in a skillet for the best results.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, you might try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These apples add sweetness and flavor. Just remember, softer apples may cook quicker.

How can I make this recipe without sugar?

To skip sugar, use unsweetened applesauce. You can also use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener. Adjust the amount to fit your taste.

Is it possible to make Southern Fried Apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead. Cook the apples and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Cooking Related Queries

What’s the best way to prevent apples from browning?

To stop browning, soak the apple slices in water with lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of water. This keeps the apples fresh and bright.

How do I ensure the apples are not mushy?

Cook the apples over medium heat. Stir gently and watch closely. You want them tender but not mushy. This takes about 7 to 8 minutes in total.

Can I add other fruits to the recipe?

Yes! You can mix in pears or peaches for a fun twist. Chopped berries also work well. Just remember to adjust cooking time for softer fruits.

In this post, we explored making Southern Fried Apples. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, you can swap ingredients based on your taste and needs. Try variations for more flavor or adjust for dietary requirements. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy this dish as a topping or in pastries. With these pointers, you can create a delicious treat everyone will love. Happy cooking!

- 4 large Granny Smith apples - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) You can switch the Granny Smith apples for sweeter options like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you want a different sweetener, try maple syrup or coconut sugar. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. These swaps keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. 1. Preparing the apples Start with four large Granny Smith apples. Peel and core them. Slice them into thin wedges. This helps them cook evenly. 2. Melting butter in the skillet Take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to bubble. 3. Sautéing the apples Carefully add the sliced apples to the skillet. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Stir them gently until they soften and fill the air with their sweet scent. 1. Adding spices and sugars Sprinkle 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar over the apples. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the apples in the sweet spice blend. 2. Stirring in lemon juice and vanilla extract Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir continuously to blend all the flavors together. 3. Cooking to desired tenderness Let the apples cook for about 5 more minutes. Check for tenderness. The sauce should thicken into a glossy glaze. 1. Presentation tips Serve warm fried apples in a charming bowl. Drizzle the sweet sauce over them. For a nice touch, dust with cinnamon and add whole pecans on top. 2. Ideal pairings for Southern Fried Apples These apples go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great side for pancakes or waffles. Enjoy the warm, sweet flavors! To get the best caramelization, cook your apples over medium heat. This allows the sugars to melt without burning. Stir the apples often. It helps them cook evenly and coat all sides with flavor. Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives your fried apples a nice heat. You can also mix in spices like ginger or cloves. This adds depth and makes the dish unique. How do you know when the apples are ready? They should be tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes of cooking. If you like them softer, cook a minute or two longer. Adjust as needed to match your taste. {{image_4}} You can add bourbon to your Southern fried apples for a rich depth. Just a splash enhances the flavor. Mix in seasonal spices like nutmeg or allspice for a cozy twist. These small changes make a big difference! If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally safe. Use gluten-free butter or a plant-based option if you want. For low-sugar alternatives, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. This way, you can enjoy the dish while meeting your dietary needs. Serve your fried apples as a warm topping for pancakes or waffles. They add a sweet and spicy touch! You can also use them as a filling for pastries or pies. This way, you turn a simple dish into a delightful dessert or breakfast treat. To keep your Southern fried apples fresh, store them in an airtight container. Glass containers work best, as they do not absorb odors. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they seal well. Place the container in the refrigerator. The apples will stay good for about three days. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the fried apples and stir gently. This way, the apples warm up evenly. If you want to keep the texture, avoid microwaving. To freeze Southern fried apples, start by letting them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently in a skillet for the best results. Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, you might try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These apples add sweetness and flavor. Just remember, softer apples may cook quicker. How can I make this recipe without sugar? To skip sugar, use unsweetened applesauce. You can also use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Is it possible to make Southern Fried Apples ahead of time? Yes, you can make them ahead. Cook the apples and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve. What’s the best way to prevent apples from browning? To stop browning, soak the apple slices in water with lemon juice. Use one tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of water. This keeps the apples fresh and bright. How do I ensure the apples are not mushy? Cook the apples over medium heat. Stir gently and watch closely. You want them tender but not mushy. This takes about 7 to 8 minutes in total. Can I add other fruits to the recipe? Yes! You can mix in pears or peaches for a fun twist. Chopped berries also work well. Just remember to adjust cooking time for softer fruits. In this post, we explored making Southern Fried Apples. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, you can swap ingredients based on your taste and needs. Try variations for more flavor or adjust for dietary requirements. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy this dish as a topping or in pastries. With these pointers, you can create a delicious treat everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Southern Fried Apples

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Sweet & Spicy Southern Fried Apples! This quick and easy recipe transforms Granny Smith apples into a warm, spiced treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, you’ll create a delicious dish that delights the senses. Click through to explore these mouthwatering recipes and elevate your dessert game! Enjoy the taste of the South today!
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Ingredients
  

4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, you're ready to add the apples.

    Carefully place the sliced apples into the skillet and sauté them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become fragrant.

      Next, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper over the apples. Mix thoroughly to ensure each apple slice is coated in the rich, sweet spice blend.

        To elevate the flavors, pour in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract, stirring continuously to combine all the ingredients well.

          Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sauce starts to thicken into a glossy glaze.

            If you chose to use them, fold in the chopped pecans at this point, and cook for another minute to toast them lightly in the sweetness.

              Once finished, remove the skillet from heat and allow the fried apples to cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the warm fried apples in a charming bowl, generously drizzled with the luscious sauce from the skillet. For added visual appeal, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and scatter a few whole pecans on top. This dish makes a delightful side or a cozy dessert when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Enjoy!