If your family prefers desserts that are iconic, there's no substitute for fried apples. This recipe calls for just four ingredients and 20 minutes of prep and cook time. You
could serve it with crunchy granola or, for a special treat, frozen ice cream or yogurt.
Slices of apple are sautéed in a butter, sugar, and cinnamon sauce until tender. It’s so quick and easy. An amazing topping for vanilla ice cream, these sweet fried apples are equally delicious alongside a savory pork chop and roasted or grilled meats.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 Cup Brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4-6 Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Juice of one lemon
Pinch or two of kosher salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla flavoring
Watch the video, then get the recipe for Southern Fried Apples.
Instructions
1. In a large skillet melt butter on medium heat.
2. Add the sugars and stir to combine.
3. Add apples and stir to coat apples with the sugar and butter mixture. Reduce heat slightly. Keep stirring the apples and allow them to begin to cook down. (About 2-3 minutes) Stir in the lemon juice and the spices.
4. Cook until the apples begin to break down and are tender, but not too soft or mushy. This can take 8 – 15 minutes depending on your stovetop.
5. Just before served stir in vanilla flavoring.
While I prefer Honey Crisp apples, you can also use another firm baking variety — including, Granny Smith Braeburn or Pink Lady. Or try a combination of your favorites!
The buttery cinnamon sauce will create a thin glaze on your apples. There will be extra sauce in the dish, so serve with a slotted spoon or spatula. If you prefer a thick sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by stirring together ½ teaspoon cornstarch with ½ teaspoon cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet during the final 2 minutes. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens.
Make sure to slice the apples into even pieces so that they cook evenly as well!
Love more warm spices? Try adding a dash of nutmeg or use the blend of apple pie seasoning for extra flavor.
For a touch of tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the melted butter mixture.
Can you freeze Southern Fried Apples? Yes! You can definitely freeze these apples, but they will have a slightly mushy texture when thawed. To freeze, allow apples to cool to room temperature. Seal in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and the apples will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How long can fried apples sit out on the counter? These apples can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that time period, you will need to freeze or refrigerate the apples.
How long will fried apples last? The apples will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat fried apples: Place the apples and sauce in a saucepan or skillet and cook over low heat, just until warmed through. Alternatively, place the apples and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and cook in the microwave just until warm.
