Name: Southern Fried Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Tender apple slices caramelized in butter, sugar, and warm spices—just like grandma used to make in the South. This classic Southern Fried Apples recipe is a simple, comforting treat that I love serving either as a sweet side dish or a quick dessert. It brings all the warm, cozy vibes of fall to my table any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added depth)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt

Directions

I start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Then I add the sliced apples, stirring to coat them well in the melted butter.

I let them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Next, I sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup (if I’m using it), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

I stir everything together to make sure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.

Then I reduce the heat to low and let them cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the apples are fork-tender and the sauce thickens into a rich syrup.

I serve them warm—sometimes as a side, or spooned over pancakes, oatmeal, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving

Variations

I like switching things up sometimes depending on what I have on hand. If I want more tartness, I go for all Granny Smith apples. For a softer, sweeter result, I use Fuji or Honeycrisp. I sometimes toss in a dash of clove or allspice for a deeper spice profile. If I want a richer sauce, I’ll use a splash of heavy cream or add chopped pecans for texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, until they’re warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, I add a small splash of water or apple juice to loosen it up.

FAQs

How do I keep the apples from getting mushy?

I make sure not to overcook the apples, especially during the first stage. I stop cooking them as soon as they’re fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, I often use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious all work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I double-check that my ingredients (especially the maple syrup or any flavored add-ins) are gluten-free, this recipe naturally is.

Can I freeze fried apples?

I usually don’t freeze them, as the texture changes once thawed. But if I do, I let them cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

What can I serve with fried apples?

I love serving them with pork chops, roasted chicken, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, or even cheesecake.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Apples are the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something comforting, easy, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether I serve them as a sweet side dish or a cozy dessert, they always bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. It’s a timeless favorite I know I’ll keep making again and again.

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