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Overhead view of finished fried apples in cast iron skillet.
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5 from 1 vote

Southern Fried Apples Recipe

These Southern fried apples cook in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until tender and glossy. An easy 15-minute breakfast, side, or dessert.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: fried apples, southern fried apples recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 147kcal
Author: LaKita Anderson

Equipment

  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, from about ½ a lemon
  • 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 each apple, cut each apple into evenly sized slices, and 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 4 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt, deepen in golden color, and become foamy. About 5 minutes.
    Sliced apples and butter added to a cast iron skillet.
  • Add the apple slices and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon 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 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.
    Cinnamon and nutmed added to skillet with apples and butter.
  • 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!
    Close up front view of finished apples in cast iron skillet on black tile surface.

Video

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.
  • Granny Smith apples provide the best tart flavor and firm texture. Other firm apples may be used, but adjust the sugar for sweeter varieties.
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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