Fried Apples Recipe
This classic fried apples recipe is quick, cozy, and full of Southern flavor. Perfect as a side dish or dessert with ice cream or pork chops!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix – tart apples balance the sweetness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter – melts into a luscious sauce.
- ½ cup brown sugar packed – caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar – helps balance tartness.
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon – warm spice note.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – optional but adds depth.
- Pinch of salt – makes the flavors pop.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – rounds everything out.
Instructions
- Prep the apples (10 minutes):
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into ½-inch wedges. You want uniform slices so they cook evenly.
- Melt the butter (1 minute):
- Place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt until foamy.
- Add the apples (2 minutes):
- Toss in the apple slices and stir so each piece gets coated in butter.
- Add sugar and spices (2 minutes):
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly to coat the apples.
- Cook until tender (10 minutes):
- Reduce the heat slightly and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy. They should glisten and smell like apple pie.
- Finish with vanilla (1 minute):
- Stir in the vanilla extract right before serving.
- Serve warm:
- Enjoy immediately—these are best hot and fresh!
Notes
- Don’t overcook—the apples should be tender, not mushy.
- Cut apples evenly for consistent cooking.
- Granny Smith apples give a tart edge; sweeter apples make the dish more dessert-like.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the sugar.
- Adjust sugar and spices to taste (quality control taste-test highly encouraged).
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days, freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.