Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (2024)

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This Fried Apples Recipe is tart, sweet and has just the right amount of spice to make them a favorite side or dessert!

They are as simple as they are delicious, and are a comfort food that everyone loves! Serve as a side, or as dessert (they are so good over ice-cream).

Step-by-step photos and instructions are below!

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (1)

Southern Fried Apples

Right around this time of year, there is an abundance of apples available in the store, priced perfectly for making Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Applesauce and of course, these Fried Apples.

This is not terribly diet friendly. I mean, yes, it does contain fruit. However, we cook the apples in butter and add plenty of sugar. It’s like apple pie with the crust, essentially!

What you'll find in this post: hide

1 Southern Fried Apples

2 Why you’ll love this recipe:

3 Frequently Asked Questions

4 What to serve with Fried Apples

5 Recipe Ingredients and Possible Substitutes

6 Recommended Equipment/Tools

7 How to make this recipe

8 Kylee’s Notes

9 Freezing instructions

10 More delicious Apple Recipes

11 Easy Fried Apples Recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This is an easy recipe to make, that doesn’t take long!
  • This recipe can be made ahead, refrigerated or frozen (see notes).
  • Versatile. It can be a side, a dessert or part of breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes with Fried Apples?

Pork and chicken dishes pair well with these apples as a side, but I particularly like them as dessert with ice-cream. Some people love them with breakfast, too!

How long do fried apples last in the fridge?

Stored properly, in a covered container in the refrigerator, your apples will be good for about 5 days.

Can you freeze fried apples?

You certainly can. Allow to cool completely, then store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw and warm in a saucepan.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (2)

What to serve with Fried Apples

This recipe can be a side dish for a main course (it is especially good with fried pork chops), or as a dessert with vanilla ice-cream.

You can even use them in hand pies. Wrap some apples in pie crust, brush with an egg wash, cut a few steam holes and bake.

I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (3)

Recipe Ingredients and Possible Substitutes

The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.

  • Butter. I use salted butter for pretty much everything.
  • Apples. I use fresh apples, and prefer Granny smith apples for their tartness. They hold their shape well during cooking and the tartness balances the sweetness of this recipe.
  • White and Brown Sugar. Both types have their place here! I use dark brown sugar.
  • Cinnamon. You could use Apple Pie Spice if you have any in your pantry. Or Pumpkin Pie Spice, for that matter!
  • Nutmeg and Salt. Just a pinch of each.
Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (4)
  • Chopping Board
  • Knife. You will need a good sharp knife to cut the apples evenly.
  • Vegetable Peeler. To peel the skins off the apples
  • Cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet isn’t 100% necessary, but because of all the sugar, you’ll need a very heavy bottomed pan to help prevent burning and uneven cooking

How to make this recipe

Scroll for Recipe

The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Get prepped

Peel, core and slice the apples into even pieces. You will want them sliced more chunky than thin. Cooking time will be longer, but the apples will have more bite to them.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (5)

Cook the apples

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the apples, cover, and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are soft. Stir often so they don’t burn.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (6)

Add remaining ingredients

Mix the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together in a bowl.

Add to the apples and stir. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and are syrupy.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (7)

Serve

Serve over ice-cream, or as a side.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (8)

Kylee’s Notes

Peel and chop apples ahead

Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Substitutions/Additions

You can use more or less sugar and spices according to your tastes.

You can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice in place of cinnamon if you prefer.

Freezing instructions

This recipe can be frozen after cooking.

Allow the apples to cool completely, then store in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw and warm in a saucepan.

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (9)

More delicious Apple Recipes

  • Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls. A delicious new take on an old favorite, these caramelapple cinnamon rollsare perfect for sharing (or not!)
  • Apple Cinnamon Waffles. Apples and Cinnamon are the perfect flavorings for theseHomemade Apple Cinnamon Wafflesfrom scratch. Warmth, comfort and so much yum! The whole family will enjoy these!
  • Apple Dumplings. Tart apples wrapped in a flaky biscuit, and smothered in a buttery vanilla sauce. Topped with crunchy cinnamon sugar, this is a super easy recipe that delivers on taste!
  • Homemade Applesauce. A simple, no-frills homemade applesauce recipe, that lets you control the sugar! Perfect for families of all sizes, make a big batch for all of you to enjoy!
  • Puff Pastry Apple Tart. A simple yet impressive dessert simple enough for weeknights, but fancy enough for holidays! This Puff Pastry Apple Tart takes just a few minutes to assemble, and 20 mins to bake!
  • Chai Spiced Apple Crisp. A new take on a traditional fall favorite, my Chai SpicedApple Crispcombines gorgeous chai flavors with apples, topped with a decadent, crunchy and buttery topping.
  • Apple Cinnamon Scones. Light and flaky apple cinnamon scones filled with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spices. These scones come together quickly with minimal ingredients and are perfect for grab and go breakfasts, or for mid morning/afternoon treats.
  • Applesauce Muffins. This yummy and easyApplesauce Muffins Recipeis a fantastic family snack. These muffins are flavored with applesauce and dipped in cinnamon sugar after baking for a tasty treat!

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Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (10)

Easy Fried Apples Recipe

4.97 from 31 votes

This Fried Apples Recipe is tart, sweet and has just the right amount of spice to make them a favorite side or dessert!

A delicious comfort food that everyone loves! Serve as a side, or as dessert (they are delicious over ice-cream).

Author: Kylee Ayotte

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Recommended Equipment

Yield: 6

Ingredients

Serving:

  • 6 scoops Vanilla Ice cream

Directions

Get prepped

  • Peel, core and slice the apples into even pieces.

Cook the apples

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Add the apples, cover, and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are soft. Stir often so they don’t burn.

Add remaining ingredients

  • Mix the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together in a bowl.

  • Add to the apples and stir. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and are syrupy.

Serve

  • Serve over ice-cream, or as a side.

Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @kyleecooks or tag #kyleecooks!

Video

Notes

Nutrition info does not include the optional ice cream.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 572IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

About Kylee Ayotte

I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Read More

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Comments

  1. Nancy Overby says

    Just like Grandma use to make on her wood burning stove. The Best❤️

    Reply

  2. Kathy R says

    As a true Southerner from North Carolina, we never put any spices in but a small dash of vanilla extract. And I would use much less sugar too (maybe 1/2 cup sugar max)for 6 apples and it be plenty sweet. We always had w/any pork dish and esp good with country ham and buttermilk biscuits! Thanks for sharing your version

    Reply

  3. Brenda says

    Very tasty! Made with no changes. Thank you Kylee!

    Reply

  4. Norma says

    Very good. Going to use this as filling for apple hand pies.

    Reply

  5. Kekeli Patbey says

    Easy and excellent! I used a little less sugar.

    Reply

Older Comments

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style) (2024)

FAQs

What meat goes with fried apples for dinner? ›

Easy Southern Fried Apples Recipe

They make the perfect side for fried pork chops, honey-baked ham, or scrambled eggs with smoked sausage.

What are two suitable methods of cooking apples? ›

Apples can be cooked down into sauce, apple butter, or fruit preserves. They can be baked in an oven and served with custard, and made into pies or apple crumble. In the UK roast pork is commonly served with cold apple sauce made from boiled and mashed apples. A baked apple is baked in an oven until it has become soft.

Who makes fried apples in a can? ›

Luck's Fried Apples with Cinnamon, 15 oz Can:

Authentic Southern taste. Canned fried apples are cholesterol and fat-free. Non-GMO.

How do you freeze fried apples? ›

Once your apples are cooked, they need to cool completely. Portion them up in small plastic containers, or individual freezer bags, then place them in your freezer. This way, they'll keep for up to 6 months. Fancy that crumble?

What meat does apple pair with? ›

Apples go really well with chicken, specifically fatty chicken that has a chance to release some of its schmaltz when cooked. Pork is another ideal apple pairing, and even red meat like a nice steak can benefit from a crunchy apple slaw.

What do you eat with fried apples? ›

Our Favorite Ways To Serve Fried Apples

One great thing about fried apples is that they can be paired with sweet or savory ingredients. Serve them alongside pork chops or chicken as a side dish. Use them to top oatmeal, French toast, or pancakes for breakfast.

What's the best cooking apple? ›

For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

How do you know when apples are cooked? ›

Method. Put the apples, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon in a small pan with 1 tbsp water. Cover and cook over a medium heat for 5-10 mins, or until the apples are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.

Do they sell fried apples at Cracker Barrel? ›

Sliced Fried Apples seasoned with cinnamon and baked in the oven. Packed hot and ready to serve. *May be cooked to order.

What are the ingredients in Margaret Holmes fried apples? ›

Apples, Water, Sugar, Ascorbic Acid (Preservative), Salt, Citric Acid (Preservative), Food Starch-Modified, Pectin.

Are canned fried apples the same as apple pie filling? ›

They're similar to apple pie filling in texture, but much less sugary and syrupy. The apple filling inside the can is much juicer and not as sticky as the liquid in apple pie filling.

Why are my fried apples mushy? ›

Do not overcook. You want firm to the touch, yet tender to the bite with just a tiny bit of resistance. Mushy fried apples are gross and if you do accidentally overcook them never admit defeat! Turn them into country fried applesauce and pretend that you totally meant to do that.

Can you freeze apples in a Ziploc bag? ›

The short answer is yes, apples may be frozen whole and with virtually no effort. Washed and wrapped in plastic or sealed in Ziploc bags to freeze, there is no quicker route from orchard to freezer.

How do you freeze apples so they don't turn brown? ›

Freeze Apple Slices

(It is best to keep the pieces rather large; the smaller cuts might get too mushy during the thawing process.) Once sliced, dip the apples in a bowl of water with a little lemon juice stirred in (about a tablespoon per gallon) to prevent browning.

Can you eat apple with meat? ›

Can you eat fruit with meat? Of course! It doesn't matter what the fruit or meat may be, it's up to you.

Can I eat apple with beef? ›

But to say that you aren't digesting properly by eating both meat and fruit together is simply untrue. Your meat will be digested first in the stomach and then in the small intestine. Some of your fruit will be digested in the small intestine, with the rest of it not needing any digestion at all.

Why do apples go well with pork? ›

When you combine the two worlds of flavors, they can help highlight and balance each other in the best ways. This is all too true in this amazing pork chop recipe. We are combining the sweetness of apples with the savory taste of onions and rosemary – a match made in heaven.

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