This Fried Apples Recipe is a tender and syrupy recipe, which is made with sweet Golden Delicious apples and rich brown sugar. It’s a classic Southern side dish, ready in about 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeFried Apples Recipe Ingredients
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 4 golden delicious apples, peeled + sliced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
How To Make Fried Apples Recipe
- Melt the butter: Get a skillet warm over medium heat. Drop in the salted butter and let it melt all the way until it starts to foam slightly.
- Add the apples and lemon juice: Toss in the peeled apple slices. Drizzle immediately with the lemon juice. Stir a bit to coat everything in the butter and acid, which prevents browning.
- Sweeten things up: Sprinkle in the brown sugar and salt. Stir again so everything is glossy and the sugar begins to dissolve into the butter.
- Cover and simmer: Turn the heat low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Stir now and then to ensure even cooking. The apples should be tender, not mushy.
- Add the spices: Take the lid off. Add the cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir gently to distribute the spices without breaking the apple slices. Done.
- Serve warm: Serve immediately on their own, over waffles, or next to pork — whatever feels right.
Recipe Tips
- Apple Selection: Golden Delicious apples are the gold standard for fried apples because they hold their shape well when cooked and have a thin skin (though we peel them here). Granny Smith is a good alternative if you prefer a tart contrast to the brown sugar.
- Slicing Uniformity: Cut your apple slices to the same thickness (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch). If some are thick and others thin, you will end up with a mix of mushy and crunchy apples.
- Don’t skip the salt: The 1/8 teaspoon of salt might seem odd in a sweet dish, but it is crucial. It creates a salted caramel effect with the butter and brown sugar that elevates the flavor profile significantly.
- Pan Choice: A cast-iron skillet is traditional and excellent for even heat distribution, preventing the sugar syrup from scorching spots on the pan.
What To Serve With Fried Apples
Fried apples straddle the line between side dish and dessert, making them incredibly versatile.
- Pork Chops: The sweetness pairs perfectly with savory, salty pork.
- Breakfast: Spoon over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Dessert: Serve warm in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Biscuits: A classic Southern breakfast side.
How To Store Fried Apples Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The syrup may thicken when cold.
- Reheat: Warm them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until the butter and sugar melt again.
- Freeze: You can freeze fried apples for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Note that the texture will be much softer upon reheating.
Fried Apples Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.
FAQs
For the traditional “fried apple” texture, yes, peeling is recommended. The skin can become tough and separate from the flesh during the simmering process. However, if you like the rustic texture, you can leave them on.
You can, but brown sugar contains molasses which gives the dish its signature caramel color and deep toffee flavor. White sugar will result in a lighter, simpler sweetness.
If the apples turned to applesauce, they were either sliced too thin, cooked too long, or you used a softer apple variety like McIntosh or Red Delicious which break down easily under heat.
Fried Apples Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: Southern AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes180
kcalA comforting Southern classic featuring tender apple slices simmered in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
4 tbsp salted butter
4 golden delicious apples, peeled + sliced
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
⅛ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Directions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add apple slices and lemon juice; toss to coat.
- Stir in brown sugar and salt.
- Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover, stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Serving: These are best served warm right out of the pan when the sauce is glossy.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice not only prevents browning but adds a necessary acid to cut the sweetness.
- Spice: Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor.
