This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Full Disclosure Policy.
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 in a cast iron skillet](https://www.kyleecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Southern-Fried-Apples-Recipe-12.jpg)
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!
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
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!
Stored properly, in a covered container in the refrigerator, your apples will be good for about 5 days.
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
- 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.
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.
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.
More delicious Apple Recipes
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls. A delicious new take on an old favorite, these caramel apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for sharing (or not!)
- Apple Cinnamon Waffles. Apples and Cinnamon are the perfect flavorings for these Homemade Apple Cinnamon Waffles from 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 Spiced Apple Crisp combines 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 easy Applesauce Muffins Recipe is a fantastic family snack. These muffins are flavored with applesauce and dipped in cinnamon sugar after baking for a tasty treat!
Get free recipes in your inbox!
Find me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram.
If you make this recipe, please comment and let me know how it turned out and leave a star rating!
Easy Fried Apples Recipe
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 6 apples (Granny Smith)
- ½ cup granulated white sugar (granulated, white)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
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.
Rob Sullivan says
Thanks so much for sharing recipe, I am not a very good cook although I like to cook,living alone I get tired of eating out and just decided to cook for myself,got myself a iron skillet and a instant pot and some recipes.
Sherry says
Made recipe like this one but added honey in place of the sugars. Tasted great!
Jodie Johnson says
Hello Sherry,
I see where you used honey rather than all of the sugars in this apple recipe. I would love to know how much honey you replaced the sugars with.
I prefer honey over sugar in my coffee as well. Thank you in advance!
Karen says
This recipe is the bomb!! I’ve been cooking since I was 8 or younger and I’m almost 58. That being said the ingredients to this recipe are spot on. The only difference I made is I didn’t cover them. We like our fried apples carameliized so I don’t cover them and keep cooking them until they’re sticky like. This is how all the older generation fixed them. I would strongly suggest trying them this way.
Fantastic recipe!!
Thanks Kyleee
Courtney says
Made this tonight as a side and they tasted great
Franny fra says
Thank you ,I can’t wait to try them. I think I’m going to wrap in croissants and maybe a little bit for the top.