Fried apples are a Southern tradition, but they may not be what you think. They’re not breaded, battered, or dunked in a deep fryer. Instead, they’re simmered low and slow in a buttery cinnamon-sugar syrup until tender and glossy. And here’s another Southern twist I love: fried apples aren’t just for dessert! Oh no, they’re equally at home spooned over ham, chicken, pork, waffles, pancakes, or anytime you need a sweet sidekick on your plate. My fried apple recipe is absurdly easy, dangerously delicious, and 100% comfort in a skillet!
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Buttery Spiced Pan Fried Apples
Think of these Southern fried apples like apple pie filling without the crust or the stress. Instead of making something that takes planning ahead, I can whip these up whenever I’ve got a few apples sitting on the counter. With only six ingredients, including the apples, butter, sugar, and spices, you get the same warm, spiced comfort in about 25 minutes of simmering on the stove! Oh, and don’t even get me started on how incredible the kitchen smells while they’re cooking. These easy fried apples taste and smell just like fall. 🤤
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- I cover my skillet with a lid (or foil if there’s no lid) while cooking the apples over low heat. This allows them to steam while they cook, helping them become tender without burning.
- Go ahead and adjust the spices to your liking! I went with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to infuse my apples with the same flavor I grew up loving in homemade pies and cobblers. However, you can use pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, ground ginger, clove, cardamom, or any warm fall spices you’ve got!
- Some apple wedges will be firmer, and some wedges will be soft. This is normal and a nice contrast in textures. Cook your apples to your preference. Just don’t cook them for too long, or they’ll all get mushy!
Fried Apples
Cost $5.14 recipe / $1.29 serving
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, $0.99)
- 5 Granny Smith apples (peeled and medium wedge, (5 cups cut, 1060g uncut) $3.83*)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g, $0.21**)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon ($0.09)
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg ($0.01)
- ⅛ tsp salt ($0.01)
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- Melt the butter on low heat in the cast-iron skillet (or medium skillet).
- While the butter is melting, peel and cut the apples into medium-sized wedges.
- Add the cut apples to the melted butter. Lid the skillet and cook on low for 15 minutes. (I used tin foil because I did not have a lid).
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt on top of the apples and stir to coat. Spread out evenly to fit the skillet.
- Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and the apples are tender.
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Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (or medium skillet with a lid)
- Foil (if no lid)
Notes
Nutrition
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Gather all of your ingredients.
Melt the butter: Add ½ cup butter to a cast-iron skillet (or medium skillet) and melt it over low heat.
Prep the apples: Meanwhile, peel and slice 5 Granny Smith apples into medium-sized wedges.
Cook: Once the butter is melted and all the apples are prepped, add the cut apples to the melted butter. Cover the skillet with a lid (or tin foil if you don’t have a lid) and cook on low for 15 minutes.
Add the sugar and spices: After 15 minutes, remove the lid/foil and gently mix in ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ⅛ tsp nutmeg, and ⅛ tsp salt. Spread the apples out evenly in the skillet.
Finish cooking: Keep cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the butter sauce becomes syrupy. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Fried Apples
This recipe for fried apples isn’t just for dessert with a scoop of ice cream (though that’s hard to beat). They’re also delicious served alongside pork, with our air-fried pork chops or baked ham being some of my favorites. I also like them with roasted chicken for another savory-sweet combo! But of course, they’re also perfect for serving at breakfast. Try these soft apples with plain yogurt and granola, waffles, or spooned onto a stack of homemade apple cinnamon pancakes!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. I suggest reheating them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for 30 second-1 minute intervals, stirring often. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months, though they can become mushy once thawed! Let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
