Southern Fried Apples

Southern Fried Apples are a simple side dish or light dessert, and they're ready in 15 minutes! Cinnamon, sugar and butter turn the fresh fruit into a delicious, down-home treat!

September and October are the HEIGHT of apple season here in Central Virginia, so the fruit makes an appearance at almost every meal of the day. I'll take any excuse that I can get to enjoy some sweet Southern Fried Apples, so I treat them as a side dish alongside my 4-Ingredient Pork Loin Roast or with a Dump-and-Bake Sausage and Cabbage Dinner.

But you know what? They're equally good at breakfast with Dump-and-Bake Buttermilk Pancakes, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert. Again...apples...all day, every day!

What are the best apples to fry?

I recommend using Granny Smith apples for this recipe. They have the perfect sweet-and-tart flavor to contrast with the warm, buttery cinnamon sauce and they hold up really well in the cooking process. The firm Granny Smith apples won't turn to mush in the skillet, and instead will maintain that tender "bite" characteristic of the best fried apples!

How to make Fried Apples with cinnamon:

These simple skillet apples only require a handful of pantry staples -- and they taste just like the fried apples that you love from Cracker Barrel!

Ingredients for Fried Apples:

• Granny Smith apples
• Butter
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

First, peel and slice the apples.

Next, melt butter in a large, heavy skillet (cast iron works perfectly!), and then add the sugar, cinnamon and salt.

Stir in the apple slices, cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium-low heat, and you're done! As the sugar cooks in with the butter and the apples release some juices, you'll be left with this amazing syrup that coats your Southern Fried Apples.

It's heaven, I tell ya!

What to serve with Fried Apples:

Whether you enjoy the fried apples as a side dish this season or as a simple dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, I hope that you'll give one of our favorite Virginia treats a try! Here are a few delicious entrées that go well with the cinnamon apples:

• Stuffed Pork Chops
• Easy Maple-Glazed Roasted Turkey Breast
• 4-Ingredient Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Crispy Roast Chicken with Vegetables
• Dump-and-Bake Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes
• 4-Ingredient Pork Loin Roast
• Southern Bourbon-Glazed Beef Tenderloin

Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations:

• While we prefer Granny Smith apples in this recipe, you can also use another firm baking variety -- including Honey Crisp, Braeburn or Pink Lady. Or try a combination of your favorites!
• The buttery cinnamon sauce will create a thin glaze on your apples. There will be extra sauce in the dish, so serve with a slotted spoon or spatula. If you prefer a thick sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by stirring together ½ teaspoon cornstarch with ½ teaspoon cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet during the final 2 minutes. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens.
• Make sure to slice the apples into even pieces so that they cook evenly as well!
• Love more warm spices? Try adding a dash of nutmeg or use the blend of apple pie seasoning for extra flavor.
• For a touch of tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the melted butter mixture.
• Can you freeze Southern Fried Apples? Yes! You can definitely freeze these apples, but they will have a slightly mushy texture when thawed. To freeze, allow apples to cool to room temperature. Seal in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, and the apples will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• How long can fried apples sit out on the counter? These apples can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that time period, you will need to freeze or refrigerate the apples.
• How long will fried apples last? The apples will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat fried apples: Place the apples and sauce in a saucepan or skillet and cook over low heat, just until warmed through. Alternatively, place the apples and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and cook in the microwave just until warm.

Looking for other easy apple recipes? Try these favorites:

• Healthy Apple Crisp Yogurt Parfait
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter
• Mom's Apple Walnut Cake with Caramel Glaze
• Dump-and-Bake Sausage, Apples and Sweet Potatoes
• Apple Pie Protein Smoothie
• Mom's Easy Apple Pie
• 4-Ingredient Cream Cheese Apple Dip

Print Pin

5 from 3 votes

Southern Fried Apples

Southern Fried Apples are a simple side dish or light dessert, and they're ready in 15 minutes! Cinnamon, sugar and butter turn the fresh fruit into a delicious, down-home treat!

Course Dessert, Side

Cuisine Southern

Keyword fresh apple recipes, fried apples, southern fried apples

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

0 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 4 - 6 servings

Calories 229.8kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

• Peel, core and slice the apples. Set aside.
• Melt butter over medium-low heat in a large, heavy skillet. Add sugar, cinnamon and salt; stir to combine.
• Add apples and cook, stirring regularly, until just tender (about 8-10 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the apples, or they will become mushy. You want them to be firm to the touch, but a bit tender on the inside.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

• While we prefer Granny Smith apples in this recipe, you can also use another firm baking variety -- including Honey Crisp, Braeburn or Pink Lady. Or try a combination of your favorites!
• The buttery cinnamon sauce will create a thin glaze on your apples. There will be extra sauce in the dish, so serve with a slotted spoon or spatula. If you prefer a thick sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by stirring together ½ teaspoon cornstarch with ½ teaspoon cold water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet during the final 2 minutes. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens.
• Make sure to slice the apples into even pieces so that they cook evenly as well!
• Love more warm spices? Try adding a dash of nutmeg or use the blend of apple pie seasoning for extra flavor.
• For a touch of tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the melted butter mixture.
• Can you freeze Southern Fried Apples? Yes! You can definitely freeze these apples, but they will have a slightly mushy texture when thawed. To freeze, allow apples to cool to room temperature. Seal in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, and the apples will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• How long can fried apples sit out on the counter? These apples can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that time period, you will need to freeze or refrigerate the apples.
• How long will fried apples last? The apples will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat fried apples: Place the apples and sauce in a saucepan or skillet and cook over low heat, just until warmed through. Alternatively, place the apples and sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and cook in the microwave just until warm.
• Serving a larger family? Just multiply the recipe to prepare as many apples as you need. You can fry them in batches.
• Cooking just for two? Cut the ingredients in half and prepare a smaller portion of apples.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the fried apples and sauce | Calories: 229.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.7g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 11.7g | Saturated Fat: 7.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 180.1mg | Potassium: 135.3mg | Fiber: 3.1g | Sugar: 29.3g

This recipe was originally published in September, 2017. It was updated in October, 2019.