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Southern Fried Apples

Classic Southern comfort food featuring tender, caramelized apples cooked in butter with cinnamon and brown sugar - perfect as a side dish or dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fried Apples
  • 6 large Granny Smith apples peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.33 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.125 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp apple juice or water if needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Enhancements
  • 1 tbsp bourbon or rum
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans
  • 0.25 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 pinch ground ginger

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Apple peeler (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform 1/4-inch wedges for even cooking throughout.
  2. In large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it begins to foam but doesn't brown.
  3. Add brown sugar to melted butter and stir until dissolved and mixture begins to bubble gently.
  4. Carefully add apple slices to skillet in single layer. Don't overcrowd - cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt evenly over apples. Stir gently to coat with butter-sugar mixture.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but hold shape.
  7. If apples seem dry, add apple juice 1 tablespoon at a time. If too liquidy, increase heat and cook uncovered.
  8. Stir in vanilla extract during last 2 minutes. Add optional enhancements like bourbon or pecans now.
  9. Taste and adjust sweetness, spice, or seasoning as needed. Flavors concentrate as dish cools.
  10. Check that apples are fork-tender but not mushy, with glossy, caramelized coating on each piece.
  11. Let stand 2-3 minutes off heat to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken slightly.
  12. Serve immediately while warm, or keep covered on low heat until ready to serve.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for best texture and flavor balance. Can be made 3 days ahead and reheated. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.