Fried Apples

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!
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.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 5 Granny Smith apples (peeled and medium wedge, (5 cups cut, 1060g uncut)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
