Easy Southern Fried Apples Recipe with Cinnamon

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I thoroughly enjoy cooking Southern Fried Apples. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in their combination of cinnamon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the savory touch of butter. The process is incredibly simple, requiring minimal preparation. Come along as I reveal some helpful tips and tricks to make preparing this fried apples recipe both effortless and enjoyable.

The Joy of Crafting Simple Southern Fried Apples

​Although Southern Fried Apples is a Southern dish, this is one dish I do not remember growing up eating as a kid. It wasn’t until I was married that I remember eating this dish. I can remember this dish being on menus at a few of my favorite Southern restaurants as a side dish. Similar to Cracker Barrel Fried Apples that they serve.

I’ve always had a desire to replicate it, especially when we find ourselves with an excess of apples nearing their expiration. During such times, I desired to come up with a recipe that allows me to make the most of these apples before they spoil.

This is how the foundation for this recipe began to take shape, with me experimenting and fine-tuning the process of making Southern Fried Apples. 

Since then I have made this recipe quite often through the years and have fine-tuned it. It is such an easy recipe to make and a great way to use up an abundance of apples, especially during apple season. 

Why I Love Making this Cinnamon Fried Apple Dish

The delightful blend of warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter creates a perfect harmony for my taste buds. Crafting these sweet Southern Fried Apples is a breeze, making it a quick and easy side dish.

This versatile recipe can play a dual role, serving as either a side dish or a dessert, suitable for dinner, snack, or breakfast. For instance, pair it with pork chops as a savory side or elevate your breakfast by topping pancakes, hot buttermilk biscuits, or French toast with this delicious dish. Serve it on top of a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. 

Fried Apples Vs. Baked Cinnamon Apples

​You may be wondering, what is the difference between baked cinnamon apples and fried apples? The simple answer is how they are cooked.

Both the Easy Baked Cinnamon and Sugar Apples and Southern Fried Apples are exceptionally simple and uncomplicated recipes. While Southern Fried Apples are cooked in a skillet on a stovetop, baked apples are cooked in a baking dish in the oven. Both approaches are refreshingly straightforward to execute. 

If you want to know how to make our version of baked cinnamon apples, click the link above for our yummy recipe. 

Delicious Side Dish or Dessert?

You might find yourself wondering, is this recipe intended as a side dish or dessert? Well, brace yourself for more confusion. In the South, it’s common for many dishes to be categorized as sides or (vegetables), which might not align with this classification in other parts of the United States. 

For instance, this Old Fashioned Southern Sweet potato Casserole is sometimes served as a side dish. 

When dining at a diner or a Southern-style restaurant specializing in country cooking, particularly those following the “meat and three” tradition, you’ll notice side dishes often labeled as vegetables, even when they aren’t conventionally vegetables. Examples include Southern Mac and Cheese or corn pudding.

A notable illustration is Cracker Barrel, where fried apples are served as a side dish rather than a dessert.

Easy Fried Apple Recipe: Family Fun in Every Bite

Heading to an apple orchard near where they grow the best apples can be a super fun outing for the whole family. Whether it’s just a day trip or you make a weekend of it, picking apples is not just about enjoying the great outdoors – it’s also a cool way to teach the kids where their food comes from.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Let’s cover the simple ingredients needed to make this recipe

​Ingredients for Fried Apples Recipe

• Apples: The best apples for baking are those that maintain their texture, flavor, and sweetness when cooked. We go into a bit more detail about the apple variety down below.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a key ingredient and adds warmth to this dish as well as an aromatic fragrance.
• Sugar: Brown sugar is a type of sugar characterized by its brown color and unique flavor. This is distinct from the simple sweetness of white sugar. This product is made from white granulated sugar combined with varying amounts of molasses. Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar may be substituted for a more natural approach.
• Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor to the baked apples. This complements the natural sweetness of the fruit. This buttery flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish, making it more delicious and satisfying.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy, and slightly citrusy flavor to the baked apples. This acidity provides a pleasing contrast to the natural sweetness of the apples. It also keeps them from oxidizing (turning brown). 
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract contributes a warm, sweet, and floral flavor to the baked apples.
• Sea Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of a dish by amplifying and balancing other tastes. A pinch of salt can help bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit. This makes the dish taste even sweeter without being cloying. It also complements the warmth of spices like cinnamon and the richness of ingredients like butter.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch will help tighten up (thicken the dish.) The apples will release moisture and this will create a thick sauce.

See the recipe card at the bottom for the amounts

​Apple Variety

One of the most important decisions when making this recipe is the apple variety you will use. Many people like to use tart apples such as Granny Smith apples or Pink Lady. 

Here are some of the best apples for baking:

1. Granny Smith: These green apples are known for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well in baking. They add a nice contrast to sweet desserts.
2. Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, making them a great choice for baking. They add a pleasant sweetness to desserts without becoming overly mushy.
3. Cortland: Cortland apples have a sweet-tart flavor and are slow to brown when sliced, making them ideal for apple slices in pies and other baked treats.
4. Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples are sweet and slightly tart with a firm texture. They hold their shape well in baking and add a nice flavor to pies and crisps.
5. Gala: While Gala apples are primarily known as eating apples, they can also be used in baking when you want a sweeter flavor profile. They work well in apple cakes and muffins. 
6. Honey crisp: Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, making them a popular choice for baking. They maintain their shape and add a pleasant sweetness to baked goods.
7. Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a hybrid of Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples. They have a sweet-tart flavor and hold their shape when baked, making them excellent for pies and crisps.
8. Braeburn: Braeburn apples have a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture, making them suitable for various baked goods like pies, tarts, and crisps.

Note: Remember that the best apples for baking can vary depending on personal preference and the specific dish you’re making. Mixing different apple varieties can also create a unique flavor and texture in your baked goods. Experimentation is encouraged to find the perfect apple for your favorite recipes.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having covered the different types of apples, let’s now discuss the necessary equipment.

• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon or Mixing Spoon
• Measuring Spoon
• Large Skillet- I prefer to use a large cast iron skillet when making this dish. The reason is that cast iron has evening heating which creates uniform cooking. It also has excellent heat retention. I believe cast iron enhances the flavor of the dishes you cook due to the cast iron itself and the seasoning of the pan. Cast iron is also very versatile meaning you could cook this dish over the campfire in a cast iron pan if you prefer, you could cook it in the oven, or on any type of burner or stovetop. 

Note: Check out our Kitchen Essentials Page for recommended brands of equipment you will need.

Now let me say that if you do not have a Large Cast Iron skillet, do not fret, any large durable skillet or frying pan will do. If you have a stainless steel or a non-stick skillet, they will work fine. 

• Apple Peeler-For years I have used this apple peeler to peel my apples and other hard fruit. At some point, the company has changed names but this is the exact one that I have. It works wonderfully and it does a quick job of peeling when you have a lot of fruit. When our kids were younger, I bought this peeler to peel fruit to make baby food for them and then I canned it.  

I have used it for many years now and it has held up to the test of time. It is used almost weekly in our house.

If you do not have one of these, a hand peeler or simply a pairing knife will work, it just takes a little more time to do it. 

How To Make Southern Fried Apples Recipe

​Step-by-step instructions

• Wash and peel the apples (Optional) with a sharp knife, vegetable peeler, or apple peeler. 

• Core the apples and cut the apples in slices.  

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt.

• In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add in the vanilla extract and mix the two. 

• Toss apples with a little bit of lemon juice then place the apples in the skillet.
• Pour melted butter-vanilla extract over the apples to coat them.

• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
• Cut the burner onto medium heat to medium-low heat.
• Use the wooden spoon to continuously stir the apples until you have tender apples. 

​Watch Our Video on how to Make Southern Fried Apples

Variations

​This recipe can be baked in the oven in a cast iron skillet or a baking dish. 

What to Serve Fried Apples With

1. Pork Chops or Roast Pork: The sweet and savory flavors of Southern Fried Apples pair exceptionally well with pork dishes.
2. Biscuits or Cornbread: Serve the fried apples alongside biscuits or cornbread for a comforting and delicious combination.
3. Pancakes or Waffles: Elevate your breakfast by topping pancakes or waffles with a generous serving of Southern Fried Apples.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn the fried apples into a delightful dessert by serving them warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. French Toast: Enhance the flavor of your French toast by adding a layer of Southern Fried Apples on top.
6. Grilled or Baked Chicken: The sweetness of the apples can balance the savory notes of grilled chicken, creating a tasty contrast.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer the fried apples with yogurt and granola for a delicious and wholesome parfait.
8. Cheese Plate: Use the fried apples as a sweet component on a cheese platter, offering a contrast to the savory cheeses.

FAQ’s

​​Let’s Get Food Junked!

This is one of my favorite apple recipes and I love to know how these Easy Southern Fried Apples Recipe turn out for you. Leave me a comment below! I’d love to hear from you!