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Easy Southern Fried Apples Recipe (Quick & Delicious)

Easy Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Firm apples gently cooked in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create a tender, glossy Southern-style side dish. It is ready in about 25 minutes and serves four.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium apples, about 1 1/2 pounds Firm apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or a combination
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons Water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Peel the apples if desired, remove the cores, and cut them into even 1/4- to 1/2-inch wedges or slices.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the apples are evenly coated.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
  5. Remove the lid and cook for 1-2 additional minutes so the butter-sugar mixture can thicken slightly.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Serve the apples warm.

Notes

Slice the apples evenly and avoid overcooking them. For a deeper apple flavor, replace 1 tablespoon of the water with apple cider.