Go Back
Old-Fashioned Fried Apple Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Old-Fashioned Fried Apples

Tender apple wedges simmer in butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and cinnamon until coated in a glossy syrup. Serve this cozy Southern favorite warm as a side dish, breakfast topping, or simple dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 4 large Firm apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
Optional Ingredients
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1 small pinch Salt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch wedges. Keep the slices as even as possible so they soften at a similar rate.
  2. Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and cinnamon. Stir gently to coat the apple slices without breaking them.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and continue cooking until the apples are tender and the butter mixture has thickened into a syrup.
  5. Serve the fried apples warm as a side dish or spoon them over biscuits, pancakes, waffles, pork, or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Choose firm, slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Fold gently rather than stirring aggressively so the wedges remain intact. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.