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Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Southern Fried Apples

Southern fried apples are a quintessential comfort food that brings the warmth of a classic American kitchen to your table. This simple dish transforms humble apples into a caramelized masterpiece that tastes exactly like the heart of a homemade apple pie.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced into even wedges
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark both work well
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 splash lemon juice optional, to maintain brightness

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Apple Peeler
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into thin, even slices to ensure they cook at the same rate.
    4 large apples
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it begins to bubble slightly.
    3 tablespoons butter
  3. Add the prepared apple slices to the skillet and sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top.
    4 large apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. Cook the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to become tender and the sugar to transform into a thick, golden syrup.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Serve while warm.
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch salt

Notes

To achieve the best texture, choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp which hold their shape well. Using a cast-iron skillet is highly recommended as it provides even heat distribution for superior caramelization.