Can I make fried apples without sugar?

Yes! The natural sweetness of ripe apples can be enough, especially if you're using sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala. You can also substitute maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free alternative.

Why did my apples turn to mush?

This typically happens when using softer apple varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, or when cooking for too long. Stick with firmer apples and keep a close eye on cooking time to maintain that perfect texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What's the difference between fried apples and apple pie filling?

Fried apples are simpler, with no thickeners like cornstarch or flour that you'd find in pie filling. They're meant to have a looser sauce rather than the gel-like consistency of pie filling.

Southern-Style Fried Apples Recipe

Description

This Fried Apples recipe is a delicious and versatile side dish or dessert. Sweetened with a blend of granulated and brown sugar, combined with warm ground cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice for balance, these tender fried apples are both easy to make and utterly irresistible. Perfectly cooked to maintain their shape while being tender, they make a wonderful topping, snack, or accompaniment to savory dishes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Core Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams, 1/2 stick)
6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples (678 grams, about 5 apples)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (27 grams)
1/2 lemon, juiced

Seasonings:

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams, optional)

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Instructions

Melt the Butter:
In a large heavy skillet, heat the butter over medium-low heat until melted. The melted butter acts as the cooking base and provides richness to the apples.
Add Ingredients and Cook:
Add all the remaining ingredients – the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and optionally, ground cinnamon. Cook the mixture uncovered for about 8-10 minutes.
Turn the Apples:
Carefully turn the apples every 2 minutes using a spatula. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking to the skillet. The apples should become tender while maintaining a slight bite and holding their shape. Be cautious not to overcook, as they may turn mushy.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Apple Varieties: If you don’t have Jonathan apples, try Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples for a similar result. Adjust sweetness if using a tart apple variety.
Serving Ideas: Fried apples pair beautifully with pancakes, waffles, roasted pork, or vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 221 kcal
Sugar: 33g
Sodium: 73mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg