Fried apple recipe – the perfect bite

What is fried apple?

This classic Southern dish doesn’t require fried foods like chicken or okra. Instead, fresh apple slices are simmered in butter, sugar, and warm holiday spices to make this Cracker Barrel fried apple imitation. As the apples cook, they soften and caramelize, revealing a sweet, tangy, golden, slightly sticky glaze.

recipe ingredients

1. apple – Fresh, ripe apples, peeled or unpeeled, are the main ingredients here. You can use any variety you like. My favorite is the Granny Smith apple, but Golden Delicious offers a sweeter sauce. 🍎
2. unsalted butter A rich and delicious oil for “frying” apples.
3. spices – Brown sugar and cinnamon are classic flavor enhancers. Granulated sugar softens the flavor of molasses, but both can be replaced with light brown sugar. with nutmeg vanilla essence Adds even more flavor.
4. corn starch Thicken the butter sauce to cover the apples.
5. lemon juice – This ingredient prevents the apples from browning after cutting and before frying.

How to fry apples

• apple – Peel, core and slice the apples into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. To prevent discoloration, toss with lemon juice immediately after slicing. (Photos 1-2)
• melt In a large cast-iron skillet or sauté pan, heat butter on medium. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). (Photos 3-4)
• glaze – Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted. Stir until well combined and a syrupy glaze forms. This will take 2-3 minutes.
• option – For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. (Photos 5-7)
• coat apple – Add the prepared apple slices and vanilla to the pan and toss gently to coat in the syrupy mixture. (Photo 8)
• fry – Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes or until apples are soft and sauce is slightly thickened. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the apple slices.
• serve – Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Recipe variations

1. Add half a shot of bourbon or rum for even more depth of flavor. You can also add a unique twist by substituting maple syrup for sugar.
2. Instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg, use an apple pie spice blend to add notes of allspice and cloves. The apple tastes like a classic apple pie filling. Perfect for a dessert sensation! 🥧
3. Add chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking for added texture and flavor. Lightly toasting creates a pleasant crunch.
4. Make a surprisingly easy apple pie by filling fried apple pie or regular pie crust with this delicious recipe.

tips and tricks

1. Peeling the apple is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutritional value, but can affect the smoothness of the sauce.
2. Slice the apple into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly. Evenly cut wedges or small cubes also work well.
3. If you want a richer flavor, consider caramelizing the butter and sugar before adding the apples to enhance the overall flavor. 🤎
4. Brown sugar hack. To make brown sugar, add 1 teaspoon of molasses to 1/4 cup of white sugar. For dark brown sugar, add 1 tablespoon of molasses.

How to prepare and store

Make a double batch and refrigerate the extra cooked apples in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze fried apples in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for 3 to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm or serve chilled.

What goes with fried apples

Serve fried apples with breakfast dishes such as waffles. French toast Or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair with flavorful dinner dishes. roast turkey or pork. Also, breakfast charcuterie board. 🤤

More apple flavored recipes to try

1. pecan apple salad
2. apple cinnamon muffins
3. apple brown betty
4. fried apple pie
5. dutch apple pie

by Imma