Lintukoto Homestead

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These easy fried apples are a Southern tradition. The Granny Smith apples give this recipe a tart bite which pairs well with the sweetness of dark brown sugar and cinnamon.

History of Fried Apples

Fried apples date back to the Depression, when fruit was difficult to come by, but apple trees were plentiful on family farms. It was traditionally considered a breakfast treat, but is now often served as a side dish during apple season.

Apple season where we live usually runs from June through December. During this time my family stocks up on apples, especially Granny Smith. Because apple season typically coincides with fall, fried apples are a dish that have always made an appearance on my family’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table. In order to enjoy this dish year round, we will often make a large batch of fried apples after our apple harvest and freeze them in Ziploc bags to pull out during the spring and summer months.

Why Use Lard?

This recipe came from my mom and originally used butter. I had to alter this recipe to make it dairy free for my son’s cow’s milk protein allergy. You can still use butter in this recipe if you prefer, but using lard does come with additional benefits.

Lard is a healthy fat. It is full of B vitamins which are essential for energy and immune health. Lard is much higher in vitamin D than butter, which promotes bone health, immune function, and emotional regulation. We cook with lard often in our house and it is a versatile fat to have on hand in your kitchen if you have a good, local source.

How to Make Southern Fried Apples

To make these fried apples, start by melting 4 Tbsp of lard or butter in a medium skillet. While the lard or butter melts, start peeling, coring, and slicing 6-8 medium Granny Smith apples. I love my hand crank apple peeler/corer. This especially comes in handy when we are processing large amounts of apples to freeze.

Add your peeled and sliced apples into a medium skillet. Fry on medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.

Once apples are tender, remove from heat and add 1/2 c packed dark brown sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Stir and serve.

Little Cooks Corner

Little chefs ages 3 and up can assist with this recipe by peeling and slicing the apples using a Montessori knife. Little helpers age 3 and up may help with measuring and stirring in brown sugar and cinnamon. Just be careful, as the pan may be hot! Learn more about cooking with toddlers here.

Feedback

What did you serve your Southern fried apples with? Let me know in the comments!

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Easy and Delicious Southern Fried Apples

Author: Sarah Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:Southern Courses:Sides

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 10 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 15 minutesServings: servingsCalories: kcal Best Season:Fall

Description

These easy fried apples are a Southern tradition. The Granny Smith apples give this recipe a tart bite which pairs well with the sweetness of dark brown sugar and cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp lard or butter
• 6-8 medium Granny Smith apples
• 1/2 c packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Melt lard or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. While lard or butter melts, peel, core, and slice apples. Add your apples to the skillet.
3. Fry over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Remove apples from heat and stir in dark brown sugar and cinnamon.

Video

Keywords:side dish, easy side dish, fried apples, southern fried apples, holiday sides, Thanksgiving sides