Experience the comforting flavors of the South with these incredibly easy Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples. Crafted with just a few wholesome ingredients, this beloved recipe effortlessly transforms into a delightful side dish or a quick, satisfying dessert that will captivate your taste buds.
A Timeless Southern Tradition, Reinvented for the Modern Kitchen
Fried Apples hold a special place in Southern culinary heritage, a recipe cherished through generations for its simplicity and heartwarming taste. Growing up, these tender, sweet, and spiced apples were a staple, gracing our tables alongside hearty meals or serving as a standalone treat. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the comforting aroma it fills your home with. Traditionally, fried apples would simmer slowly on the stovetop, but with the advent of the Instant Pot, this classic comfort food is now more accessible than ever, allowing you to enjoy perfectly spiced, sweet, and tender apples in mere minutes.
The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process without compromising on the authentic Southern flavor. It creates an ideal environment for apples to soften beautifully while absorbing the rich blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whether you’re looking for a quick complement to your dinner or a hassle-free dessert, these Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples are a testament to how traditional flavors can be effortlessly integrated into today’s busy lifestyles. They are undeniably a crowd-pleaser, perfect for anyone looking to transform humble apples into something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples
Selecting the right apple variety is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance in your fried apples. We highly recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for this recipe. Their firm flesh holds up exceptionally well under the pressure cooking process, preventing them from turning mushy. Furthermore, their inherent tartness provides a delightful contrast to the sweet brown sugar and honey mixture, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Other excellent choices include Golden Delicious or Fuji apples, which offer a good balance of sweetness and firmness. While sweeter varieties can be used, be aware that they might become softer more quickly, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Avoid apples that are too soft or mealy, as they tend to break down too much, resulting in a less appealing consistency.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd or to ensure you have leftovers. Most Instant Pot models offer ample space to accommodate a double batch. When doubling the recipe, you’ll simply multiply all ingredient quantities by two. While the pressure cooking time typically doesn’t need a significant increase for a doubled amount of food in a pressure cooker, it’s a good idea to add an extra minute or two to ensure the apples reach your desired tenderness, especially if your apples are particularly large or firm. Always make sure not to fill your Instant Pot past its maximum fill line, which is usually marked on the inside of the pot.
Southern Fried Apples are wonderfully versatile, serving equally well as a comforting dessert or a savory side dish. As a dessert, they shine bright with simple toppings like a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce. Get creative by serving them alongside your favorite pancakes or waffles for a hearty breakfast, or tuck them into delicate crepes for an elegant brunch. When it comes to savory pairings, pork and apples are a match made in culinary heaven. These fried apples complement a wide array of pork dishes, from juicy pan-fried pork chops to succulent smoked pork tenderloin. They are also an exceptional accompaniment to a festive apple cider glazed ham. For a true taste of country cooking, serve them alongside classic fried chicken and warm, buttery cornbread. Don’t limit your imagination—these apples can even elevate roasted chicken or a simple sausage dish.
Whether or not to peel your apples is entirely a matter of personal preference and often a point of friendly debate among Southern cooks! There’s no right or wrong answer. Many traditional Southern restaurants leave the skins on, as they soften beautifully during the cooking process and add a lovely rustic texture. Furthermore, apple skins are packed with beneficial nutrients and fiber, making them a healthy addition. If you choose to leave the skins on, ensure your apples are thoroughly washed. However, if you prefer a smoother, more uniform texture, peeling is perfectly fine. I personally opt to peel them, but I encourage you to try both ways and decide which you enjoy most!
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled speed and convenience, you can certainly prepare delicious fried apples using a traditional stovetop method. To do so, begin by adding all the ingredients (except the cornstarch and water, which form the slurry) to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Whisk the liquid, sugar, and spices together until well combined. Then, add your sliced apples and stir gently to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the spiced liquid. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for approximately 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The apples are ready when they are softened and tender. Once cooked, create your cornstarch slurry in a small bowl, then stir it into the hot apple mixture. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This classic stovetop method yields equally delicious results, offering that slow-cooked, rich flavor that many adore.
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious fried apples for days to come. Once cooled completely, transfer the Instant Pot Fried Apples to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. To reheat, simply place your desired portion in the microwave and warm until heated through. Alternatively, you can gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat until simmering. For longer storage, cooked fried apples can also be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. These reheated apples are just as delicious as when they were freshly made, ready to be enjoyed as a side or dessert.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples
Crafting these delectable Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role in developing their signature sweet and spiced flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:
- Apple Juice: This is our base liquid, and it significantly enhances the natural apple flavor within the dish. While apple juice creates a richer, more profound taste, you can absolutely substitute it with water if apple juice isn’t readily available.
- Green Apples: As discussed, tart varieties like Granny Smith are highly recommended. Their firm texture withstands the pressure cooking process, ensuring the apples remain tender but not mushy. Avoid overly sweet or soft apples that tend to disintegrate during cooking, leading to a less desirable texture. Coring and slicing them uniformly will ensure even cooking.
- Brown Sugar: This is the primary sweetener, contributing a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples and the warmth of the spices. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference for intensity of flavor. Dark brown sugar will impart a slightly more robust, caramel-like note.
- Ground Cinnamon and Ground Nutmeg: These two spices are the heart of Southern fried apple flavor, providing a warm, aromatic profile. Cinnamon offers a sweet and woody note, while nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy sweetness. For convenience, or if you prefer a broader spice blend, you can substitute these two with an equal amount of good quality apple pie spice.
- Honey: While optional, a touch of honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and helps to create a slightly thicker, more luxurious sauce. Its floral notes complement the apples beautifully, and it contributes to the appealing glaze of the finished dish. If you’re vegan, you can omit it or use maple syrup.
- Cornstarch and Water: These two ingredients combine to form a cornstarch slurry, which is essential for thickening the liquid into a luscious sauce. Without it, your fried apples would be swimming in a thin, watery juice. The slurry ensures that the spiced apple syrup coats each apple slice beautifully, elevating the dish from simply cooked apples to a truly “fried” (meaning glazed and thickened) experience.
How to Make Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delicious Southern Fried Apples in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to achieve perfectly tender, spiced apples with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting dish:
- Prepare the Base: Begin by pouring the apple juice (or water) into the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. This liquid provides the necessary moisture for pressure cooking and prevents scorching.
- Add the Apples and Flavorings: Carefully add your cored and sliced apples on top of the apple juice. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional honey over the apple slices.
- Combine and Seal: Gently stir all the ingredients together, ensuring the apple slices are well coated with the spice and sugar mixture. Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Pressure Cook: Set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure and cook for just 2 minutes. This short cooking time is sufficient for tart apples to become tender without turning to mush.
- Quick Pressure Release: Once the 2 minutes of cooking are complete, immediately perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand back and allow all the steam to escape completely before opening the lid.
- Prepare the Slurry: While the apples are cooking or the pressure is releasing, create your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until no lumps remain and you have a smooth, thin paste.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the Instant Pot lid and pour the cornstarch slurry directly into the hot apple mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly. The residual heat from the apples and liquid should begin to thicken the sauce almost immediately. If it doesn’t thicken to your desired consistency, or if you prefer a thicker glaze, turn on the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” feature (on low) and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it becomes bubbly and thickened. This usually takes only 1-2 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Your Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm, allowing the rich aromas to fill your kitchen.
Serve warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience. They are also fantastic layered over your favorite fluffy pancakes for a weekend breakfast or gently rolled into delicate crepes for a special treat. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the South!
Want More Delicious Apple Recipes?
If you love the sweet and spiced flavors of these Southern Fried Apples, you’ll certainly enjoy exploring other apple-centric delights. Here are some more tempting recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Air Fryer Fried Apples
- Slow Cooker Apple Butter
- Crock Pot Caramel Apple Dip
- Apple Slab Pie
- Southern Fried Apples (Stovetop Version)
- 40 Fall Apple Recipes
Instant Pot Southern Fried Apples
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10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
8
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple juice (you can use water if you don’t have apple juice)
- 5 large green apples, cored and sliced (you can keep the skin on if you prefer)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (you can use light or dark brown)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons honey (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- Add the apple juice into the bottom of the instant pot. Then add in the apples.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey on top of the apple slices.
- Stir to combine and close the lid. Turn the steam valve to sealed.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 2 minutes. After the 2 minutes are completed, turn the steam valve to quickly release the pressure.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Remove the lid and pour in the cornstarch slurry and gently stir. It should start to thicken, but if not, turn on the pot’s sauté feature until it is bubbly and thickened.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or over ice cream. Great over your favorite pancakes or rolled up in a crepe too! Enjoy!
Notes
- Note: You can toss the apple slices in about a Tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and prevent them from turning brown as you slice them. This is optional.
- Use your favorite apples; tart varieties are generally best – we like to use Granny Smith.
- This dish is fantastic as a dessert but also pairs exceptionally well with various pork dishes.
- You can choose to leave the apple skins on or remove them based on your preference.
- For a slightly different spice profile, you can use apple pie spice as a substitute for the cinnamon and nutmeg blend.
Dessert, Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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