Preparing Southern Fried Apples can be a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to create this incredible dish:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges.
2. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
3. Add the Apples: Place the sliced apples into the skillet and toss them gently to coat with butter.
4. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
5. Sprinkle the Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the apples in the skillet.
6. Stir Well: Stir the apples gently to combine everything evenly and ensure they are coated with the mixture.
7. Cook the Apples: Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
8. Add Vanilla (Optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice if you’re using it.
9. Remove from Heat: Once the apples are soft and beautifully glazed, remove them from the heat.
10. Serve Warm: Transfer the fried apples to a serving dish.

It’s that easy to make a batch of Southern Fried Apples that everyone will love!