When I’m craving a bit of fall flavor right this second, I make these fried apples. They’re super quick to cook in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, and the ingredients list is short and sweet. I love to grab my favorite apples, toss them with some butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and enjoy this comforting snack. It tastes great with breakfast, dinner, or dessert!
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I have such fond memories of my mom cooking up fried apples just as soon as we got home from apple picking. This is a great snack or dessert that feels super indulgent but is actually pretty healthy. These fried apples taste like my favorite apple pie filling, but they’re way easier to make!
What’s in This Fried Apples Recipe?
- Butter: Unsalted butter is what I like to use. You can use salted instead if preferred.
- Apples: Jonathan apples are my personal favorite! However, they may be difficult to find at your local grocery store. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Honey Crisp apples all work great. You can just use whatever your favorite apple is.
- Sugar: You’ll need both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar to create the best touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: For the very best flavor and natural acidity, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than the bottled alternative if possible.
- Cinnamon: This is an optional but highly recommended ingredient! Cinnamon helps to create the very best warm fall flavor.
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Tips for Success
- You can really double down on that fall flavor by sprinkling in some nutmeg, allspice, or just extra cinnamon.
- Try not to overcook the apples or they’ll become mushy!
How to Store and Reheat
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
I could eat these fried apples any time of day! They’re so delish on pancakes, french toast, or oatmeal for breakfast. They also make a great Thanksgiving side dish. And don’t get me started on dessert. Fried apples on ice cream is another kind of heavenly!
5-Star Review
“Great recipe! Made as a side dish. Will make again.” – Tamara R.
Fried Apples Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 57 grams (½ stick)
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples 678 grams (from about 5 apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 25 grams
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 27 grams
- ½ lemon juiced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 grams, optional
Recommended Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add all other ingredients and cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes.6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, ½ lemon, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Carefully turn the apples, with a spatula, every 2 minutes. The apples should be tender, but still have a slight bite and hold their shape.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
Nutrition Information
How to Cook Fried Apples Step by Step
Melt the Butter: In a large heavy skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
Add the Apples: Add 6 cups of peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, the juice of ½ lemon, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes.
Turn and Cook: Carefully turn the apples, with a spatula, every 2 minutes. The apples should be tender, but still have a slight bite and hold their shape.
Can you use this as an apple pie filling?
It could work!
Great recipe
Made as a side dish. Will make again.
Looks delicious, Tamara!