There’s something about the smell of apples sizzling in butter and cinnamon that just feels like home. The fried apples recipe I’m sharing today is one of those old-school comfort foods that instantly transports me to cozy Sunday mornings and fall family dinners. If you’ve never made skillet-fried apples before, you’re in for a real treat.
These tender apple slices are cooked slowly on the stovetop in a dreamy mixture of butter, sugar, and cinnamon until they’re perfectly caramelized. Whether you serve them as a sweet side dish, a warm dessert, or a luscious topping for pancakes or ice cream, fried apples never disappoint. It’s simple, nostalgic, and oh-so-satisfying, the kind of recipe that sticks with you.
Let me show you why this easy stovetop treat deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.
Table of contents
Why You’re Gonna Love This Fried Apples Recipe
I’ve tried a lot of apple dishes, but this one is very special. It’s sweet, warm, buttery, and ridiculously easy to make. Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Simplicity at its Best: With just four main ingredients, it’s as no-fuss as it gets.
- Old-Fashioned Flavor: The combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon gives off cozy, nostalgic vibes, think grandma’s kitchen.
- Versatility: Serve it as a side, dessert, or a topping. I even spoon it over my pancakes instead of syrup.
- Quick & Easy: Done in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet and soft, this dish is a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Make It Your Way
Want to tweak it? Here are a few easy customizations:
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
- Lower Sugar: Halve the sugar or swap it with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just double-check your butter is too!
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg.
What to Prep Ahead (So You’re Not Rushing Later)
Trust me, once the butter hits the skillet, things move fast. Here’s what to do ahead of time:
- Peel and Slice the Apples: You want uniform slices for even cooking.
- Measure Out Your Ingredients: Having sugar, cinnamon, and butter ready makes the process smooth.
- Preheat Your Skillet: Get that pan warm before the butter goes in.
How to Make it
Fried Apples Recipe
6
servings10
minutes15
minutes265
kcalA simple and delicious recipe for fried apples, perfect as a side dish, dessert, or breakfast topping. Made with Granny Smith apples, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
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Ingredients
4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
0.5 cup unsalted butter
0.5 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
- Prep the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even wedges. I like to keep the slices about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly and don’t turn mushy.
- Melt the Butter: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s fully liquid and slightly foamy.
- Stir in Sugar and Cinnamon: Once the butter is melted, stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Mix it around until everything is well combined and the mixture starts to bubble just a little.
- Cook the Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat them in the buttery cinnamon mixture. Let them cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve warm. These fried apples are amazing on their own, but also delicious over pancakes, waffles, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet dish.
- You can add a splash of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 265kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
- Sodium: 3mg
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
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Little Secrets That Make a Big Difference
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and trust me, these little tricks make all the difference! Whether you’re serving it up as a holiday side dish or drizzling it over waffles on a lazy Sunday, here’s how to make sure your fried apples turn out perfect every time:
- Use firm apples: Softer apples like Red Delicious tend to break down too much. Go for Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture.
- Keep the slices even: Uniform thickness ensures all your slices cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the apples in batches to avoid steaming instead of frying.
- Adjust the sweetness: Some apples are sweeter than others, so feel free to start with a little less sugar and taste as you go.
- Deglaze for flavor: Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of apple cider or a touch of vanilla once the apples start caramelizing.
Fun Ways to Make It Your Own
If you’re like me, you love playing around with ingredients based on what’s in the fridge or what your cravings demand, so here are a few ideas to switch things up!
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed pecans or granola over the apples before serving for a bit of texture and nutty flavor.
How to: Toast pecans separately and stir in just before serving. - Boozy Apples: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum toward the end of cooking for a grown-up version.
How to: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons and simmer for a couple of minutes to cook off the alcohol. - Spiced-Up Version: Toss in a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
How to: Add spices with the cinnamon during step 3. - Apple-Cranberry Combo: Add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast.
How to: Stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they plump up slightly. - Maple Butter Apples: Replace half the sugar with maple syrup and add a touch of salt for a rich, caramel-like finish.
How to: Add maple syrup after the butter has melted and continue with the recipe as usual.
Also, if you’re in the mood to go all out with your apple creations, check out this comforting Apple Crisp Recipe Without Oats, another cozy favorite!
How to Serve These Buttery Apples (So Many Options!)
When I say these fried apples are versatile, I really mean it. They work in so many dishes and situations, whether you’re looking for comfort food or something to jazz up a meal.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- As a Side Dish: Perfect with pork chops or roasted chicken for that sweet-savory combo.
- Topped on Breakfast: Spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or French toast, your brunch game will thank you.
- With Ice Cream: A warm scoop of fried apples over vanilla ice cream? Yes, please.
- Layered with Yogurt: Great for a quick, sweet breakfast or snack.
- Next to Candied Yams: If you’re planning a soul food–style dinner, these apples pair perfectly with candied yams and apples for a cozy, sweet harmony.
Get Creative with Leftovers
I always say leftovers are just opportunities in disguise. Here’s how I like to give extra fried apples a second life:
- Apple Dessert Tacos: Spoon the apples into warm flour tortillas, top with whipped cream or yogurt, and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Stuffed French Toast: Use them as a filling for stuffed brioche French toast, seriously indulgent.
- Topping for Apple Bread: Add a scoop on top of this moist and delicious Apple Bread for a next-level snack.
- Fall-Themed Parfait: Layer fried apples with granola and vanilla yogurt for a seasonal parfait that’s quick and satisfying.
And if you’re looking to keep the Southern comfort food theme going, you might also love my go-to Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe, it’s simple and so tasty!
FAQs
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best for frying as they hold their shape and don’t become too mushy. Granny Smith apples add a nice tart contrast, while sweeter apples like Honeycrisp add natural sweetness.
Definitely! Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and butter.
The base recipe is gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, replace butter with a plant-based fat such as coconut oil or vegan butter.
Use firm apples, avoid slicing them too thin, and don’t overcook. Keep the heat on medium and stir occasionally for even cooking.
Technically yes, but the texture may change a bit. They’re best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
Absolutely! You can prep them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet to bring back that buttery richness.
Give This Classic Comfort Dish a Try
If you’ve been craving a simple, feel-good treat that’s just as welcome at breakfast as it is on the dessert table, this fried apples recipe is for you. It’s quick, easy, and delivers that cozy, buttery cinnamon flavor we all love, without needing fancy ingredients or baking skills.
Whether you’re spooning it over pancakes, pairing it with pork chops, or just enjoying it by the forkful, it’s one of those recipes that sticks around in your kitchen rotation. If you enjoyed this one, you might also love trying my cozy Caramel Dip for Apples for your next apple fix.
Now go grab those apples, and let’s get cooking!
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