Fried apples are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of fruit with a warm, caramelized richness. In just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The tender, juicy apple slices are coated in a buttery glaze, offering a perfect balance of softness and a slight crisp edge. Each bite is a burst of cinnamon-kissed flavor, making it an irresistible addition to breakfast, dessert, or even as a cozy snack.
This recipe is not only quick but also versatile, serving up to eight people with ease. The hint of spice and caramel-like sweetness makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the fiber-rich apples add a wholesome touch. Whether paired with pancakes, ice cream, or enjoyed on its own, these fried apples bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any table. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that feels like a hug in every bite.
What You’ll Need for Fried Apples
- 3 Tablespoons (42 g) salted butter (unsalted butter works too; just add a pinch of salt)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar (firmly packed for best results)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 2 lb Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced about ½” thick; other tart apples like Honeycrisp work too)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled both work)
How to Make Fried Apples
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet (a 10″ cast iron works great), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add sugars and cinnamon: Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully absorbed by the butter (about 30-60 seconds).
- Cook the apples: Add the sliced apples and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the apples are softened, coated in the sauce, and tender when pierced with a fork (about 10 minutes).
- Serve warm: Enjoy these fried apples on their own, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or over pancakes for a delicious treat!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Fried apples are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Serve them warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert, or drizzle them on top of pancakes or waffles for a cozy breakfast. They also make a delicious topping for oatmeal or yogurt. For a savory twist, pair them with pork chops or roasted chicken—their sweetness balances the flavors beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Add a splash of water or apple juice if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using honeycrisp or fuji apples for a sweeter flavor, or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. For a boozy twist, splash in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum while cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a handful of dried cranberries or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, use a mandoline slicer or a food processor to slice the apples quickly and evenly. You can also prep the apples ahead of time and store them in a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. When ready to cook, just drain and pat them dry. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick treat!
Why Cast Iron Works Best
Using a cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly, ensuring the apples cook perfectly without burning. Plus, the skillet’s natural non-stick surface makes it easy to stir and coat the apples in the delicious cinnamon-sugar sauce. If you don’t have cast iron, a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet will work too—just keep an eye on the heat to avoid scorching.
Fried Apples
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 lb granny smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced to be about ½” thick (about 10mm)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet (I use a 10″ cast iron) over medium heat.
- Add sugars and cinnamon and cook, stirring constantly, until all sugar is absorbed by the butter (about 30-60 seconds).
- Add apples and lemon juice and cook, stirring frequently, until apples are softened, coated in the sauce, and tender when pierced with a fork (about 10 minutes).
- Serve warm as you’d like, we enjoy them served with vanilla ice cream or over pancakes, though they’re also delicious served by themselves!