Fried Apples

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Golden, tender, and drenched in a warm buttery cinnamon glaze—these Fried Apples are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic side dish or a sweet topping for pancakes, this simple Southern classic delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Each bite melts in your mouth with a hint of spice and a caramelized sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even served with pork chops, fried apples are as versatile as they are delicious. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they come together quickly and easily in one pan. It’s the kind of homey, soul-warming dish that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Apples Recipe

Fried apples are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that works year-round. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
• Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, as a dessert, or alongside savory dishes.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice to your taste.
• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

This recipe is a go-to for holidays, weeknight meals, or when you simply need to use up a few extra apples.

What Kind of Apples Are Best for Fried Apples?

The best apples for frying are firm and slightly tart varieties that hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith apples are a top pick because their tartness balances the sugar and cinnamon beautifully. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples also work well, offering a naturally sweeter profile with a crisp texture. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy when cooked.

Using a mix of apple types can add more depth of flavor and texture. No matter your choice, be sure to peel and core them for the best result.

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Ingredients for the Fried Apples

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building the rich, sweet, and spiced flavor we love in fried apples:

• Apples: The heart of this dish. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold up during cooking.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, caramel-like sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness with hints of molasses.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps caramelize the apples.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that classic warm spice.
• Nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle depth for a more complex flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and prevents the apples from browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and gives it a bakery-style finish.

How To Make the Fried Apples

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges or rounds. Keeping the slices uniform helps them cook evenly.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam. This creates a luscious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Add Apples and Cook

Add the sliced apples to the skillet. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Stir in Sugars and Spices

Sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla

Drizzle in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir well and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes until the apples are fork-tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove from heat and serve the fried apples warm. They’re delicious on their own or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, pork, or ice cream.

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How to Serve and Store Fried Apples

This recipe makes enough to feed about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. Serve these fried apples fresh and hot, right out of the skillet, for the best flavor and texture. They’re incredibly satisfying as a warm side dish, a comforting dessert, or a brunch topping.

To store leftovers, let them cool to room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through.

You can also freeze fried apples for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What to Serve With Fried Apples?

These fried apples are versatile and can complement sweet or savory dishes. Here are some tasty pairing ideas:

Pancakes or Waffles

Spoon fried apples over your favorite stack for a cinnamon-spiced twist on breakfast.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm fried apples and cold ice cream make an irresistible combo.

Pork Chops

The sweetness of the apples balances beautifully with savory, seared pork chops.

French Toast

Upgrade your brunch game with a generous serving of fried apples on top.

Oatmeal

Mix into your morning oats for a cozy and flavorful start to the day.

Biscuits

Layer them into a warm biscuit for a Southern-style treat.

Yogurt Parfaits

Add a spoonful to plain Greek yogurt along with some granola for a delicious snack.

Roasted Chicken

Serve alongside roasted meats to bring a sweet, spiced contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make fried apples ahead of time?
Yes! Fried apples reheat beautifully. Just store them in the fridge and warm them in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is highly recommended for a tender texture. Leaving the peel on can result in a chewier bite, but it’s up to your preference.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely. You can cut the sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet version, or substitute with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

What kind of pan should I use?
A large non-stick or cast iron skillet works best. Both hold heat well and allow for even cooking.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with extra cinnamon? Did you serve it with something savory?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

You can also follow me on Pinterest for more daily recipe inspiration: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Fried apples are one of those dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate. With their tender texture, caramelized glaze, and cozy cinnamon flavor, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or alongside your favorite savory meals.

Simple, quick, and endlessly versatile, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen routine. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, fried apples are always a good idea.

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