A simple recipe for Fried Apples! This is the perfect way to use up extra apples from apple picking and yields soft, buttery, perfectly seasoned apples! Recipe includes a brief how-to video!
Fried Apples
I’m not sure that there’s a better, easier way to prepare apples than by slicing them up and cooking them in butter, sugar, and cinnamon on the stovetop.
It’s officially apple-picking season and I know I’m not the only one who has absolutely NO self control when it comes to this task. Every year I bring home way, way more apples than Zach and I could possibly eat by ourselves and I end up transforming the extras into blog recipes.
We’ve done Apple Crisp and Apple Butter (a popular, easy favorite!) and Apple Fritters (a different kind of fried apple recipe) and this year I’ve been obsessed with Fried Apples! They’re great to enjoy plain, or topped with vanilla ice cream, and they add a great Fall twist to your favorite indulgent breakfast, too. I love serving them warm over Buttermilk Pancakes or French Toast.
What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Fried Apples?
I recommend a firm, tart apple for making fried apples. In this recipe I used Granny Smith apples.
Other apples that would work well include Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Cortland. If you opt for a sweeter apple you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe a bit.
How to Make Fried Apples
- Start by melting your butter in a large skillet (make sure it’s a big one, the apples will shrink as they cook but you want to give yourself plenty of space for stirring in the beginning).
- Add apples, sugars, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir well and cook until apples are softened and tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce is thickened.
That’s it, just three simple steps!
Should I Peel My Apples When Making Fried Apples?
I definitely recommend peeling your apples when making fried apples. While the apple slices themselves tend to soften and become juicy while cooking, the peels actually become tough and chewy.
If you opt to not peel your apples, this recipe will still work, and some people may not even mind the texture of the peels. For me though, it’s much better to take the extra 5 minutes to remove the peels.
Enjoy!
More Apple Recipes You Might Like:
Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 2 lb granny smith apples¹ peeled, cored, and sliced ½” thick.
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113g
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50g
- ¼ cup light brown sugar firmly packed (50g)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in 10” cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add apples, sugars, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until apples are softened and tender when pierced with a fork (about 10 minutes).
Notes
Nutrition
Elisha Cyr
I don’t have any lemon juice do I have to use it or can I use something else
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Elisha. You can just skip the lemon juice if you don’t have it. We hope you enjoy these fried apples! ❤️
Nan
I’m thinking of making these in celebration of Fall 🙂 Do you think Ginger Gold apples would work? Should I reduce the cinnamon since Ginger Gold apples have spicy undertones?
Sam
Hi Nan! That’s totally a matter of personal preference, I would not reduce the cinnamon but if you think you might like it with a bit less spice they would still be delicious if you do want to cut it back a bit! Enjoy, and Happy Fall! 🙂
Alex
Hi Sam! I loved your recipe and mine turned out great with your easy steps. Ill be making these more frequently and will definitely try them paired with pancakes. ♡
Alex
Also, whats your best bet on reheating from cold in the fridge? Just nuking in the microwave or would warming on the stove be better and not overcook them?
Sam
I would just place them in the microwave for a few seconds. 🙂
Sam
I am so glad you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
Michelle
We love the fried apples, I actually used it as a side with pork chops instead of using applesauce….which while we also love applesauce it gets boring always having the same thing all the time,so I try and switch it up sometimes.
Sam
I am so glad everyone enjoys them so much, Michelle! 🙂
Shenaya
SO good!! I used it as a filling for your crepes (left another comment there!) and they just got demolished! I added a spot of nutmeg too just because 🙂 YUM!
Sugar Spun Run
A perfect filling for homemade crepes for sure, Shenaya! Yum! I am so glad that you enjoyed both recipes. 🙂
Carol Moffett
I have enjoyed all your recipes. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Carol! I am so glad that you have enjoyed them. 🙂
Pam
Loved these apples. Really easy to make. Taste great with ice cream on top.
Larry
Made these apples tonight. Very easy and very good.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Larry! I am glad that you enjoyed the fried apples. 🙂
Pauline
How many servings does this make?
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Pauline. The Fried Apple recipe makes approximately 8 servings. I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
patty watson
Cracker Barrell restaurant does not peel the apples and they are good
Sugar Spun Run
Hello, Patty! I appreciate the feedback. I find that if you do not remove the skin, they get tough. If you prefer to leave them on, that is fine. It’s just my personal preference. I hope that you enjoy the fried apples. 🙂
alivia knapp
ok, I have made fried apples, but not like this! it is so amazing, even with fried ice cream on top!
Sugar Spun Run
I hope that you enjoy this fried apple recipe. 🙂
alivia knapp
i did. it was good.