Fried Apples

Fried apples are so easy to make and taste delicious!

Nothing’s better than sliced apples that are caramelized until tender-crisp on the stovetop with this fried apples recipe.

fried apples in a bowl with cinnamon sticks and apples in the background

This quick and easy fried apples recipe is perfect with waffles, pancakes, or even pork chops.
You need just a few simple ingredients.
This recipe is great with fresh fall apples; you can also double up and freeze extras to enjoy all year round.

ingredients on a cutting board to make fried apples labeled: apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter

What You’ll Need To Make Fried Apples

Apples: Choose tart and firm Granny Smiths. They are firm and pair well with the sweet brown sugar butter sauce in this recipe. You can use any variety of apple, adjusting the sugar as needed. Firmer varieties like

Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples hold up well, while softer apples like Cortland’s and McIntosh will fry up much softer.

Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar. Adjust the sugar as needed for sweeter varieties of apples.

Butter: Full-fat, real butter offers the best flavor when mixed with sugar and seasonings.

Variations

Take the flavor to the next level and sprinkle in a little homemade apple pie spice.
Melt in a little leftover bacon grease in Step 2 and mix in some bacon bits for a savory topping or side dish.
Apple juice or cider added to the apples in Step 3 will make the sauce sweeter.
Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of both sugars in Step 2, and sugar-free substitutes work too.

sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a pan to make fried apples

top view of fried apples in brown sugar sauce in a pan with Granny Smith apples

How to Make Fried Apples

Prepare apples (recipe below). Cut into slices or rings.
In a large skillet, melt butter, sugars, and cinnamon.
Stir in apples and cook until the apples are tender and the sauce is thickened.
Serve warm.

Ways to Serve Fried Apples

Fried apples are beyond delicious scooped onto a light and fluffy Dutch baby, or swirled into apple cinnamon oatmeal. Serve them as a holiday side dish next to a pork tenderloin or spiral ham.

Storing and Reheating Fried Apples

Keep leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy them chilled or reheat portions in the microwave. Freeze cooled apples in zippered bags in the freezer for up to one month.

Apple Recipes for Fall

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

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Apples are simmered with sugar, butter, and warm spices for a comforting and cozy dish!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Servings 6

Peel* and core the apples. Slice into ½-inch thick slices.
To a large skillet, add butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Melt over medium-high heat.
Add the apples as soon as the butter is melted and cook until they are tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally, about 12-15 minutes.
Serve warm.

Peeling is optional, we prefer peeled apples.
If you have it, add a couple of tablespoons of bacon grease to the butter.
If the sauce is slow to thicken, turn the heat up to high for the last few minutes of cooking, stirring the apples frequently.

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Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

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