Fried Apples are a warm, comforting dish that pairs tender apple slices with a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon glaze. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers cozy fall flavors in every bite. Serve them as a dessert with ice cream, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or as a sweet side dish for hearty meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried Apples are the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness. They cook in under 20 minutes, making them an easy go-to recipe when you need something quick but satisfying. The apples stay tender yet hold their shape, while the cinnamon-sugar glaze makes them taste like a homemade apple pie filling. Versatile and comforting, they’re a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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5 Granny Smith apples
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8 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges about 1/2 inch thick.
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In a large cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
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Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Serve warm as-is, or with your favorite toppings and sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 5 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
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Different Apples: Use Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for sweeter results.
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Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or allspice.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the finished apples.
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Healthier Swap: Reduce the sugar or replace with coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the apples may become mushy once thawed.
FAQs
Can I leave the skins on the apples?
Yes, keeping the skins on adds texture and extra fiber, though the dish will be slightly less soft.
What type of skillet works best?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat, but stainless steel or nonstick pans also work.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead of regular butter.
How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?
Cook just until tender, and avoid over-stirring. Granny Smith apples also hold their shape well.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor.
Are fried apples healthy?
They’re a sweet treat, but you can make them lighter by reducing the butter and sugar.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook in batches for best results.
Do fried apples taste like apple pie filling?
Yes, they have a very similar flavor profile, just without the crust.
What can I serve them with?
Ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even roasted chicken.
Can I add cornstarch for a thicker glaze?
Yes, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a splash of water, then stir it in while cooking for a thicker sauce.
Conclusion
Fried Apples are a quick and versatile recipe that brings out the best of cozy fall flavors. With their buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze and tender apple slices, they’re delicious served as a dessert, a topping, or even a side dish. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat all year long.
Print
Fried Apples
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Apples are tender, buttery apple slices coated in a rich brown sugar-cinnamon glaze. Perfect on their own, as a dessert topping, or served with breakfast favorites, they’re a cozy and versatile recipe ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/2-inch thick wedges.
- In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve immediately while warm, plain or with toppings like ice cream.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Best with tart apples like Granny Smith, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can also be used.
- Delicious as a topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, or oatmeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 344
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 243mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
