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This fried apples recipe comes together in just one pan and takes only 15 minutes to make. Tender apple slices are pan-fried to perfection with butter and cinnamon, creating a delicious side dish, dessert, or ice cream topping.
If you love apple recipes, try our mini Dutch Apple Pie, our small Apple Cake, our single serving Apple Cobbler, or our small batch Apple Fritters that are crispy and golden. Each recipe highlights the sweet taste of apples in a delicious way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a side, topping, or dessert.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients to fit your preferences.
- Easily Doubled: Make more without losing flavor.
Fried apples have always been one of my favorite simple pleasures—warm, buttery, and filled with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. With just a few basic ingredients, these tender, caramelized apples come together in minutes, filling your kitchen with the most incredible aroma.
Whether you enjoy them as a side, a topping, or a dessert, they bring the kind of comfort that Southern cooking is all about. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy fried apples recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Apples: Use firm varieties like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith—they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy. Try different apples for unique flavors. Leftover apples? Use them in Apple Pie Oatmeal, Applesauce, or an Apple Dumpling.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): Helps prevent browning and keeps apples fresh. Fresh or bottled works.
- Butter: Salted butter adds depth, but unsalted works if needed. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown sugar: For a substitute, try maple syrup for a different sweetness. No brown sugar? Make a small batch of brown sugar to use in this and other recipes.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor, but the recipe works without them.
Recipe Variations
These simple variations let you change up the flavor:
- Add Some Heat: A pinch of cayenne pepper brings a subtle spiciness that pairs well with the sweetness.
- Add Texture: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking for a little crunch.
- Brighten the Flavor: A splash of orange or lemon juice with a little zest adds a fresh, citrusy note.
- Mix in Berries: Toss in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a bit of tartness and extra color.
How To Make Fried Apples
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make fried apples. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and spices, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add apples and stir to coat.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften. Cooking time varies based on slice size.
- Remove from heat and serve warm. Makes about 1 cup of fried apples.
Expert Tips
- Peeling the Apples: Peel them for a smoother texture, or leave the skin on if you prefer. Both work well.
- Preventing Browning: Slice apples just before cooking or toss them with lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking.
- Making More: Double the ingredients for a larger batch.
Ways To Enjoy Fried Apples
These warm, buttery apples are perfect on their own or paired with other dishes. Here are a few ways to serve them:
- Over Oatmeal: Spoon over oatmeal, baked oatmeal,or mix into overnight oats.
- With Pancakes & Waffles: Use as a topping for pancakes, French toast, or waffles.
- Stirred Into Yogurt: Add to yogurt for a naturally sweet touch.
- Over Ice Cream: Serve warm over vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
- In Mini Desserts: Use as a filling for a mini apple pie or apple galette.
- With Savory Dishes: Pair with a ham steak for a classic sweet and savory combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Absolutely, it makes a delicious pie filling.
Yes, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, just double the ingredients and use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding.
More Small Batch Apple Recipes
Love apples? Try these small batch recipes:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy fried apple recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Fried Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced or chopped apples (about 2 medium-sized apples)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and spices, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add apples and stir to coat.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften. Cooking time varies based on slice size.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- Peeling the Apples: Peel them for a smoother texture, or leave the skin on if you prefer. Both work well.
- Preventing Browning: Slice apples just before cooking or toss them with lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking.
- Making More: Double the ingredients for a larger batch.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
What type of apples would you recommend?
I love using Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith apples when making fried apples. But honestly, I’ve used just about all types of apples. Each variety of apple will bring a little something different to the recipe. Keep in mind that firmer apples will hold their shape better and won’t turn mushy when heated.
I will be making fried apples soon. The reviews are agreat motivation. Thanks for the recipe.
Best fried apples recipe!! I make them as a pancake topping and my hubby loves it and eats it all!
Absolutely delicious and easy to make..
Will be served with vanilla ice cream for dessert..
I need to pin this somehow..
Had a Granny Smith apple and Fuji apple that I needed to use or loose. This recipe was just perfect. Thanks so much for posting it.
I love these fried apples with breakfast sausage and homemade biscuits. Sooooo…….Southern!
I like to pile the hot apples on half a hot buttered biscuit. So good anytime but breakfast is a favorite.
I’ve been making these for YEARS. My favorite thing to do is use half butter and half bacon grease, and throw in a slice of cooked chopped bacon. I’ve also added walnuts or pecans at the last. And I almost always use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Quick and easy dessert. Mixed apples and pears and it turned out great.
shortening is also the best for frying chicken or potatoes or crisping tortillas for tacos
please could you tell me what is shortening as I may not get it in England
Eileen, by definition, shortening is any fat that is solid at room temperature and used in baking. It is mostly used in pastries and other flaky baked goods. I use butter in my recipes.