Fried Apples

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Golden, warm, and bubbling with cinnamon, fried apples are one of those old-fashioned comfort foods that never go out of style. Whether spooned over pork chops, served alongside pancakes, or enjoyed on their own with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they bring a taste of cozy Southern kitchens right into your home. Their aroma alone, rich with butter, brown sugar, and spice, is enough to make your kitchen feel like a hug.

What makes fried apples so irresistible is their versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a dish that works beautifully for breakfast, dessert, or as a hearty side. And while they’re incredibly easy to make, the payoff in flavor is huge: tender slices with a perfect caramelized glaze, spiced to perfection. If you’ve never made these before, get ready to fall in love with this nostalgic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Apples Recipe

This recipe is the epitome of quick and delicious. It turns humble apples into something magical with just butter, sugar, and spices. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adjusted for vegan diets by swapping the butter.

The balance of sweet and spice makes it appealing to all ages. Kids love the cinnamon sweetness, and adults will appreciate the rich depth from brown sugar and optional nutmeg. You can use them in dozens of ways, from topping oatmeal to pairing with savory dishes. It’s the kind of simple recipe that never fails.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

The best apples for frying are firm and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These types hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the sugary syrup. Granny Smith adds a tangy punch, while Honeycrisp gives a sweet crunch.

Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which tend to turn mushy in the skillet. A mix of apples can also create a more complex flavor and texture profile, so don’t hesitate to combine your favorites.

Ingredients for the Fried Apples

Fried apples are made with pantry staples, yet they yield a flavor that tastes like something special. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that deep, caramelized goodness.

• Apples
• Unsalted Butter
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Cinnamon
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Vanilla Extract
• Lemon Juice
• Salt

Apples are the star of the show, so use ones that are firm and flavorful. Unsalted Butter helps create that glossy, rich base for the caramelization. Brown Sugar adds depth and molasses-like richness, while Ground Cinnamon delivers warmth and that classic spiced flavor. Nutmeg is optional but enhances the complexity. Vanilla Extract rounds out the flavor with smooth sweetness, and Lemon Juice brightens everything up. A pinch of Salt helps balance the sweetness and elevates the flavors.

How To Make the Fried Apples

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into even-sized wedges. Uniform slices ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices

Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Let the mixture bubble gently to form a caramel-like base.

Step 4: Cook the Apples

Add the apple slices to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every slice in the syrup. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish with Vanilla and Lemon

Uncover, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the syrup and fully glaze the apples.

How to Serve and Store Fried Apples

This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people as a side dish or topping. You can serve them hot straight from the pan, spooned over breakfast favorites like waffles, or even chilled with whipped cream for dessert. Their sweet-savory balance makes them a hit at any time of day.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Fried Apples?

Pancakes or Waffles

The syrupy apples are an amazing topping that takes your breakfast game to a whole new level.

Pork Chops

A Southern favorite. The sweet apples pair beautifully with savory pork for a classic dinner combo.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Spoon warm fried apples over a scoop of ice cream for a comforting dessert that hits all the right notes.

Oatmeal

Stir them into your morning oats for an instant flavor upgrade with natural sweetness.

Biscuits

Top warm, buttery biscuits with fried apples and maybe a drizzle of cream for a rustic treat.

French Toast

The spiced glaze and tender apples make an excellent companion to eggy, golden toast.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer fried apples with Greek yogurt and granola for a balanced breakfast or snack.

Roast Chicken

Believe it or not, the caramel notes of fried apples can complement a savory roasted chicken dinner quite well.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love these skillet-fried apples, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Try the hearty and creamy Loaded Baked Potato Casserole for the ultimate comfort dish.
• Pair your main course with Crispy Parmesan Potatoes for a golden, cheesy crunch.
• For something lighter, the Broccoli Bacon Salad adds a fresh, smoky twist.
• Sweet and savory Honey Butter Skillet Corn is perfect for backyard barbecues.
• Don’t miss the creamy classic Southern Mac and Cheese, baked to golden perfection.

Save This Recipe 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 add extra cinnamon? Did you try a mix of apples?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other cook better every day.

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