Fried Apples Recipe

These fried apples are warm, comforting, and just the perfect dessert for Fall. The tender, crisp fried apples are coated in a delicious buttery brown sugar cinnamon sauce that's addictive. They're so good, and these fried apples are always a hit with kids and adults!

The Best Fried Apples

If you're looking for a warm Fall dessert recipe, this fried apples recipe needs to be on your list! Each bite literally tastes like Fall, and this is the perfect recipe to make if you just went apple picking.

The apples are pan-fried in a simple combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. They turn out perfectly tender with a delicious caramelized crust that's to die for. 

This fried apple recipe is irresistible, and I'd go as far as saying it's better than the Cracker Barrel fried apples!

I love serving fried apples along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make the best dessert ever. No matter how you serve them, everyone is going to be obsessed with this fried apple recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick and easy. All you have to do for this fried apples recipe is slice the apples and cook them down in the sauce. It's effortless! 

Convenient to make. If you have apples, I guarantee you have everything else you need to make this recipe since all of the ingredients are pantry staples. 

An instant family favorite. Going apple picking and then coming home and making these Southern fried apples has become a Cunningham family tradition. Making them is such a fun family activity, and eating them together is even better.

Everyone loves them. My nieces enjoy these fried apples as much as my wife and I, so I have a good feeling everyone in your family will love these fried apples too! 

Ingredients 

As I just mentioned, this recipe is made with simple ingredients, and you only need a few.

Check out what you need to make fried apples:

• ½ cup butter
• 6 fresh apples
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup lemon juice
• Ice cream for serving

If you have any extra apples left over, you have to make this apple crisp recipe without oats next! It's another one of my favorite apple recipes.

How To Make Fried Apples

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place the sliced apples into a medium-sized bowl, pour lemon juice over the apple slices, and give them a mix. The lemon juice bath will prevent the apples from browning.

2. Make the cinnamon sugar coating: Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Stir in the nutmeg, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over low-medium heat and stir until the brown sugar dissolves. 

3. Cook the apples: Add apples to the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes or until they're softened. The exact timing will depend on the size and variety of your apple slices.

4. Serve: Once the apples are tender, give them a stir to coat them in the brown sugar cinnamon sauce. Serve the fried apples warm with vanilla ice cream, and enjoy.

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Use two teaspoons of apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of the ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor.
• Try using a variety of fresh apples like Honey Crisp apples, Cortland, and Granny Smith for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Use only Granny Smith apples if you like tart apples.
• Feel free to use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, depending on your taste preference.
• Don't overcook the apples. They should just be tender but not mushy.

How To Store Fried Apples

In the fridge: Any leftover fried apples can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

In the freezer: Transfer the cooked apples to a freezer-safe bag with the air squeezed out or an airtight container, and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating: Put the apples back in a large skillet and heat over medium, stirring frequently until they're warmed through. Let the frozen apples thaw in the fridge overnight or add more reheating time.

FAQs About This Fried Apples Recipe

What type of apple is good for frying?

Granny Smith apples, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious apples are best for frying. When cooked, they get soft yet still maintain a firm texture.

How long can fried apples sit out?

Fried apples can sit out for about 2 hours before needing to be refrigerated. If they sit out much longer, they will start to get really mushy.

What is the best method for cooking apples?

Pan frying apples, like in this recipe, is the best method for cooking apples. It makes the apples perfectly tender, and the brown sugar cinnamon coating gives them the best flavor.

More Recipes

• Fried apple pies
• Apple empanadas
• Instant Pot apple butter
• Pumpkin cream cheese bread
• Sweet potato pound cake