These delicious fried apples are cooked in melted butter and warm spices to make the best sweet comfort food you can imagine. They are a snap to make and are perfect for everything from an ice cream topping to a filling inside yummy apple treats.
Fried Apples Ingredients
The apples maintain a crisp texture while developing a caramelized exterior, complemented by the zesty kick of lemon juice.
The butter adds a rich, creamy element, while cinnamon infuses warmth.
You’ll need:
- 3 pounds (approximately 8 cups when peeled and sliced) granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced into ½-¾ inch thick slices
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice blend
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons apple juice (plus more to thin sauce if needed)
Substitutions And Additions
CINNAMON: If you’re looking to switch up the spice profile, consider using apple pie spice instead of plain cinnamon.
This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, adding a more complex and autumnal flavor to your fried apples.
LEMON: If you don’t have a fresh lemon on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice as a convenient alternative.
It will provide the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the apples.
SUGAR: You can also use maple syrup, honey, and/or light brown sugar as a white sugar substitute to sweeten the apples.
APPLES: If you can’t find the Pippin variety of apples, you could use Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious apples in this easy recipe.
A firm apple will hold up better to the frying process than softer apples.
How To Make This Fried Apples Recipe
These apples are easily fried up in a skillet on the stove, along with the spices, until they are softened and coated in the sweet glaze.
STEP ONE: Mix together in a large bowl the sliced apples, light brown sugar, apple pie spice blend, ground cinnamon, and salt until all the apple slices are coated in sugar and spices.
STEP TWO: To a large heavy duty skillet (like cast iron) over medium heat, add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the coated apple slices and cook for 15-20 minutes or just until the apples are fork tender. Be sure to stir the apples often to ensure all the slices are softened evenly and the sauce does not burn.
STEP THREE: Whisk together in a small bowl the cornstarch and apple juice until the cornstarch has fully dissolved.
STEP FOUR: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the fried apples and stir to evenly incorporate into all the juices from the apples. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly or just until the sauce thickens and coats the fried apples. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more apple juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
STEP FIVE: Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the fried apples to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
How To Serve
There are so many ways to use these tasty fried cinnamon apples. They are lovely in a bowl on their own with a drizzle of caramel sauce, or what about on top of a big scoop of vanilla ice cream?
They could also be used as the perfect filling inside one of our other recipes instead of store-bought apple pie filling.
Our apple enchiladas are one fun way to use them, or try them in our apple pie or caramel apple pie bombs.
You could also think outside the box and serve these fried apples as a delicious side dish alongside our fried pork chops.
A couple more ways to enjoy fresh apples include our apple fritter bread and apple pie cookies.
MORE APPLE RECIPES
Storage
Whether you’re planning to make them ahead of time or have leftovers, here’s what you need to know:
MAKE AHEAD: These fried apples can be prepared ahead of time for added convenience.
After cooking, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to two to three days or in the freezer for longer storage.
IN THE FRIDGE: Let the fried apples cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Or make the leftovers into an apple crisp.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze fried apples, but the texture of them may change during the freezing process.
REHEATING: Reheating your fried apples is a cinch. You have a few options:
- STOVETOP: Place the fried apples in a saucepan and heat over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until they are heated through.
- MICROWAVE: If you’re short on time, microwave them in a microwave-safe container in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until they reach the desired temperature.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why we love these fried apples, including:
CLASSIC COMFORT: These fried apples embody the comforting flavors of fall with their tender yet slightly crisp texture, warm cinnamon spice, and delightful sweetness.
VERSATILE USE: These fried apples are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a side dish for savory meals, paired with breakfast items like pancakes or oatmeal, or even enjoyed as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE FRIENDLY: Whether you want to prepare them in advance or have leftovers, this recipe provides guidance on how to store and reheat the fried apples.
Sweet southern fried apples are a perfect alternative to pie filling but are also delicious on their own! Spiced and saucy, these are a fantastic way to use up all those crisp apples this fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure you pick firm apples, but any apple you choose would be delicious. Try Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
Fried apples can be frozen, but the texture of them may change. If you are planning to use them as a filling, they would likely be fine to freeze and use later.
It is best to peel the apples for this recipe as leaving them on would affect the consistency and soft texture of the apples.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake
- Apple Fritter
- Caramel Apple Pie Bomb
- Caramel Apple Crisp Bites
- Apple Pie Bites
- Applesauce Cake
- Applesauce Cookies
- Apple Dapple Cake
- Crockpot Applesauce
Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 3 pounds granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced into ½-¾ inch thick slices (approximately 8 cups when peeled and sliced)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice blend
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons apple juice, plus more to thin sauce if needed
Instructions
- Mix together in a large bowl the sliced apples, light brown sugar, apple pie spice blend, ground cinnamon, and salt until all the apple slices are coated in sugar and spices.
- To a large heavy duty skillet (like cast iron) over medium heat, add the butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the coated apple slices and cook for 15-20 minutes or just until the apples are fork tender. Be sure to stir the apples often to ensure all the slices are softened evenly and the sauce does not burn.
- Whisk together in a small bowl the cornstarch and apple juice until the cornstarch has fully dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the fried apples and stir to evenly incorporate into all the juices from the apples. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly or just until the sauce thickens and coats the fried apples. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more apple juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the fried apples to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Any firm, crisp, tart or slightly sweet apple variety works well – try Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Jonagold as alternatives to Granny Smith.
- You can substitute water for the apple juice in both the cornstarch slurry for thickener and for thinning the sauce.
- Use your favorite store-bought apple pie spice, or try a homemade blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and allspice.
Nutrition
Comments
Gloria says
SO GOOD… a classic recipe that we love.
Margaret says
Easy, fast and delicious!