Fried Apple Recipe

I’ve found few things beat a warm bowl of something sweet after a long day, especially when it’s quick to make. This fried apple recipe brings that cozy feeling home, filling your kitchen with the rich scent of cinnamon and offering tender, golden-glazed apples that melt in your mouth. It’s a perfect family-friendly treat for busy weeknights, offering a comforting dessert or side dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, transforming simple fruit into a beloved classic in under 20 minutes. My kids ask for these every time apples are in season, making it a regular fixture in our healthy eating routine.

What You’ll Need for Homemade Fried Apples

• Apples: 4-5 medium firm-tart apples (like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced 1.2 cm (1/2 inch) thick. These varieties hold their shape beautifully and offer a balanced sweetness for the best fried apple recipe texture.
• Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 mL). It adds richness and helps create that signature golden crust. (Or use clarified butter/ghee for a slightly nutty flavor if that’s what you have.)
• Light Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g), packed. Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes wonderfully. (Regular granulated sugar works too, though the flavor will be lighter.)
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (5 mL). The classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL), optional. For an extra layer of cozy aroma, though it’s lovely without it too.
• Water or Apple Juice: 1/4 cup (60 mL). Helps to tenderize the apples and creates a luscious, syrupy glaze.

Consider using organic apples and high-quality butter for a noticeably enhanced, natural flavor profile. These premium ingredients truly make a difference in your easy dinner ideas. This dish shines brightest with fresh, in-season fall apples. Their peak flavor and crispness elevate the entire fried apple recipe, making it a truly special treat for family dinners.

Step-by-Step Fried Apple Recipe Made Simple

When I’m short on time, I sometimes skip peeling the apples; the skins add a lovely rustic texture and extra fiber, and my family doesn’t mind a bit!

1. Prep Apples (5 mins): Peel, core, and slice 4-5 medium apples into uniform 1.2 cm (1/2 inch) thick wedges or crescent moons. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and a consistent, tender texture when you bite into them.
2. Melt Butter (1 min): Heat 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (I often use my trusty 10-inch cast iron pan) over medium heat until it shimmers and smells lightly nutty. Watch for a gentle sizzle, indicating the pan is ready.
3. Sauté Apples (5-8 mins): Add the sliced apples to the skillet in a single layer if possible; cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and develop a slight translucency at the edges. You’ll notice them turning tender-crisp, not mushy.
4. Add Sweetness & Spice (1 min): Sprinkle 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon (5 mL) ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) optional ground nutmeg over the apples. Pour in 1/4 cup (60 mL) water or apple juice. The aroma of the spices will immediately fill your kitchen.
5. Simmer & Thicken (5-7 mins): Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring gently, allowing the sugar to melt and the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. The sauce will gradually thicken into a glossy, light caramel glaze that coats the apple slices beautifully. Look for a syrupy texture that clings to the apples. If your apples are becoming mushy, they are likely overcooked; remove from heat immediately. If the sauce is too watery, simply continue simmering for a few more minutes to reduce it further. Alternatively, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, stir it into the simmering sauce, and cook for another minute until thickened.
6. Serve Warm: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately once the apples are fork-tender and the glaze is thick. Serve your delightful fried apple recipe warm as a dessert or a quick side dish. The warmth enhances all the comforting flavors.

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration

This versatile fried apple recipe fits perfectly into various occasions.

• Weeknights: Enjoy as an easy dessert or quick side dish.
• Holidays: A classic accompaniment to festive roasts or savory mains.
• Breakfast/Brunch: Divine with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or French toast.

Consider these serving pairings:

• Sides: Roasted chicken or other hearty savory dishes.
• Toppings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or plain Greek yogurt. Granola adds crunch.
• Sauces: A drizzle of caramel or maple syrup.

For storage and reheating:

• Fridge: Store leftover fried apple recipe in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended; apples become mushy when thawed.
• Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave.
• Meal-prep tips: Make a larger batch for easy meal prep recipes throughout the week.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits

Enjoy the natural goodness of apples in this delicious fried apple recipe, a delightful way to boost energy and promote overall balance.

• Fiber-rich: Apples inherently support digestive health and satiety, helping you feel fuller longer.
• Naturally sweet: A satisfying treat without excessive added sugars, especially when you moderate portions.
• Versatile: This can be part of healthy recipes for dinner or a quick protein snack when paired with Greek yogurt or nuts.
• Easy meal prep: Makes a comforting, wholesome option for any meal, ideal for busy families looking for convenient options.

Why This Recipe Works for You

This simple fried apple recipe helps you save time, eat better, and enjoy heartwarming family dinners without fuss.

• Budget-friendly: Uses common, inexpensive ingredients found in most pantries.
• Speedy: Ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for quick meals.
• Diet fit: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs, such as lower sugar or vegan versions. My kids love these so much; I often double the batch for school lunches and a quick after-school snack, which makes my life a lot easier!
• Kid-approved: A naturally appealing sweet treat for all ages, sure to be a family favorite.

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments

Elevate your fried apple recipe with these smart techniques and simple adjustments.

• Caramelization: For deeper flavor, cook apples slightly longer before adding sugar, allowing them to brown beautifully.
• Thickeners: A pinch of flour or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) can thicken the sauce faster.

• Spice blends: Add apple pie spice, allspice, or ground ginger for extra warmth.
• Herbs: A small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme during cooking for a savory-sweet note.
• Extracts: A dash of vanilla extract at the end elevates sweetness.

• Low-carb: Use erythritol or stevia as a sugar substitute.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Kid-friendly: Serve with ice cream or sprinkles for extra fun, making it an easy dinner idea dessert.

Reader Q&A

‘Can I prepare fried apples ahead of time?’

Yes, you can slice the apples and store them in a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice in the fridge for a day to prevent browning. Cook just before serving for the best results with this fried apple recipe, ensuring optimal texture and warmth.

‘Is fried apple recipe good for meal prep?’

Absolutely! Make a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats wonderfully and is perfect for adding to breakfasts or as a quick side dish throughout the week, supporting your healthy eating goals.

‘What’s the best way to store fried apples?’

Store cooled fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For optimal texture, avoid freezing. Freezing can make the apples mushy upon thawing, so I always stick to fridge storage for the best experience.

‘Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?’

You can certainly make this a healthier option! Reduce the butter and sugar, or use natural sweeteners like 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Serving with plain Greek yogurt also adds protein, balancing the sweetness for a more nutritious treat.

‘What kind of apples are best for fried apples?’

Firm, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or even Granny Smith (if you prefer more tartness) hold their shape well and develop great flavor when cooked. I always reach for Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of sweetness and firmness in my fried apple recipe.

‘How do I prevent my fried apples from becoming mushy?’

The key is to use firm apples and avoid overcooking them. Sauté until they are just fork-tender. Removing them from the heat as soon as they reach your desired softness is crucial for maintaining that perfect texture in your fried apples.

‘Can I add nuts to my fried apple recipe?’

Yes, absolutely! Toasting pecans or walnuts and stirring them in at the end adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your fried apple recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enhance both texture and taste.

Conclusion

This delightful fried apple recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food, perfect for quick, heartwarming family dinners.

Save this delicious recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access and more healthy eating inspiration!

fried apple recipe

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• Author: Amanda Miller
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This fried apple recipe offers tender, golden-glazed apples infused with cinnamon, perfect as a comforting dessert or side dish. It’s a quick, family-friendly treat that transforms simple fruit into a beloved classic in under 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 medium firm-tart apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced 0.5 inch thick
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
• 0.25 cup water or apple juice

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Instructions

1. Prep Apples: Peel, core, and slice 4-5 medium apples into uniform 0.5 inch thick wedges or crescent moons.
2. Melt Butter: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
3. Sauté Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet in a single layer; sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and become translucent.
4. Add Sweetness and Spice: Sprinkle 0.25 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon optional ground nutmeg over the apples. Pour in 0.25 cup water or apple juice.
5. Simmer and Thicken: Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring gently, allowing sugar to melt and sauce to thicken into a glossy glaze.
6. Serve Warm: Remove skillet from heat immediately once apples are fork-tender and glaze is thick. Serve warm as a dessert or side dish.

Notes

If short on time, skipping apple peeling adds rustic texture and fiber. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, stir into simmering sauce, and cook for another minute. Use organic apples and high-quality butter for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 200 g)
• Calories: 220 calories
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: fried apples, apple recipe, easy dessert, side dish, cinnamon, quick recipe, fall apples, family-friendly, comfort food, stovetop