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Fried Apples Recipe

Modified: Jul 29, 2025 by Emilia Hayes

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I swear, nothing brings me back to my Philly rowhouse roots quite like the scent of warm apples and cinnamon swirl-dancing through the kitchen. It’s one of those smells that hits you like a hug. You know the kind—soft, worn-sweater kinda comfort. Growing up, my mom had this thing about apples. She’d toss 'em into everything, but her fried apples? That was her way of turning an ordinary Tuesday morning into something special.

This fried apples recipe isn't complicated or fussy. It's more like one of those little joys you whip up on a chilly morning when the windows fog and you’ve still got socks on. It’s got that sweet, buttery goodness, and that deep warmth from cinnamon—like a cozy fall sweater in skillet form. Whether you call it a simple fried apple recipe or an old fashioned fried apple recipe, it kinda just wraps around you, you know? If you're into that kind of old-school comfort, you might also like these warm chocolate chip muffins or even my sourdough discard cinnamon rolls. They're kinda like the fried apples' cozy cousins.

Southern fried apples cooking in skillet
Sliced apples cooking in butter and cinnamon on a warm skillet

Now let me just say, I love a classic Granny Smith—they've got that perfect tart bite that cuts through the sweet brown sugar. But you could totally get creative. Honeycrisps? Yes, please. Fuji? Why not. Apples have personalities, too, and this recipe lets 'em shine.

And hey, speaking of fried apple recipe with brown sugar, feel free to toss a bit in for that deeper, almost caramel-y kind of sweetness. I often do. Makes the whole thing feel like a lazy apple crisp without the crunch—like a dessert that snuck into breakfast and got away with it.

Southern fried apples plated with cinnamon
Fried apples served warm with a touch of cinnamon

The real magic here is that it’s fast. We’re talkin’ 10 minutes fast. You could literally go from "hmm, I want something warm and sweet" to sitting down with a plate of these in no time. And don’t get me started on how your house smells—it’s like fall decided to move in and bake you a hug.

Bowl of fried apples in cozy kitchen
Warm bowl of cinnamon fried apples in a rustic kitchen

Now if you're lookin' to make this fried apples recipe healthy, you could definitely swap in coconut oil instead of butter or use maple syrup instead of sugar. I mean, it won’t be exactly the same, but it'll still be real good. The idea is comfort—whatever that looks like for you.

Healthy fried apples next to classic version
Side-by-side comparison of traditional and healthy fried apple recipes

FAQs

How do you do fried apples?

I just melt butter in a skillet, stir in some sugar and cinnamon, then toss in my sliced apples. Let 'em cook till they're soft but still holding shape—takes about 5 to 8 minutes. That’s it. Seriously.

What type of apples are best for frying?

Granny Smiths are my go-to, 'cause they're tart and hold up well. But Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Golden Delicious work great too.

Can I fry apples in a pan?

Yep! You don’t need anything fancy. A basic skillet does the trick. I like cast iron for the heat, but non-stick works just fine.

Can you caramelize apples without sugar?

You can! Apples have natural sugar, so if you cook 'em slow in a bit of butter or coconut oil, they’ll get that sweet, golden thing goin’ on all by themselves. Try a splash of apple juice or a drizzle of maple syrup if you want a boost.

Skillet of Southern fried apples ready to serve
Southern-style fried apples served hot and sweet
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Fried Apples Recipe

Southern fried apples plated with cinnamon
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Warm, buttery Southern fried apples with a cozy kick of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a nostalgic snack—ready in just 20 minutes!

  • Author: Emilia Hayes
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert / Side
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup butter

½ cup white sugar (or mix of white and brown sugar)

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (or to taste)

4 Granny Smith apples u2013 peeled, cored, and sliced

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sugar and cinnamon; stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Add the sliced apples to the skillet.
  4. Cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Try adding a dash of nutmeg or clove if you're feeling festive.
  • Swap half the butter for coconut oil if you're leanin' toward a healthy twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or the microwave.
  • Delicious with pancakes, pork chops, or spooned right over vanilla ice cream. (No judgment.)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 369kcal
  • Sugar: 39g
  • Sodium: 165mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 61mg

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About Emilia Hayes

Hi, I'm Emilia from Easy Recipes List! Discover my easy, approachable American comfort food & seasonal recipes. Let's find joy in cooking with care together.

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