Fried apples are a Southern tradition, but they may not be what you think. They’re not breaded, battered, or dunked in a deep fryer. Instead, they’re simmered in a buttery cinnamon-sugar syrup until tender and glossy. And here’s another Southern twist I love: fried apples aren’t just for dessert! Oh no, they’re equally at home spooned over ham, chicken, pork, waffles, pancakes, or anytime you need a sweet sidekick on your plate. My fried apple recipe is absurdly easy, dangerously delicious, and 100% comfort in a skillet!
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Buttery Spiced Pan Fried Apples
Think of these Southern fried apples like apple pie filling without the crust or the stress. Instead of making something that takes planning ahead, I can whip these up whenever I’ve got a few apples sitting on the counter. With only six ingredients, including the apples, butter, sugar, and spices, you get the same warm, spiced comfort in about 30 minutes on the stove. Cooking them uncovered also gives the buttery cinnamon-sugar syrup time to reduce and thicken around the apples as they soften. And don’t even get me started on how incredible the kitchen smells while they’re cooking. These easy fried apples taste and smell just like fall. 🤤
Recipe Success Tips
- Don’t rush the heat. I keep the skillet over medium heat once I add the sugar and spices. Turning it up too high can make the sugary syrup darken too quickly before the apples have time to soften.
- Some apple wedges will be firmer, and some wedges will be soft. This is normal and a nice contrast in textures. Cook your apples to your preference. Just don’t cook them for too long, or they’ll all get mushy!
- Go ahead and adjust the spices to your liking! I went with cinnamon and nutmeg to infuse my apples with the same flavor I grew up loving in homemade pies and cobblers. However, you can use pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, ground ginger, clove, cardamom, or any warm fall spices you’ve got!
How to Serve Fried Apples
This recipe for fried apples isn’t just for dessert with a scoop of ice cream (though that’s hard to beat). They’re also a great side for savory meals because apples are a match made in heaven for richer meats! I like them with our air-fried pork chops for an easy weeknight dinner, or alongside baked ham when I’m serving a bigger holiday or Sunday meal. They’re delicious with roasted chicken, too, especially when I want something a little different from the usual vegetable side.
And of course, fried apples are perfect for breakfast. Spoon them over plain yogurt with homemade granola for something quick, pile them onto waffles for a weekend breakfast, or serve them over a stack of apple cinnamon pancakes when you really want to lean into those cozy fall flavors.
Fried Apples
Cost $5.71 recipe / $1.43 serving
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter ($0.77)
- 5 (1250 g uncut) Granny Smith apples (peeled and medium wedge, (about 5 cups cut) $4.52*)
- ½ cup (110 g) granulated sugar ($0.21**)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon ($0.18)
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ($0.02)
- ¼ tsp salt ($0.01)
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- Melt the butter on low heat in the cast-iron skillet (or medium skillet).
- While the butter is melting, peel and cut the apples into medium-sized wedges.
- After the butter is melted and the apples are cut, turn the heat to medium. Sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the sliced apples and stir to coat.
- Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until syrupy and the apples are tender.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
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Gather all of your ingredients. Having everything out ready to go makes the process so much easier!
Melt the butter: Add ½ cup butter to a cast-iron skillet (or medium skillet) and melt it over low heat.
Prep the apples: While the butter melts, peel 5 Granny Smith apples and cut them into medium-sized wedges. Try to keep the wedges evenly sized so they soften at similar rates.
Make the spiced butter: Once the butter has melted, increase the heat to medium. Add ½ cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp salt. Stir until the sugar and spices are combined with the melted butter.
Add the apples: Add the apple wedges to the skillet and stir until they’re well coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Cook until tender: Cook the apples over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still holding their shape and the butter and sugar have cooked down into a thick, syrupy sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage & Reheating
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating
You can reheat leftover fried apples gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. But I usually just use the microwave, which is much easier! Reheat in the microwave in 30-second to 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze fried apples in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the apples will be softer and may become a little mushy once thawed. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Try These Cinnamon Apple Recipes Next
- These Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Apples are another buttery, cinnamon-spiced option when you want saucy cinnamon apples (and they’re made completely in the crockpot!)
- I like making Homemade Applesauce when I need another easy way to use up fresh apples, and it makes a simple snack or breakfast with no added sugar.
- Our Apple Flautas start with a very similar warm cinnamon-apple filling, then tuck it inside tortillas and air fry them until crisp and golden.
