Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe. A must-have fall essential, these delicious fried apples are ready in less than 20 minutes and are made with just four simple ingredients. Learn how to make Fried Apples just in time for apple season and enjoy for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert!
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It is officially the middle of September. I don’t know how this happened. I mean, in my brain, I’m still living in the hot, blistering summer months of June and July.
And then I walk outside.
The weather has been pleasant. Like actually nice! I no longer want to escape indoors, but rather play outdoors all day. To be honest, the milder temperatures have me all confused. The trees are already changing color and the gloom has already started to move in. You guys, I literally cannot wrap my head around the trees. I mean last year they didn’t start to change color until November. Maybe even December.
But then I think…wait, maybe this is the norm?
Ok, someone needs to stop me. Or join me…I’m good with either.
Anyway, if you’re wondering what sparked this whole weather-talking nonsense you can blame apples. It’s all their fault. I mean, after all, it is apple season!
What do you think of when you think about apples? pie, cinnamon, ice cream, cozy sweaters, ugg boots, hot chocolate…
What about plain, old, deliciously simple Cinnamon Fried Apples? Ok, actually, there’s nothing plain about these fried apples. But don’t worry! Learning how to cook fried apples at home is super easy!
Cooked in sugar, butter, and cinnamon, until soft, these fabulously sweet little apples are guaranteed to be your new fall best friend.
Ingredients needed to make fried apples
- apples
- butter
- lemon juice
- brown sugar
- ground cinnamon
- nutmeg (optional)
- water, if needed
I should probably note that these apples are not deep fried. In other words, they are fried in butter, but they are not dipped in a batter and then submerged in oil to deep fry. Although, yes, these would also be fantastic.
How to make fried apples
Learning how to make fried apples is incredibly easy! You’ll need a large skillet, spatula, and a handful of super simple ingredients…like apples! You may either peel or leave the skin on your apples– this choice depends entirely on you. I love apple skin, plus I’m lazy, so I will rarely peel mine.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the apples, lemon juice, and sugar, tossing well to evenly combine.
- Cook the apples, stirring often, until soft, but not mushy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, if desired.
My favorite way to eat fried apples (aside from straight out of the skillet) is with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh my word, you guys! You have to try it! Warm, buttery apples with sweet, ice-cold ice cream. I mean, c’mon. It’s like hot and cold perfection.
And my second favorite is definitely with a giant scoop (or two) of whipped cream. The creaminess with the tart apples? Pure magic.
What are the best apples for this fried apple recipe?
Just like homemade applesauce, when it comes to apple pie, there are a million opinions when it comes to “the best” apple for apple pie. Of course, depending on the variety, certain apples will either be sweet, tart, or a combination of the two.
But, if I’m being honest, I may not be the best person to answer this question for you. Why? Well, when it comes to the apple I am extremely judgemental. I like apples that are bright red. For that reason, I tend to buy Pink Lady Apples for nearly 90% of my apple recipes. If it’s not the Pink Lady, it will be Fuji or Gala.
Lucky for me, I love firm and tart apples, so Pink Lady’s and I really hit it off.
For a more reputable source when it comes to apple choices head to The Spruce or Serious Eats (quite an interesting experiment in this article!)
Why I love this fried apples recipe
- These soft, sweet, and buttery apples are completely irresistible. Any recipe that leaves me coming back for more…and more…and more…is always a keeper.
- I feel like I’m eating pie…minus the pie. In other words, while these apples are sweetened with brown sugar and fried in butter, they are are a much healthier alternative to the real deal.
- Fried apples cook fast! That makes this fried apples recipe the perfect treat for anyone who doesn’t like to wait.
- They can be eaten with breakfast, or even dinner, too! Add these fried apples to a jar of overnight oats (coming soon) or a hot bowl of oatmeal for an easy and much-improved fall-spiced breakfast. Or, why not serve with herb roasted chicken and cabbage (not coming soon, but I just inspired myself, so that may change).
- Fried apples are safe for those with a sensitivity to gluten and are totally vegetarian.
Don’t forget to check out these other apple recipes
- Homemade Applesauce Recipe
- Turmeric Salad with Apples and Acorn Squash
- Autumn Rosé Sangria with Apples and Pomegranates
- Autumn Chicken Skillet with Apples and Sweet Potatoes
- Apple Balsamic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Marinated Salmon Apple Salad
- Refreshing Kohlrabi, Beetroot and Apple Salad with Feta and Lime
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Healthier Cinnamon Apple Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
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Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe. A must-have fall essential, these delicious fried apples ready in less than 20 minutes and are made with just four simple ingredients.
- 3/4 cup salted butter
- 8 medium tart red apples unpeeled and chopped into cubes
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional
Melt butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the butter until melted. Add the apples, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
Continue to cook the apples until they are soft, but not mushy (you want some bite left). Remove from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon.
Best served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
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