If you’ve never tried this Fried Apples Recipe, get ready for a magical twist on a classic comfort dish that perfectly balances sweetness, warmth, and a touch of tang. With tender, juicy Jonathan apples caramelized in butter and brown sugar, the flavors meld together to create a cozy treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s a simple yet irresistible way to bring a bit of happiness to your breakfast table, snack time, or even as a side. This Fried Apples Recipe turns humble apples into something truly special, guaranteed to become one of your kitchen favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Fried Apples Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of pantry staples and fresh fruit to deliver all the classic flavors you love. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s giving the apples that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, a touch of natural sweetness, or a hint of cozy spice.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides the rich, silky base that helps the apples caramelize beautifully without browning too fast.
- Jonathan apples (6 cups peeled and sliced): Their natural tartness holds up well during cooking and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right level of sweetness and helps form a gentle caramel coating.
- Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Imparts a deep, molasses-like flavor that enhances warmth and richness.
- Lemon juice (½ lemon): Offers a bright contrast that keeps the apples fresh and vibrant instead of overly sweet.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Tiny pinch to enhance the overall flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkles a dash of spice to make this Fried Apples Recipe irresistible in fall and winter months.
How to Make Fried Apples Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter slowly over medium-low heat in a large heavy skillet. This gentle heat is key to avoiding burnt butter and allows it to coat your apples perfectly later on.
Step 2: Add Apples and Flavorings
Once the butter is melted, toss in your peeled and sliced Jonathan apples along with both sugars, lemon juice, kosher salt, and optional cinnamon. Give everything a good stir to combine so every apple slice gets lovingly coated in all those flavors.
Step 3: Cook and Turn the Apples
Cook the apples uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every two minutes with a spatula. This keeps them from sticking and ensures they soften evenly while maintaining a slight bite and their shape — the hallmark of a great Fried Apples Recipe.
How to Serve Fried Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate it into a decadent dessert.
Side Dishes
Fried apples are a stellar companion to breakfast staples like warm pancakes, waffles, or fluffy biscuits. For a cozy dinner, serve them alongside pork chops or roasted chicken to add a sweet and tangy note to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning these sweet apples over oatmeal or yogurt for a comforting breakfast bowl. Another favorite way is layering them inside crepes or on top of French toast for an extra special brunch treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover fried apples to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this Fried Apples Recipe again without extra effort.
Freezing
You can freeze fried apples for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and defrost quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the apples on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a small splash of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon can refresh their flavor and texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use other apple varieties for this Fried Apples Recipe?
Absolutely! While Jonathan apples are fantastic for their tartness and firmness, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples can also work well, each bringing a unique flavor and sweetness level.
What’s the secret to keeping the apples tender but slightly firm?
Cooking on medium-low heat and stirring every couple of minutes is crucial. This slow cooking prevents the apples from turning mushy and helps them retain a lovely bite.
Can I make this Fried Apples Recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The flavor will be just as delicious and the texture still wonderfully rich.
Is cinnamon necessary for this recipe?
Cinnamon is optional but highly recommended for its warm, comforting spice. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or replace it with nutmeg or allspice for a different twist.
How sweet will the Fried Apples Recipe be? Can I adjust sugar?
The sugar adds a balanced sweetness that complements the tart apples perfectly. However, you can easily reduce or increase the sugars based on your personal taste or the natural sweetness of your apples.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Apples Recipe is pure joy plated up in a skillet — easy, approachable, and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re after a nostalgic breakfast side or a simple dessert fix, these warm, buttery apples will always hit the spot. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to recipes to brighten up any mealtime.
Print
Fried Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Apples recipe offers a warm, comforting side dish featuring tender Jonathan apple slices cooked in butter with a perfect balance of granulated and brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. It brings out the natural sweetness of the apples with a slight tang and a touch of spice, making it an ideal accompaniment for breakfast, dessert, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams, ½ stick)
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples (678 grams, from about 5 apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (27 grams)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams, optional)
Instructions
- Heat Butter: In a large heavy skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat until fully melted and slightly foamy, which forms the base for cooking the apples.
- Add Ingredients and Cook: Add the peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cinnamon (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine evenly, then cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the apples to soften and the sugars to caramelize slightly.
- Turn Apples: Every 2 minutes, gently turn the apples with a spatula to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The apples should become tender with a slight bite, maintaining their shape without becoming mushy.
Notes
- Jonathan apples are tart and hold their shape well; you can substitute with Granny Smith or Fuji apples if preferred.
- Adjust sugar amounts based on apple sweetness or dietary preferences.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
- Serve warm as a side dish with pork, pancakes, or vanilla ice cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
