There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen. Growing up, my grandmother used to make a similar dish whenever the weather started to cool down. It was a family favorite, always enjoyed as either a comforting side dish or a dessert over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking for a simple recipe that delivers both a burst of sweetness and a cozy warmth, this Easy Fried Apples recipe is for you!
PrintEasy Fried Apples Recipe: A Perfect Sweet and Savory Treat
🍎🔥 Easy Fried Apples—the ultimate quick treat for any occasion! 🍏 Sweet apples cooked to perfection in butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a flavor-packed experience. Serve as a dessert, a topping, or enjoy on their own—it’s a simple, irresistible treat! 😍
#AppleDesserts #FriedApples #SweetTreats #CinnamonGoodness #BeginnerFriendlyCooking #EasyDessert #QuickAndTasty #AppleSeason #ComfortInEveryBite #DeliciouslySimple 🍎🔥✨
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (unsalted)
- 6 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced into even pieces)
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Melt the Butter
- Place a large cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, swirling occasionally to prevent it from burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter starts to bubble slightly.
2. Cook the Apples
- Add your sliced apples to the skillet. Give them a gentle stir so they’re coated in the melted butter.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the apples to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom or burn.
- The apples should soften and become tender. This is the point where you get the heavenly smell filling your kitchen!
3. Add the Sugar and Spices
- While the apples cook, take a small bowl and mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Once the apples have softened, sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over them, stirring gently to combine.
- Let the apples cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring often. The sugar should dissolve into the butter, creating a syrupy consistency that clings to the apples.
4. Serve
- These fried apples are best served warm. You can either serve them as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or as a dessert over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you’re serving them as a dessert, the contrast between the warm apples and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because they balance tartness with a firm texture that holds up well when cooked. However, you can experiment with other varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, for a sweeter twist.
- Preventing Overcooking: Keep an eye on the apples as they cook. If you’re not sure whether they’re done, try poking one with a fork – it should be soft but not mushy.
- Butter Alternatives: If you want to reduce the richness, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or even a light olive oil. This won’t alter the flavor too much but will make the dish a little lighter.
- Sugar Substitutes: You can use maple syrup instead of the granulated sugar and brown sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Too Sweet? If you find the apples are a little too sweet for your taste, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to balance out the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Perfect for beginner cooks, this dish only takes 30 minutes to make, and it’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a quick side for dinner or as a treat after a meal, these fried apples will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
- Simplicity: No complicated techniques here! The recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients and basic cooking steps, making it ideal for anyone just starting out in the kitchen.
- Time-efficient: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a delightful dish ready in less than half an hour.
- Healthy and delicious: Apples are naturally packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, making this a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides health benefits.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (unsalted)
- 6 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced into even pieces)
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Preparation:
- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Gather your ingredients and set up your cooking station: butter, sugars, spices, and ice cream if you’re serving it as a dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt the Butter
- Place a large cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, swirling occasionally to prevent it from burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter starts to bubble slightly.
2. Cook the Apples
- Add your sliced apples to the skillet. Give them a gentle stir so they’re coated in the melted butter.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the apples to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom or burn.
- The apples should soften and become tender. This is the point where you get the heavenly smell filling your kitchen!
3. Add the Sugar and Spices
- While the apples cook, take a small bowl and mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Once the apples have softened, sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over them, stirring gently to combine.
- Let the apples cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring often. The sugar should dissolve into the butter, creating a syrupy consistency that clings to the apples.
4. Serve
- These fried apples are best served warm. You can either serve them as a side dish to accompany roasted meats or as a dessert over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you’re serving them as a dessert, the contrast between the warm apples and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because they balance tartness with a firm texture that holds up well when cooked. However, you can experiment with other varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, for a sweeter twist.
- Preventing Overcooking: Keep an eye on the apples as they cook. If you’re not sure whether they’re done, try poking one with a fork – it should be soft but not mushy.
- Butter Alternatives: If you want to reduce the richness, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or even a light olive oil. This won’t alter the flavor too much but will make the dish a little lighter.
- Sugar Substitutes: You can use maple syrup instead of the granulated sugar and brown sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetener. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Too Sweet? If you find the apples are a little too sweet for your taste, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to balance out the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side: Serve these fried apples alongside roasted meats like chicken or beef for a savory-sweet pairing that enhances the flavors of both.
- As a Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a comforting treat. The warm, spiced apples combined with the creamy ice cream are a match made in heaven.
- With Pancakes or Waffles: These fried apples also make a fantastic topping for breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It’s a simple way to make your morning meal feel special.
Storage Tips:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the apples on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- You can also freeze the apples if you want to store them longer. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat for All Occasions
There’s no reason to wait for a special occasion to enjoy these Easy Fried Apples. Whether you’re serving them as a simple side dish to complement your dinner or as a comforting dessert to wrap up a meal, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even the newest cooks will be able to create this mouthwatering dish with confidence.
I’d love to hear about how you make this recipe your own! Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite way to serve fried apples is. Whether you add extra spices, experiment with different apple varieties, or pair it with something unexpected, I’m sure it’ll be delicious!
Happy cooking and enjoy your fried apples!