Fried Apples Recipe

Fried Apples are cooked in butter, warm spices, and brown sugar, making the perfect side dish ready in less than 30 minutes. This easy recipe of tart apples with a buttery sweet and sticky glaze and warm spices makes a great side dish or dessert with any meal.

For another apple recipe, try our Air Fryer Apple Fries with sticky caramel sauce. Or make an even sweeter treat with this Chocolate Turtle Apple recipe that is perfect for the holidays. Check out our blog if you are interested in more delicious express 30 minutes meals.

If you are an apple lover, this is a great way to enjoy a firm apple with apple pie spice, melted butter, brown sugar, and a bit of juice. This is also known as the southern fried apples recipe and is a nice topping or filling for all sorts of dishes.

A dollop of this over a scoop of ice cream is the perfect way to enjoy a chilly night by the warm fire.  These are perfect for this time of year when everyone is out apple picking in their local orchard or grocery store.

Ingredients needed:

The easy step-by-step directions are available on our recipe card below, but these are the simple ingredients you will need for this delicious side dish:

• Golden delicious apples: Cut into half-inch wedges with the peel left on.
• Apple juice: Divided.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar.
• Brown sugar: We used light but dark will do.
• Unsalted butter: At room temperature.
• Cornstarch: Important for thickening.
• Apple pie spice: Make your own with allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
• Salt: Just a pinch.

How do you make fried apples recipe?

1. Blend: To begin, blend both sugars, cornstarch, and ½-cup of the apple juice in the blender on pulse for 3-second bursts until it is completely mixed with no clumps. Set aside. 
2. Skillet: Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, put the rest of the apple juice, butter, spices, salt, and apples in an even layer. 
3. Boil: Then, bring it to a boil and adjust the temperature to medium-low heat to keep it simmering. 
4. Cook: Continue cooking until the apples are tender, for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them every few minutes. Be sure not to cook too long or they will be mushy.
5. Remove: After, using a slotted spoon, remove the apples while leaving the melted butter and juice in the pan. Leave them in a bowl while you finish the sauce. 
6. Whisk: Next, use a whisk to mix the cornstarch mixture into the pan on medium heat until it is bubbling and thick.
7. Serve: Finally, pour the sauce over the apples and toss them until they are completely coated. Serve immediately. 

Recipe variations:

• Add some lemon juice: To keep the fresh apples from browning, sprinkle them with lemon juice while you prepare the cornstarch and juice mix.
• More fruit: Alternatively, add other fruit like chopped pears. 
• Extract: Add a spoonful of pumpkin spice, orange, or vanilla extract. 
• Extra seasoning: Feel free to use other seasonings you like such as a dash of nutmeg or cloves. 
• Bake them: If you do not have a frying pan, you can make this recipe in the oven. Just combine all the ingredients together and bake it at 450 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes.

How to serve:

These tangy apples can be used for so many things, but we like to just eat them by ourselves. Or you can try one of these ideas:

• Add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. 
• Pour over pork chops for a delicious entrée.
• Try this tasty sauce on top of warm buttermilk biscuits, pancakes, or these air fryer French toast sticks.
• For firmer apples, only cook for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Put a scoop of these in a mango colada for a new tropical twist.
• This also makes a perfect filling for pie or donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for frying? 

Golden delicious apples are what Cracker Barrel Restaurant uses for their delicious dish, but you can use a different type of apple if you want. Fuji are also great with sweetness, unlike the others.

If you want a tart apple, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp apples are popular choices. 

What kind of pan should I use?

Many people like to use a cast-iron skillet for frying because it holds the heat well and helps them cook more evenly. This also gives the apples brown crispy edges with a buttery taste.

However, you can use a nonstick or any other large skillet. 

Where did this recipe originate?

In the early 1900s, before WWII, fresh fruit was hard to come by but almost everyone could grow apples. In fact, there was an abundance of apples.

This is one apple recipe that people really latched onto because of how fast, easy, and delicious it is. 

How to store leftovers:

1. Store: You can store your leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. 
2. Freeze: Although it is possible to freeze these, it does change the texture. Just make sure they are sealed in a freezer bag or a container that is safe for the freezer. 
3. Thaw: Thaw these overnight in the fridge before serving. 
4. Reheat: You could reheat these apple slices on the stove, in the microwave, or just eat them cold. 

Recipe tips:

• Make sure you cut the apples into equal-sized slices, so they cook evenly. 
• Also, be careful not to overcook them or they will turn to mush.
• If you do not have enough of one type of apple, feel free to use a combination.
• Be sure to scrub the apples to get the wax off if you are leaving the peel on.
• If the juice is too thin, thicken it up with a little more cornstarch slurry.

5 from 5 votes

Print

Fried Apples Recipe

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Fried Apples are cooked in butter, warm spices, and brown sugar, making the perfect side dish ready in less than 30 minutes. 

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Fried Apples Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 316 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 large golden delicious apples with peel, cut into 1/2 inch wedges
• 2 1/2 cups apple juice or apple cider - divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• pinch salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Add 1/2 cup of apple juice, cornstarch, and sugars to a blender. Pulse for 3-second increments until smooth.

2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining 2 cups of apple juice, butter, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt.

3. Add the apples to the bottom of the pan and distribute them evenly.

4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and reduce the heat to a simmer, cook the apples until they are fork-tender. Turn them every couple of minutes, for a total of 10-15 minutes. Do not overcook.

5. Using a slotted spoon remove the apples from the pan, to a large bowl.

6. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and whisk for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles.

7. Turn off the heat, add the apple, gently toss and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Fried Apples Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 316 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 23mg8%

Sodium 12mg1%

Potassium 365mg10%

Carbohydrates 62g21%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 49g54%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 364IU7%

Vitamin C 10mg12%

Calcium 34mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.