Name: Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams); 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)

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, sweet apples kissed with cinnamon and butter. This Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe brings that cozy feeling right to your kitchen in under 20 minutes – perfect for a quick dessert or a flavorful side. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your recipe rotation.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with cooked apple slices that are golden yellow and soft in texture, coated with a light sauce and sprinkled with ground cinnamon. On the right side of the pan, there are two whole cinnamon sticks laid on top of the apples. The pan handle is wrapped with a white and blue checkered cloth, and the pan sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. The apple slices are layered unevenly, with some pieces overlapping each other photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these easy fried apples—my kitchen smelled like fall, and in just minutes, I had the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced apples that everyone devoured. It’s so simple, but it tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

Quick and Simple: You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of active cooking.
Perfect Texture: The apples stay tender with a slight bite, never mushy.
Versatile Flavor: Cinnamon and lemon juice add that cozy warmth and freshness.
Great for Any Meal: It works wonderfully as a side, topping, or even a quick dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building that classic fried apple flavor. The balance of sweet, tart, and spicy elements makes this dish so addictive and satisfying.

Flat lay of a small slab of unsalted butter with a pale yellow color, a heaping pile of peeled and sliced Jonathan apples showing creamy white flesh and subtle red and yellow skin edges, two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with granulated white sugar and the other with light brown soft brown sugar, half a fresh lemon cut to show juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon powder, and a tiny white bowl holding fine kosher salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced with perfect spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and helps caramelize the apples beautifully without added salt control.
Jonathan Apples: I love tart, firm apples like Jonathan for frying because they hold their shape but soften just enough.
Granulated Sugar: Adds straightforward sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Light Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the overall taste.
Lemon Juice: Cuts through the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning prematurely.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweet flavors and enhances the natural apple taste.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice – warm, aromatic, and gives everything that classic “fall” vibe.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe invites you to make it your own. I often tweak the spices or swap apples depending on what’s in season or how sweet I want it.

Variation: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract can bring a whole new dimension to these apples – I did this last autumn, and it was a hit at brunch!
Dietary Tweaks: If you want it dairy-free, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter – it still tastes amazing.
Seasonal Changes: Swap in pears for a twist, or mix half apples and pears for interesting texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with slices of cooked apples that are soft and golden yellow with a light brown coating of cinnamon and sugar, arranged in a loose, layered pile. At the bottom right of the pan, three cinnamon sticks are placed side by side. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white and blue checkered cloth draped near the top left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat. I like using a heavy skillet because it cooks evenly and helps avoid hot spots that can burn your apples. Wait until the butter is fully melted but not browned – you want that gentle sizzle to begin.

Step 2: Add Apples and Sweeteners

Next, toss in 6 cups of peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, 2 tablespoons each of granulated and light brown sugar, the juice of half a lemon, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything gently to coat the apples evenly with butter and spices.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender but Not Mushy

Let the apples cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Every couple of minutes, flip the apples carefully with a spatula so they cook evenly. You’re aiming for tender apples with just a little bite left—not mushy or falling apart. This balance is key, and trust me, it's worth the occasional peek and stir.

Top Tip

From my dozen or so attempts perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a big difference in your final dish.

Choose the Right Apples: I always go for firm, tart apples like Jonathan or Granny Smith – they hold shape and balance sweetness beautifully.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in a single layer means your apples fry rather than steam, creating better texture.
Keep the Heat Moderate: Medium-low lets the sugars caramelize slowly without burning or drying out the apples.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the dish and keeps your apples vibrant instead of dull and brown.

How to Serve Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

fried apples cinnamon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I’m serving it as dessert. Chopped pecans also add a lovely crunch and nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.

Side Dishes

This is a fantastic side to spiced pork chops or roasted chicken. I also love it alongside a hearty breakfast of pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for something a little different and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving these fried apples in puff pastry cups or over a warm slice of buttered brioche. Another fun idea is to swirl them into oatmeal bowls or yogurt parfaits for a seasonal twist that guests always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They keep their flavor well but might be a little softer after a day or two. Just give them a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing fried apples is possible, but I prefer to freeze the raw sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh. After thawing, you can quickly pan-fry them with butter and sugar. Though if you do freeze cooked fried apples, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftover fried apples gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through without turning mushy. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, but I prefer the stovetop for better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of apples is best for the Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Jonathan, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance the cinnamon and sugar perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter alternative. The recipe works just as well and tastes delicious.

How do I prevent the apples from getting mushy?

Cook the apples over medium-low heat, stirring every couple of minutes, and cook just until they’re tender with a little bite - about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper frying rather than steaming.

Can I store and reheat leftovers?

Absolutely! Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat gently over low heat in a skillet. This method keeps the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether it’s a quick weeknight side or an unexpected dessert, these fried apples never fail to impress. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing them as I do – they really are a small kitchen victory worth savoring.