Fried Apples
by Sommer Collier — on Aug 18, 2025 Cinnamon fried apples are a classic side that pair well with all kinds of dishes, from savory southern mains to sweet desserts and more! In this easy recipe the apples are fried in a skillet with spices and a buttery glaze, so every slice is tender and delicious.
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Have you ever heard the phrase, “How do you like them apples?” (Of course, you have.) Well, when we cook them in sugar and spices, everyone absolutely LOVES these apples!
Similar to our instant pot version, here we include some of your favorite autumn ingredients like tart apples bathed in an irresistible combination of apple pie spices, sugar, and butter. While the pressure cooker method is a fantastic “set it and forget it”-type recipe, this simple fried apples recipe is quick to make in a skillet on the stovetop.
It’s a must-have for the fall apple season, but is so easy to make, you will be using it all year!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Wholesome ingredients – This recipe only requires 5 simple kitchen staples, most of which you likely already have!
- 30 minute recipe – Yes, that even includes peeling and slicing the apples!
- Versatile dish – These sweet cooked apples can be enjoyed as a southern side dish, breakfast treat, or as a dessert to serve with vanilla ice cream.
PLUS, I am sharing my tried-and-true best tips to avoid mushy apples. (Nobody likes those apples!)
I’m sure you’ll agree our recipe tastes similar to Cracker Barrel fried apples, but WAY better.
Ingredients and Tips
- Apples – The best types of apples for frying are tart varieties like Granny Smith apples (what we are using), Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples that are a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Lemon juice – Fresh squeezed is always best!
- Butter – Use unsalted butter so you have total control over the amount of salt in the dish.
- Sugar – I use simple granulated white sugar, but coconut sugar would also work well.
- Apple pie spice – To add extra depth to the flavor, we like to use apple pie spice blend to season the apples. However, you can use pumpkin pie spice blend, or just good old ground cinnamon if you prefer.
- Salt – Just a bit to balance the sweetness.
How to Make the Best Fried Apples
Tips for Success – In order to keep the apples from turning to mush as you cook them, it’s important to remember 3 simple things…
- Pick very firm tart apples, they tend to hold their shade better as they cook. (see ingredient note above)
- Cut the apples into uniform ½ inch wedges. If some pieces are thick and some are skinny, it’s hard to cook them properly.
- Do not overcook the apples. 5 to 7 minutes should be more than enough time to make them soft, yet still hold their shape.
Find the full Cinnamon Fried Apples recipe with detailed instructions, storage tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Southern fried apples have the best texture when enjoyed freshly cooked. But leftovers do taste delicious! They’ll keep well for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheating – Reheat the apples in a microwave or gently on the stovetop. Either way, you want to keep the heat low and go slow; otherwise, you could make them overcooked and soft.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet and spiced fried apples go well with classic Cracker Barrel-style southern dishes… Yes, including meat! I personally love to pair them with meaty mains like grilled pork chops with Carolina sauce, crispy fried chicken, or our air fryer pork tenderloin recipes for a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Cinnamon apples are also fabulous for breakfast! Load them onto fluffy pancakes, waffles, or French toast, or simply enjoy them as a side with your favorite breakfast dishes.
Or really lean into the sweetness and serve them for dessert, warm or room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
But don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating them right from the skillet!
Fried Apples Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 extra-large granny smith apples or other tart and firm apples
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Set out a large bowl. Place the lemon juice in the bowl. Peel the apples. Then cut them into half inch wedges, removing the core as you slice. Place the apple wedges in the lemon juice, and tossed to keep the apples from browning. Continue to toss as you add more apple wedges to the bowl.
- Set a large cast-iron skillet (or sauté pan) over medium heat. Add the butter, sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir as the butter and sugar melt together. Once the combination is well mixed, dump the apples and lemon juice into the skillet.
- Fry the apples for 5-6 minutes, gently stirring every minute so that all the apples have a turn at the bottom of the skillet. Once the apples are soft, but not falling apart, turn off the heat. Serve warm.
Notes
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- Storing Leftovers – Southern fried apples have the best texture when enjoyed freshly cooked. But leftovers do taste delicious! They’ll keep well for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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- Reheating – Reheat the apples in a microwave or gently on the stovetop. Either way, you want to keep the heat low and go slow; otherwise, you could make them overcooked and soft.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Honeycrisp apples are a bit too sweet and soft to fry, in my opinion. Since we add sugar to caramelize the apples, I prefer a more tart apple, like the granny smith apples we use here.
I recommend that you peel the skin off the apples before cooking. Apple skin can become tough when fried, so peeling it makes the slices perfectly tender and toothsome.
