Cinnamon Fried Apples bring sweet, buttery comfort to your table in about 20 minutes. Tender apples simmer in warm cinnamon sugar sauce, making them perfect for Thanksgiving, breakfast, or an easy dessert.
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Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon Fried Apples taste a little like warm apple pie without the crust. The apples turn tender and juicy, while butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon create a rich sauce.
Also, you only need a few everyday ingredients. Prep takes about 5 minutes, and the apples cook in about 15 minutes.
In fact, I love how the kitchen starts smelling like cinnamon almost as soon as the apples hit the skillet. That cozy aroma feels especially right around Thanksgiving.
You can also change the texture to fit your family. Cook the apples longer for a very soft bite, or stop sooner when you want them slightly firm.
Best Apples for Cinnamon Fried Apples
Firm apples work best because they hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples are all great choices for Cinnamon Fried Apples.
Granny Smith apples add a bright tart flavor that balances the sweet sauce. Meanwhile, Fuji apples taste naturally sweeter and have a juicy bite.
Pink Lady apples also bring a nice sweet and tart balance. Most importantly, choose firm, fresh apples rather than soft fruit that may quickly turn mushy.
How to Keep Apples From Getting Mushy
First, cut your apples into similar bite size pieces. As a result, they cook at roughly the same speed.
Next, keep an eye on them as they soften. Smaller pieces cook faster, so begin checking them before the full cooking time ends.
Also, stir regularly but gently. Then remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the apples reach your preferred tenderness.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Fried Apples
Apples form the heart of this recipe. Choose firm varieties such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady for tender pieces that can still hold their shape.
Fresh lemon juice coats the cut apples and helps limit browning while you finish your prep. Salted butter, meanwhile, gives the sauce its smooth texture and rich flavor.
Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel like sweetness. White sugar adds extra sweetness, while ground cinnamon gives these Cinnamon Fried Apples their warm, familiar spice.
Optional Spices and Flavor Variations
For even more fall flavor, add a small amount of nutmeg. Apple pie spice also works well when you want several warm spices in one simple addition.
However, you do not need extra spices for delicious results. Cinnamon alone gives the apples plenty of cozy flavor.
You can also adjust the cooking time instead of changing the ingredients. For example, cook the apples a little less for firmer pieces or longer for a softer, almost pie filling texture.
How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon Fried Apples come together in one skillet with very little prep. First, prepare the fruit. Then make the buttery cinnamon sugar mixture before cooking everything together until tender.
Prepare the Apples
First, peel and core your apples. As you work, coat the cut fruit with fresh lemon juice to help limit browning.
Next, cut the apples into bite size pieces. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
Make the Cinnamon Sugar Sauce
Melt the salted butter in a high sided pan or cast iron skillet over low heat. Then stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Next, raise the heat slightly to low medium. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes while stirring often, until the ingredients melt together.
Cook the Apples Until Tender
Add the prepared apples to the warm cinnamon sugar mixture. Then stir gently so the sauce coats every piece.
Cook the apples for about 12 to 14 minutes. Meanwhile, stir them regularly so they cook evenly and stay coated in the buttery sauce.
Finally, check their texture. Once the Cinnamon Fried Apples reach your preferred tenderness, remove them from the heat and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Fried Apples
Keep the heat controlled rather than rushing the recipe over high heat. Otherwise, the sugar can cook too quickly before the apples become tender.
Also, use similar size apple pieces for more even cooking. Because different apple varieties soften at different rates, check the texture rather than relying only on the clock.
Finally, serve the apples warm. The cinnamon sugar sauce tastes especially rich and comforting while everything is fresh from the skillet.
How Long Should You Cook Fried Apples?
After making the sauce, cook the apples for about 12 to 14 minutes. However, the exact cooking time depends on the size of your pieces and the apple variety.
For slightly firm apples, start checking early. For very soft Cinnamon Fried Apples, continue cooking until they reach the texture you enjoy.
Do You Need Cornstarch for Fried Apples?
No, you do not need cornstarch. Butter and sugar naturally create a smooth sauce as the apples cook and release some of their juices.
However, you can add a cornstarch slurry when you want a thicker sauce. As a result, the finished mixture will have more of a classic apple pie filling consistency.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Fried Apples
These warm apples work as both a dessert and a sweet side dish. Therefore, you have plenty of ways to bring them to the table.
For a simple dessert, spoon them into bowls while warm. You can also add vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast against the warm cinnamon sauce.
Thanksgiving Serving Ideas
Cinnamon Fried Apples make a cozy addition to a Thanksgiving spread. Their buttery apple flavor fits naturally beside other fall favorites.
Also, they work well when you want an alternative to a traditional apple pie. Serve small portions as a sweet side dish, or bring them out later as a warm dessert.
Because the recipe takes about 20 minutes, you can prepare it without spending hours on another holiday dish. Plus, the warm cinnamon aroma makes the kitchen smell wonderfully festive.
Dessert and Breakfast Topping Ideas
For dessert, spoon the apples over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or slices of apple bread. The warm sauce adds sweetness and moisture to every bite.
For breakfast, add Cinnamon Fried Apples to yogurt, waffles, pancakes, French toast, or crepes. In addition, you can spoon them into cinnamon rolls as a sweet apple filling.
How to Store and Reheat Fried Apples
Leftover Cinnamon Fried Apples store well, so you do not have to waste any extras. First, let them cool enough for safe storage, and then transfer them to an airtight container.
Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator
Keep leftover fried apples refrigerated in an airtight container. The covered container helps protect their flavor and keeps the sauce with the fruit.
Also, store the apples soon after your meal rather than leaving them sitting out for an extended period. Then you can reheat only the amount you plan to serve.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Fried Apples
Place the desired portion in a small skillet and warm it gently, stirring as needed. This method lets you watch the texture closely as the sauce warms.
Alternatively, warm an individual portion until heated through using your preferred reheating method. However, avoid excessive cooking because additional heat can make already tender apples softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Apples for Fried Apples?
Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples work especially well. These varieties have firm flesh, so they are less likely to fall apart while cooking.
Do You Peel Apples Before Frying Them?
Yes, peel the apples for this Cinnamon Fried Apples recipe. Peeling gives the finished fruit a softer, smoother texture and lets the cinnamon sugar sauce coat each bite.
After peeling, core the apples and add fresh lemon juice. Then cut them into bite size pieces before cooking.
How Do You Thicken Cinnamon Fried Apples?
You can make a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce. Then add it carefully until the sauce reaches the consistency you prefer.
Can You Make Cinnamon Fried Apples Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can cook the apples ahead when you want to reduce last minute Thanksgiving prep. After cooking, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How Do You Keep Fried Apples From Getting Mushy?
Start with firm apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady. Also, cut the pieces to a similar size and watch them closely as they cook.
Can Cinnamon Fried Apples Be Served as a Thanksgiving Side Dish?
Yes. Cinnamon Fried Apples can work as a warm, sweet Thanksgiving side dish or dessert.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- cinnamon apple oatmeal muffins
- cinnamon sugar churro cheesecake
- cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins
- pumpkin bread with warm cinnamon spice
- easy pumpkin pie cupcakes with cinnamon
- air fryer cinnamon banana chips
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Fried Apples bring together tender fruit, buttery sweetness, and cozy cinnamon flavor in one easy skillet recipe. Better yet, you can have them ready in about 20 minutes.
Serve them beside your Thanksgiving favorites, spoon them over ice cream, or save them for tomorrow’s pancakes. However you serve them, that warm apple and cinnamon combination makes a simple dish feel extra comforting.
For even more cozy recipe inspiration, you can also visit Ellie’s Microwave Recipes on Pinterest and save ideas for later.
Cinnamon Fried Apples
Equipment
- High sided pan or cast iron skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples. Coat them with fresh lemon juice as you work to help limit browning. Then cut the apples into bite size pieces.
- Melt the salted butter in a high sided pan or cast iron skillet over low heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook over low medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture melts and combines.
- Add the prepared apples to the skillet and stir gently to coat them in the cinnamon sugar sauce.
- Cook for about 12 to 14 minutes, stirring regularly, until the apples reach your preferred tenderness. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the apple pieces.
- Serve the Cinnamon Fried Apples warm on their own or with ice cream, yogurt, waffles, pancakes, French toast, crepes, cheesecake, or apple bread.
