
By Becky Hardin
Published Oct 1, 2023

When I’m craving a bit of fall flavor right this second, I make these fried apples. They’re super quick to cook in just 10 minutes on the stovetop, and the ingredients list is short and sweet. I love to grab my favorite apples, toss them with some butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and enjoy this comforting snack. It tastes great with breakfast, dinner, or dessert!

I have such fond memories of my mom cooking up fried apples just as soon as we got home from apple picking. This is a great snack or dessert that feels super indulgent but is actually pretty healthy. These fried apples taste like my favorite apple pie filling, but they’re way easier to make!
5-Star Review
“Great recipe! Made as a side dish. Will make again.” – Tamara R.
What’s in This Fried Apples Recipe?
- Butter: Unsalted butter is what I like to use. You can use salted instead if preferred.
- Apples: Jonathan apples are my personal favorite! However, they may be difficult to find at your local grocery store. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Honey Crisp apples all work great. You can just use whatever your favorite apple is.
- Sugar: You’ll need both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar to create the best touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: For the very best flavor and natural acidity, use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than the bottled alternative if possible.
- Cinnamon: This is an optional but highly recommended ingredient! Cinnamon helps to create the very best warm fall flavor.

Tips for Success
- You can really double down on that fall flavor by sprinkling in some nutmeg, allspice, or just extra cinnamon.
- Try not to overcook the apples or they’ll become mushy!
How to Store and Reheat
Once cooled to room temperature, store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions
I could eat these fried apples any time of day! They’re so delish on pancakes , french toast , or oatmeal for breakfast. They also make a great Thanksgiving side dish . And don’t get me started on dessert. Fried apples on ice cream is another kind of heavenly!
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 57 grams (½ stick)
- ▢ 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
Video
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add all other ingredients and cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes. 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, ½ lemon, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Carefully turn the apples, with a spatula, every 2 minutes. The apples should be tender, but still have a slight bite and hold their shape.
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Cook Fried Apples Step by Step
Melt the Butter: In a large heavy skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat.

Add the Apples: Add 6 cups of peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, the juice of ½ lemon, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes.

Turn and Cook: Carefully turn the apples, with a spatula, every 2 minutes. The apples should be tender, but still have a slight bite and hold their shape.

More Apple Recipes to Try!

Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Apple Pie Overnight French Toast Casserole

Fried Apples Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 57 grams (½ stick)
- 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
Instructions
- In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add all other ingredients and cook, uncovered, 8-10 minutes. 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, ½ lemon, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Carefully turn the apples, with a spatula, every 2 minutes. The apples should be tender, but still have a slight bite and hold their shape.
Video
Notes
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
