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By Joanie Zisk
on Mar 17, 2021, Updated Mar 22, 2024
5 from 16 votes
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Craving Warm, Spiced Apples in Minutes? Try Our Easy Small Batch Fried Apples Recipe! Skip the prep work and large batches – these Small Batch Fried Apples comes together in one pan in just 15 minutes! Tender apple slices are caramelized to perfection with a touch of cinnamon and butter, creating a delicious side dish, healthy dessert, or ice cream topping.
this Recipe
If you’re looking for more easy apple recipes, you’ll love our Mini Dutch Apple Pie, Apple Cake, Apple Cobbler, and Apple Fritters!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple Recipe
- What Are Fried Apples?
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make Fried Apples
- Expert Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Small Batch Apple Recipes To Try
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Easy Small Batch Fried Apples Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Fried Apple Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Cooks in just 15 minutes, this fried apples recipe is perfect for those spontaneous cravings.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side, a topping, or enjoy it on its own as a dessert.
- Customizable: This recipe for fried apples offers a balance of traditional and alternative ingredients to suit various dietary needs.
- Doubles Well: Need more? This fired apple recipe can easily be doubled without compromising on flavor.
What Are Fried Apples?
Pan fried apples are slices of apples sautéed in a skillet with butter, brown sugar, and spices until they reach a tender and caramelized state. Originating from Southern cuisine, this versatile dish has gained nationwide popularity in the U.S., notably through its inclusion on Cracker Barrel restaurant menus. Whether enjoyed as a side, a topping, or a dessert, fried apples stand as a testament to the simplicity and richness of traditional cooking.
Ingredients
- Apples: Opt for firmer varieties like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith apples for best results. These are the best apples since they maintain their shape and don’t get mushy during cooking. However, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to discover unique flavors.
- Lemon Juice (Optional): Use either fresh or bottled lemon juice. The citric acid helps to prevent apple discoloration and extends freshness.
- Butter: Salted butter is recommended for added flavor depth. If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, unsalted butter works too. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Brown sugar: If you’re looking for an alternative, maple syrup is a great substitute that offers a different kind of sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, consider making a small batch of brown sugar.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the go-to spices for enhancing the dish’s flavor profile. If you don’t have them, the recipe will still work, but the spices do add an extra layer of deliciousness.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used andwhy I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, these variations will keep your fried apples recipe exciting. Each tweak adds a unique spin while maintaining the dish’s comforting essence.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet. The subtle spiciness beautifully complements the sweetness of the apples.
- Go Nutty: Introduce a crunchy texture by tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking. The nuts add both flavor and crunch.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice along with the zest for a citrusy tang that brightens the dish.
- Apple and Berry Medley: Mix in a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for added color and a burst of tartness.
Feel free to try one or combine multiple variations to create your own signature fried apple dish.
How To Make Fried Apples
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of fried apples. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Pour lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent browning.
- Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and spices. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced apples and stir to coat.
- Cook and stir for 12-15 minutes, until apples have softened. The exact timing will depend on the size of your apple slices.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
This recipe will yield approximately 1 cup of fried apples.
Expert Tips
- Peeling Apples: It’s your choice to peel the apples or keep the skin on. Both options work, but peeling offers a smoother texture.
- Prevent Browning: Slice the apples just before cooking to avoid discoloration. For extra protection against browning, toss the slices in a dash of lemon juice prior to sautéing.
- Scaling the Recipe: Want more servings? Simply double the ingredient quantities to make a larger batch of fried apples without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your fried apples, the possibilities are nearly endless. From breakfast options to dessert delights, here are some versatile ways to savor this dish:
- Breakfast Oats: Serve over oatmeal, in baked oatmeal, or incorporate into overnight oats for a fruity start to your day.
- Pancake Topping: Elevate your pancakes, French toast, or waffles by using this recipe as a scrumptious topping.
- Yogurt Mix-In: Stir the fried apples into your yogurt for a tasty and nutritious snack.
- Ice Cream Companion: For a dessert that’s hard to resist, spoon the fried apples over a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Mini Desserts: Use the fried apples as apple pie filling to make a mini apple pie or an apple galette with a small pie crust.
- Savory Pairing: For a unique twist, serve the fried apples alongside a delicious ham steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store fried apples?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing fried apples.
Can fried apples be used as a pie filling?
Absolutely, it makes a delicious pie filling.
Can you freeze fresh apples?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option if you have an excess of fresh apples. Here’s how to freeze apple slices for later use:
Preparation: Peel, core, and slice the apples to your desired size.
Prevent Browning: Drizzle lemon juice over the slices to keep them from discoloring.
Initial Freezing: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer.
Storage: After the slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage.
More Small Batch Apple Recipes To Try
If you’re smitten with the flavors of apple and looking for more ways to enjoy this versatile fruit, you’re in the right place. From breakfast treats to decadent desserts, here are some other small batch apple recipes that are perfect for satisfying those cozy cravings.
- Baked Apples: A simple yet luxurious treat that fills your home with the aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit.
- Apple Butter: A spreadable delight that’s perfect on toast or as a filling for pastries.
- Apple Cinnamon Scones: A breakfast classic with a fruity twist, ideal for pairing with your morning coffee.
- Apple Muffin: Moist, fluffy, and packed with apple chunks, this muffin makes a quick and tasty snack.
- Apple Galette: A rustic, free-form tart that showcases the natural sweetness of apples.
- Mini Dutch Apple Pie: A small version of the classic, complete with a crumbly topping.
- Apple Dutch Baby: A puffy, oven-baked pancake filled with apple slices and a dash of cinnamon.
Explore these recipes to make the most of apple season, or to simply enjoy the comforting flavors of apple all year round.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
Small Batch Snickerdoodles
Small Batch Morning Glory Muffins
Apple Crisp For One
Mini French Toast Casserole
If you’ve tried this easy fried apple recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
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Easy Small Batch Fried Apples
5 from 16 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 15 minutes mins
Total: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
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Craving warm, comforting flavors in minutes? These Small Batch Fried Apples are perfect! Tender apple slices are caramelized to perfection with a touch of cinnamon and butter, creating a delicious side dish or healthy dessert.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced or chopped apples , approximately 2 medium-sized apples
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Peel, core, and slice the apples and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Pour lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent browning
Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds.
Add the sliced apples and stir to coat.
Cook and stir for 12-15 minutes, until apples have softened. The exact timing will depend on the size of your apple slices.
Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Peeling Apples: It’s your choice to peel the apples or keep the skin on. Both options work, but peeling offers a smoother texture.
- Prevent Browning: Slice the apples just before cooking to avoid discoloration. For extra protection against browning, toss the slices in a dash of lemon juice prior to sautéing.
- Scaling the Recipe: Want more servings? Simply double the ingredient quantities to make a larger batch of fried apples without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 251kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 155mg, Potassium: 158mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 593IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 23mg, Iron: 1mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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22 Comments
Love your recipes ,thank you .😋
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Thank you so much!
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add a drop of rum or brandy to the butter and sugar and cook it down then add the apples.
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This dish was simply easy to make and so delicious. I used splenda instead of brown sugar.
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Doubled recipe and shared with my neighbor. Simple recipe with few ingredients. Loved it.
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+Best recipe for apples we have found! Will definitely make this recipe again!
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Delicious! I’ll do that again for sure.
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Very good I had 4 apples about to go bad an wanted a simple recipe to use them before they went bad I was really surprised how good they turned out thank you
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Very good to good I ate every bite.Thanks for the recipe will definitely make again
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