Name: Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; ½ lemon, juiced; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Imagine tender apples sizzling in buttery, cinnamon-scented sweetness—this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe is exactly that little kitchen magic you want on a busy morning or a cozy afternoon. It’s simple, fast, and totally comforting, perfect for when you want something fruity but with a warm, indulgent twist.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with cooked apple slices that are soft and golden yellow in color with a light brown cinnamon dusting on top. There are three cinnamon sticks placed on the right side of the pan. The apple slices have different shapes and sizes, some curved and some more angular, all coated in a shiny sauce that pools slightly at the bottom. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth partly visible underneath. 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 Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these fried apples countless times, and every single time they bring the kind of cozy happiness I want from a quick fruit treat. This recipe is all about effortless flavor with minimal fuss, and it’ll quickly become your go-to for breakfast toppings, snacks, or a simple dessert.

Speedy Comfort: From peeling to eating, you’re only about 20 minutes away from that warm, cinnamony goodness.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list or fancy spices—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples.
Versatility: It pairs beautifully with everything from pancakes and oatmeal to pork chops or just by itself.
Perfect Texture: The apples soften just enough to melt in your mouth while keeping a slight bite that feels fresh and lively.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe plays a role in creating that sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor you’re aiming for. Choosing the right apple and balancing the sugars and lemon juice keeps everything bright and delicious.

Flat lay of a few thick slices of peeled Jonathan apples, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of granulated sugar crystals, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, half a fresh lemon with visible juice droplets, a small white bowl with fine kosher salt, a small white bowl filled with ground cinnamon powder, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly and gives a rich, creamy base for the apples to cook in.
Jonathan Apples: These apples are ideal because they’re tart enough to balance the sugar but firm enough to hold up in the pan without turning to mush.
Granulated Sugar: Adds straightforward sweetness and helps with caramelization as the apples cook.
Light Brown Sugar: Brings a lovely, deep molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and butter perfectly.
Lemon Juice: Just a touch brightens the whole dish and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.
Kosher Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon (Optional but recommended): This classic spice adds warmth and those unmistakable cozy notes that define fried apples.

📝

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

I love mixing things up a bit depending on the season or what I have on hand. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t hesitate to personalize it — that’s half the fun of cooking!

Variation: I’ve tried adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra fragrance. It changes things up nicely when you’re craving something a little different.
Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free, swapping butter with coconut oil works wonders and adds a subtle tropical aroma.
Seasonal Changes: In fall, I sometimes toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts toward the end for crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with sliced cooked apple pieces, which are light yellow and soft-looking, mixed with a syrupy liquid that gives a shiny texture. On top, there are three brown cinnamon sticks placed together. The skillet is on a white marbled surface next to a white cloth with blue checks draped casually. The overall colors are warm and inviting, with the skillet black color contrasting with the light tones of the apples and the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt Butter Gently

Start by melting the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Take your time here — you want the butter to foam softly, not brown, so the flavors stay clean and buttery. Medium-low heat is key for that perfect balance.

Step 2: Add Apples and Sugars

Pop in your peeled and sliced Jonathans along with the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Spread everything evenly, so each apple slice gets some love. The sugars start dissolving and mixing with the butter to create that caramel-like coating.

Step 3: Cook and Turn Gently

Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Every couple of minutes, give the apples a gentle turn with a spatula. You want them tender, but with a little bite still — think soft but not mushy. Keep an eye on texture, because not all apples cook the same.

Top Tip

After a few rounds of making this, I learned a few neat tricks that really helped nail the texture and flavor—little adjustments that make the whole process feel effortless and the results always reliable.

Low and Slow Heat: Cooking on medium-low ensures the butter doesn’t burn and the sugars caramelize slowly for a sweeter, richer flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the apples some space in the pan so they fry evenly instead of steaming.
Slicing Consistency: Try to slice the apples uniformly—this helps them cook evenly and look more appealing on the plate.
Watch Your Timing: I usually start checking around 7 minutes; the moment they hold their shape but yield to a fork is perfect.

How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

Cinnamon Fried Apples - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, a little scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream transforms this simple dish into a dreamy dessert or indulgent breakfast treat. Fresh chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup also add nice texture and sweetness if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

There’s something so homely about pairing these fried apples with fluffy pancakes or warm oatmeal in the morning. For dinner, I love them alongside roasted pork or grilled chicken—the sweet and savory combo is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a brunch gathering, I served these apple slices in small glass jars layered with granola and Greek yogurt for a make-ahead treat everyone loved. You could also use them as a topping to elevate French toast or swirl them into crepes for a fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The apples retain their flavor but might soften a little more, which is still great for spooning over yogurt or ice cream.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cooked apples successfully by letting them cool completely, then packing into freezer-safe containers. They maintain their flavor well, though the texture softens slightly after thawing—perfect for cooking into sauces or baking.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a little splash of water or butter to refresh the texture and avoid drying out. Microwave works in a pinch—heat in short bursts and stir in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other apple varieties for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Jonathan apples work wonderfully for their balance of tartness and firmness, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples also make excellent choices. Just keep in mind the sweetness and texture differences—they may cook slightly faster or slower.

Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?

Yes! Cinnamon adds a warm, classic flavor, but if that’s not your thing or you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or substitute with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different twist.

How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?

The key is cooking on medium-low heat and turning the apples gently every couple of minutes. Also, slicing them consistently and avoiding overcrowding the pan will help keep the pieces intact with a tender but firm bite.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the fried apples a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe is one of those little kitchen secrets I love sharing—it’s straightforward, comforting, and just pure deliciousness. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of those dishes you turn to when you want something sweet and satisfying without a big time commitment. Enjoy cooking it as much as I do!