Name: Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams); 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples (678 grams); 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)

There’s something irresistibly cozy about warm apples kissed with cinnamon and a touch of buttery sweetness. This Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe is hands down one of my favorite simple treats that comes together in no time and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with cooked apple slices that are golden yellow and soft in texture, coated with a light sauce and sprinkled with ground cinnamon. On the right side of the pan, there are two whole cinnamon sticks laid on top of the apples. The pan handle is wrapped with a white and blue checkered cloth, and the pan sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. The apple slices are layered unevenly, with some pieces overlapping each other 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 Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it turned everyday apples into a warm, flavorful snack that tastes way fancier than the effort it demands. It’s perfect for mornings, dessert, or even a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.

Speedy & Simple: You’ll have these caramelized apples ready in about 10 minutes flat—no long prep needed.
Natural Sweetness Boost: Using both granulated and light brown sugar adds depth without making it overly cloying.
Perfect Texture: The apples get tender but keep a slight bite that feels just right.
Versatile Treat: Great as a topping, side, or snack—your kitchen just got happier.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a role in bringing out the warm, cozy flavors you’re craving. Plus, they’re all easy to find at the grocery store, which makes whipping up this treat a breeze whenever you feel like it.

Flat lay of a small slab of unsalted butter with a pale yellow color, a heaping pile of peeled and sliced Jonathan apples showing creamy white flesh and subtle red and yellow skin edges, two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with granulated white sugar and the other with light brown soft brown sugar, half a fresh lemon cut to show juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon powder, and a tiny white bowl holding fine kosher salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced with perfect spacing, placed 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

Jonathan apples: I love using Jonathan apples here because they strike the perfect balance between tart and sweet, which keeps the dish from feeling too sugary.
Unsalted butter: This adds a rich, silky background flavor without overwhelming the apples.
Granulated sugar: Provides a clean sweetness that helps caramelize the apples nicely.
Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note that deepens the flavor.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with apples, adding warmth and a hint of spice.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens everything up and prevents the apples from browning too fast.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.

📝

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 like to tweak this Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe based on mood and what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla extract to mix things up a bit. You can definitely personalize this recipe to match your taste buds.

Add a pinch of nutmeg: Once, I tried adding nutmeg for extra spice and it gave the dish a cozy holiday feel that I absolutely loved.
Swap in different apples: Gala or Fuji apples will also work, though they’ll change the sweetness and texture slightly.
Make it vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute, and you’re good to go without losing any flavor.

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

A black cast iron pan filled with slices of cooked apples that are soft and golden yellow with a light brown coating of cinnamon and sugar, arranged in a loose, layered pile. At the bottom right of the pan, three cinnamon sticks are placed side by side. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white and blue checkered cloth draped near the top left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt the Butter Gently

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. You want the butter to melt slowly so it doesn’t brown or burn—that’s key for that clean buttery base. I like using a cast iron skillet because it heats evenly, but any heavy pan works fine.

Step 2: Add Apples and Other Ingredients

Next, toss in the peeled, sliced Jonathan apples along with both sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Spread everything evenly and let the apples start to soften uncovered. This is where the magic happens.

Step 3: Cook and Turn Carefully

Cook the mixture for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning the apples carefully every 2 minutes with a spatula. The goal? Tender apples that still hold a slight bite. Watch closely so they don’t get mushy. This step is where patience pays off.

Top Tip

From making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned that a few simple tweaks can make a big difference. These tips ensure your Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe turns out perfectly every time!

Low and Slow Butter Melt: Melt butter on medium-low to prevent browning and keep that perfect buttery taste.
Even Apple Slices: Slice apples to a consistent thickness so they all cook evenly and finish around the same time.
Gentle Turning: Use a silicone spatula and turn every 2 minutes gently to avoid breaking the apple slices.
Don’t Overcook: Aim for tender but still slightly firm apples; too soft can get mushy fast.

How to Serve Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

fried apples with cinnamon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm, spiced apples with something cool and creamy. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness that takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

This is a classic companion for breakfast dishes like pancakes or waffles, and it also shines alongside roasted pork chops or a cozy bowl of oatmeal. I’ve been surprised how well it pairs with savory meals, balancing salty with sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I like to serve these fried apples in little glass jars layered with whipped cream and granola for a rustic parfait. Another fun idea is spooning them over baked brie with a drizzle of honey—your guests will be impressed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fried apples store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a quick stir before reheating, as the sugars can settle or thicken if left undisturbed.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apples successfully by letting them cool completely, then transferring to freezer bags. They keep for about 2 months. I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge, then reheating gently to preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or a little butter to loosen things up. Microwave is fine too—just go low and slow to avoid making the apples mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples for this Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe?

Absolutely! While Jonathan apples offer a nice balance of tart and sweet, you can use Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Fuji for sweeter results. Just adjust cooking times as some apples soften faster than others.

How do I prevent the apples from getting mushy?

To keep apples tender yet firm, cook them uncovered over medium-low heat and gently turn every 2 minutes. Avoid overcooking; they should be soft but still hold their shape with a slight bite.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. The flavor will still be delicious, and the texture of the fried apples remains just as satisfying.

What are some good ways to serve these fried apples?

They’re fantastic on pancakes, topped with ice cream or yogurt, alongside pork dishes, or even eaten as a snack on their own. You can jazz them up with nuts, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for extra flair.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe has become one of those go-to comforts for me—so quick, so delicious, and endlessly satisfying. I hope when you try it, it brings you the same kind of warmth and simple pleasure it’s brought me on those chilly days. Seriously, give it a go and make that kitchen smell like home.