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 (57 grams, ½ stick); 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples (678 grams, 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)

There's something wonderfully simple and comforting about warm, tender apples kissed with cinnamon and butter. This Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe is one of those effortless treats that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with joy in no time flat.

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

Honestly, I turn to this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe whenever I want a fast, delicious snack or a fruit side that feels special without fuss. It’s quick, flexible, and as satisfying as apple pie filling without the pie.

Speedy Comfort Food: Ready in just about 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples so you don’t need a whole shopping trip.
Versatile Side or Topping: Great on pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, or just on its own.
Customizable Cinnamon Flavor: Adjust the cinnamon to your liking for a milder or spicier kick.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe plays a crucial role — from the butter that gives richness, to the sugars that caramelize the apples, and the cinnamon that adds warmth. Here’s why I stick to these simple essentials:

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: Melts beautifully to create a silky base and helps develop that golden, luscious coating on the apples.
Jonathan Apples: These apples hold their shape well and balance tartness with sweetness; however, you can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for your preferred texture and flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Light Brown Sugar: Brings a deeper, molasses-y flavor that complements cinnamon perfectly.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor, balances sweetness, and prevents the apples from browning before cooking.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors — a little salt goes a long way to deepen taste.
Ground Cinnamon (Optional): The star spice that gives this recipe its signature cozy aroma and flavor.

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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 how easily you can tweak this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe to suit your taste or pantry. Whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or even dairy-free, there’s a little something for everyone.

Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a fall-inspired twist. It turns the dish into an almost pumpkin-pie-in-apple-form experience!
Dietary Modification: You can swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich and lovely.
Textural Play: I occasionally leave the skins on for a rustic feel and a bit more fiber — just make sure to wash the apples well.

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 the Butter Gently

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a large, heavy skillet. This gentle heat helps the butter get warm enough to coat the apples without burning, which can happen if you rush and crank the heat too high.

Step 2: Add Apples and Sweeteners

Toss in your peeled and sliced Jonathan apples along with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything gently so the apples are well coated in those buttery, sugary flavors.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender but Crisp

Let your apples cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, turning gently with a spatula every 2 minutes. The apples should soften and become tender but still hold a slight bite. If you like them softer, cook a minute or two longer, but keep an eye — you don’t want mushy apples here, just nicely caramelized ones.

Top Tip

After making this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe several times, I learned a few little tricks that take it from good to great and save you from common pitfalls.

Low and Slow Wins: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents the sugars from burning and gives the apples time to absorb those lovely flavors.
Even Slices Matter: Slice apples evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others are underdone.
Gentle Turns: Use a spatula to turn the apples carefully so they keep their shape instead of breaking apart.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: This brightens the whole dish and keeps apples from discoloring before cooking, which makes your presentation even prettier.

How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

cinnamon fried apples - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt adds creamy contrast that’s just dreamy. For an extra special touch, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar makes a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines beside breakfast favorites like fluffy pancakes or creamy oatmeal, but I also love it as a side for pork chops or roasted chicken — the balance of sweet and savory always impresses guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve these fried apples in clear glass bowls layered over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake slices. It looks stunning and tastes like autumn celebration in every bite — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover quick cinnamon fried apples keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually give them a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the juices and flavors evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apples a couple of times with good success. Just cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your quick cinnamon fried apples on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or apple juice to loosen them up, stirring gently until warmed through. This helps keep the texture lovely without turning the apples mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other apple varieties in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Jonathan apples are perfect for holding their shape, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith apples also work well — just adjust cooking time slightly based on apple firmness.

How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?

Cook over medium-low heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, turn the apples gently and consistently every few minutes to keep their shape intact and ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can! Substitute the granulated and brown sugars with your favorite sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol, but be mindful that the texture and caramelization may vary.

How long can I store leftover fried apples?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, as detailed above.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe has become one of those dependable kitchen gems I rely on when I want a cozy, uplifting bite in minutes. I hope you find as much joy in making it as I do sharing it with you — and that it brings warmth and sweetness to your table just like it does mine.