Perfectly sliced apples EVERY time.
Biting into an apple is by far the easiest way to get a taste of this crisp, sweet, and somewhat tart fruit.
But what do you do when you need slices for an Apple Crisp or Apple Overnight Oats recipe?
While yes, you can spend money on one of those expensive apple slicing gadgets, but it’s actually SO easy to cut an apple, peeled or unpeeled!, using the method you’ll find below.
My secret trick? There’s a special way to cut around the core with minimal cuts while wasting the least amount of fruit!
Yup! With just 3 simple cuts you’ll have the core completely separated from the flesh and ready to cut into slices!
This method works for all of the different apple varieties and is the fastest way to cut up this healthy fruit.
You’ll also learn a great way to store apples, so you have some ready for the kids’ lunch boxes when school rolls around.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Apples: Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp), Granny Smith (tart and firm), and Fuji (sweet and juicy) are all great options—look for apples that feel firm, heavy for their size, and free of soft spots or bruising for the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Cut off the side.
Rinse and dry the apples, and peel if desired.
Place on a cutting board with the stem facing up, then slice down one side about ½ inch from the core, using a sharp knife to avoid it.
Cut around the core.
Turn the apple 90 degrees and make a similar cut all the way through the apple.
Remove the core.
Repeat this process until you have four pieces of apple and a separate core of the apple with apple seeds.
Cut into slices.
Place the apple pieces cut side-down on the cutting board and slice into ¼-½-inch pieces. You can make thicker slices, depending on your personal preference.
How to keep sliced apples from turning brown?
Apple slices are best served fresh, but you can prep them ahead. Toss with about 1 teaspoon of lemon juice per ½ pound to prevent browning, or use another citrus juice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
You can also submerge slices in cold water to help slow browning.
FAQs
Yes! Apples are a fantastic food with a wide variety of health benefits. They are an excellent source of fiber, which enhances your gut health, and they’re associated with lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Tart apples and sweet types, like honey crisp, are all good for you.
Not necessarily. The peel is completely edible and adds texture, but you can peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
A sharp chef’s knife or paring knife works best for clean, even cuts.
Tap stars to rate!
How to Cut an Apple
email this recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 apple skin on or peeled
- Lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the apple before cutting. If peeled apples are needed, peel using a vegetable peeler before slicing.
- Place the apple on a cutting board with the stem facing up. Using a sharp knife, make a cut ½-inch to the right or left of the stem and cut all of the way down. Pay close attention to avoid the core. Turn the apple 90 degrees and make a similar cut all of the way through the apple. Repeat this process until you have four pieces of apple and a separate piece of core.1 apple
- Place the apple pieces cut side-down on the cutting board and slice into ¼-½ inch pieces.
- Serve apple slices immediately or toss in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice if storing for later.Lemon juice
Tap stars to rate!
Notes
- Apple slices that have been tossed in lemon juice will last for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator before browning.
- Alternatively, submerging the apple wedges in a bowl of water can prevent them from browning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Apple Recipes
Apples are quick, easy, and tasty snacks that are delicious to eat by themselves.
