Apple Chutney Recipe (Instant Pot)

This homemade Apple Chutney Recipe is a delicious way to celebrate Autumn’s favorite harvest. Made right in your Instant Pot, this sweet and tangy version is richly flavored with warm spices and is perfectly balanced with natural sweetness from apples and tartness from apple cider vinegar. You’ll want to keep batch of this delicious chutney on hand to serve with all your fall dishes like these easy sheet pan pork chops.

Apple Spice Chutney

This simple and delicious apple chutney can be used in so many ways. Try it as a wonderful as a tasty sandwich spread or as a decadent glaze for roasted chicken, maple balsamic pork chops, or any of your favorite roast meats. It’s also amazing served as a side dish for a cheese board with cured meats and gluten-free crackers or crostini for a delicious appetizer.

This recipe calls for sugar-free garlic chili sauce. You can find it in most grocery stores, sometimes on the Asian food isle. You can also buy it online if you can’t find it. It’s spicy, so start with a small amount and add more to reach the desired level of heat.

If you have a lot of apples and want creative and healthy ways to use them, you can also try this savory Apple and Fennel Pork Tenderloin. Or for a healthy breakfast on the go, these Apple Banana Muffins are always a huge hit.

Recommended Tools:

• Instant Pot
• Sharp Kitchen Knife
• Large Kitchen Spoon
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Why We Love this Recipe

• This is a super easy and time saving recipe that cooks the Instant pot.
• Absolutely bursting with vibrant, sweet and tart flavors from fresh apple and oranges.
• Natual honey gives it the perfect about of sweetness without having to add regular white sugar.
• The texture is a wonderful cross between chunky fruit salsa and apple sauce.

Variations and Add-ins

• Different Fruit: You can add in or substitute other fruits if you prefer. Mangos peaches, even golden raisins are delicious in this recipe

• Spices: You can add a bit of heat by adding red pepper flakes or some chopped hot peppers like jalapenos. You can also add another depth of flavor with a pinch of curry powder or star anise.

• Other Add-ins: For added crunch you can fold in some chopped nuts or unsweetened coconut flakes to chutney once it has cooked.

Homemade Apple Chutney Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red onion, chopped
• Fresh ginger, finely minced
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Whole cumin seeds
• Salt
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey-organic
• Garlic chili sauce
• Apples, cored and peeled
• Orange, peeled and chopped, with juice
• Orange zest, preferably organic

How to Make Easy Apple Chutney in the Instant Pot

Step One: Sauté Onions and Spices

• Select the “Sauté” Instant Pot function and set to highest setting.
• Next, add olive oil.
• When hot, add the red onion, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seed, and salt.
• Stir to combine well and sauté. Stir occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, and the spices are fragrant, about 4-5 minutes in total.

Step Two: Deglaze and Sweetened

• Add the cider vinegar to pot and deglaze by gently scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits.
• Add the honey, garlic chili sauce, apples, orange, and orange zest. Stir to combine and turn off the Instant Pot. 

Step Three: Cook the Chutney

• Cover and lock the Instant Pot lid into place. Turn the pressure valve to “Sealing” and select the “Manual” setting on high for 3 minutes.
• After the cooking time, allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Next do a quick release for any remaining pressure. When no more steam is present, carefully remove the lid.

Step Four: Sauté to Thicken

• Select the “Sauté” function and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Heat, while stirring, until the mixture thickens, and the excess liquid is reduced, about 1-2 minutes.

Step Five: Cool and Enjoy

• Turn the Instant Pot off and allow to cool completely.
• Apple chutney can be stored in airtight containers, like glass jars, in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Recipe FAQs

Can I Make Chutney Stove Top?

This instant pot really speeds up the process but if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you don’t have to miss out! To make it on the stove all you have to do is all add the ingredients to a large stockpot or heavy-duty large saucepan.

Bring it to a boil, then reduce it to medium heat until the apples are tender. If it seems a little dry, you may have to add a little water, but be careful and not add too much. The apples and oranges will produce a good bit of juice as they begin to cook down.

Can I Freeze Chutney?

Chutney freezes very well because it is already cooked. Just freeze leftovers in a mason jar or some other freezer safe container. Even though there may a little extra liquid that accumulates at the top of the chutney when its thawed, just give it a good stir and it will be ready to eat! 

What Type of Apples Make the Best Chutney?

When purchasing apples to make chutney, you want a balance between sweet and tart apples. Granny Smiths are always a great choice because they are available any time of the year. Other varieties that make good chutney are McIntosh, Jonathan and Braeburn. 

Want More Healthy Recipes Using Fruit?

• Healthy Apple Crisp
• Frozen Banana Ice Cream with Cherries
• Spicy Mango Salsa
• Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins
• Banana Bread Muffins
• Blueberry Crisp