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–+ servings
Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie with crispy golden crust and warm apple filling

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald's Apple Pie

5 from 2 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Crispy, flaky hand pies with a thick, molten cinnamon-apple center — that nostalgic fried McDonald's pie, made in the air fryer with no deep frying.

Ingredients 

For the filling

  • 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cornstarch, whisked into 1 Tbsp cold water

For assembly

  • 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust, (or thawed puff pastry)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (egg wash)
  • Cooking oil spray
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, mixed (topping)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, mixed (topping)

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring, 5–7 minutes until softened and saucy.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla, then the cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy. Spread on a plate and cool completely.
  • Cut the pie crust into 8 rectangles, about 3×5 inches.
  • Spoon ~2 Tbsp filling onto 4 rectangles, leaving a ½-inch border. Brush borders with egg, top with the remaining rectangles, and crimp firmly with a fork.
  • Cut 3 small vents in each top. Brush with egg wash, mist with oil spray, and sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Air fry in a single layer, 8–10 minutes, until deep golden and crisp. Cool 5 minutes — the filling is molten — then enjoy.

Equipment

Notes

Notes: Make ahead — freeze assembled, unbaked pies and air fry from frozen (+2–3 min). Storage — room temp 2 days or fridge 5 days; re-crisp at 320°F for 3–4 min. No air fryer? Bake at 400°F for 18–22 min.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 17mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.2mg