Copycat McDonald's Apple Pies

Ingredients

• 2 cups apples
• 1.5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1.5 teaspoons cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 1 large egg
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Stir together apples and lemon juice. Sprinkle with brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a medium bowl; set aside until apples release some juice, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high until melted and bubbling. Add apple mixture and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and juices are just slightly reduced, 6 to 9 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and vanilla; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbling and thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let stand until slightly cooled, 15 to 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Roll out one refrigerated pie crust into a 12-inch circle.

5. 5

   Cut into 8 (4x2-inch) rectangles, discarding scraps or reserving for another use. Cover cut dough with plastic wrap and repeat with remaining pie crust. Place 8 dough rectangles on a work surface, and lightly brush with egg all the way to edges.

6. 6

   Leaving any excess juices in the bowl, spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple filling in center of each rectangle with a 1/4-inch border on all sides.

7. 7

   Top with remaining dough rectangles, slightly stretching as needed to align edges with base dough. Crimp edges of rectangles using the tines of a fork and brush tops lightly with egg.

8. 8

   Preheat an air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, make 3 evenly spaced diagonal cuts on top of each pie to vent.

9. 9

   Mix together remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl; sprinkle on top of pies.

10. 10

    Lightly coat air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add 4 pies to basket, and bake until golden brown and crisp, 14 to 17 minutes. Repeat with remaining pies.

11. 11

    Serve warm.