Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pies

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pies taste just like the popular fast-food treat! Pie pockets are stuffed with apple pie filling, then air-fried until crispy and beautifully flaky. The homemade version tastes better than the original, is budget-friendly, and takes just 30 minutes to make with 4 ingredients!

I love using the air fryer to make healthier versions of traditionally deep-fried treats like these Air Fryer Beignets, Air Fryer Apple Fritters, and Air Fryer Donuts! Equally delicious, but with less guilt, hor oil and grease!

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pies are my healthier version of the beloved McDonald’s dessert with one main difference – no deep-frying! As a result, these pies are much lighter and less greasy than the fast-food version. With crisp crust covered in caramelized cinnamon sugar and a juicy, bubbly interior filled with chunky apple pie filling, these hand pies will instantly win you over.

In addition, these take barely any effort to make. You can certainly make the crust and filling from scratch, but for this recipe, I am using pre-made for both, which is such a huge timesaver. As a result, the entire recipe can be finished in about 30 minutes! We have these hot apple pies with whipped cream on top, or a scoop of ice cream. Make sure to make extra and freeze some; this way, you can always have a delicious treat on hand.

Why you will love this recipe 

• No preservatives: I feel good about serving these apple pies to my kids because I know what’s in them.
• Versatile: You know how you get these at McDonald’s and instantly wish there was more filling? Well, problem solved, double the filling, or change it entirely.
• Kid-friendly: Since they are small, these hand pies are perfect for little hands. Also, this recipe is so easy that it’s the ideal kitchen project for kids.
• Make in advance: I can make these pies in advance and then put them in the fridge or freezer to cook them when I am ready. They can even be cooked from frozen! This is the perfect treat to put in the toaster and enjoy!

What you will need

• Crust: I use my own homemade pie crust, pre-made and chilled. 
• Pie filling: I also use my own homemade pie filling for this recipe for the freshest flavor and no preservatives.
• Egg: The egg I use to brush on the crust for a glossy brown finish and to help the cinnamon sugar stick. It also seals the crust and prevents it from getting soggy. 
• Sweetener: I sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the crust to give it a crunchy, caramelized texture and rich, sweet flavor.

How to make 

Preheat the fryer: First, I preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.

Cut the pie shells: In the meantime, I roll out the pie crust and cut it into 8 rectangles that are about 3×6 inches. 

Fill the pies: I place 2 to 3 tablespoons of apple pie filling in the center of 4 of the rectangles and place the other 4 rectangles on top of them, crimping the edges with a fork. 

Prepare for air frying: Now, I brush the tops of each pie with beaten egg, cut 3 slits in the tops, and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. 

Cook the pies: Finally, I air-fry them for 7 to 8 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. 

Rest and serve: Afterward, I let them rest for a few minutes before serving them. 

Expert tip

Cooking the frozen pies

I like to make extras so I can freeze them. That way, if I want to make a couple for the kids, I can just pop them in the air fryer and cook them for 10 to 12 minutes at 360°F. They come out crispy and delicious without having to thaw them overnight. Just flip them over halfway through cooking, and be sure to check the internal temperature before serving to make sure it is at least 165 degrees F.

More tips to consider:

• If using canned pie filling, cut the apples into smaller chunks so they resemble the pieces in McDonald’s pies. They are also easier to eat that way.
• Don’t overfill the pies, or the crust might tear or explode when cooked. Only 2 to 3 tablespoons are needed.
• Make sure the pie filling is not too watery, or it will make the pies soggy. 
• Press the edges of the pie crust with a fork to keep them from bursting open. 
• The crust should be cut into 3×6-inch rectangles. Don’t forget to cut a few small slices on the top to let steam escape. 

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Sugar-free pies: Instead of using sugar in my apple pie filling, I use a sugar substitute or honey to make this recipe sugar-free. 
• Sweet and sour: For extra tangy apple pies, I add some lemon zest to the filling. Sometimes I use lime and orange zest too. 
• Spicy apple pies: A pinch of red pepper flakes will give my apple pies a hint of spiciness that sneaks up on you in every bite. 
• More fruit: I also like to add more fruit to these pies, like pears, strawberries, blackberries, and cranberries.   
• Caramel apple pies: To make caramel apple pies, I add some of my rich homemade caramel sauce. This is easy to make in 10 minutes with just 3 ingredients.

Serving suggestions:

My kids love eating these as an afternoon snack. We pop these into the toaster to heat them up and make them hot and bubbly, then serve them with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a refreshing smoothie. They also taste delicious with other flavors like my no-churn pineapple ice cream. This tangy ice cream complements the sweet apple flavor, and it is so easy to make, but it has to be made in advance because it needs about 8 hours to freeze. 

Even though they are sweet and seem like dessert, I sometimes serve them to the kids for breakfast with my tropical smoothie. It is full of nutritious fruits such as pineapple, mango, banana, orange, and lime. So, they get a nutritious meal and breakfast on the go when we are in a hurry. They are also great for picnics or barbecues because I can pack them and take them along, and since they taste great cold.

How to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: I can store these leftover pies wrapped in plastic or in a container at room temperature for several days or in the fridge for a week.   
• Freezing: I also like to freeze these, wrapped in plastic and placed in freezer bags. That way, I can take them out and reheat them whenever I want one.   
• Defrost: They don’t have to be defrosted to reheat them in the air fryer. 
• Reheating: Pop them in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F. 

Frequently asked questions

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