Copycat McDonald's Apple Pies

Preparation (5 minutes): Gather all ingredients. Ensure apples are diced evenly for consistent cooking.

Apple Mixture (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, gently toss the diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well and allow to macerate for 5 minutes, drawing out the natural juices.

Apple Filling (12-15 minutes): In a medium saucepan, melt the cubed butter over medium heat until just melted. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the apples soften slightly and the juices begin to thicken, about 6-8 minutes. Combine the cornstarch with the vanilla extract to form a slurry, then stir into the apple mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the filling is thick, glossy, and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for at least 15-30 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken further and prevents a soggy crust.

Dough Preparation (5 minutes): On a lightly floured surface, roll out one refrigerated pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the circle into 8 equal rectangles (approximately 4x2 inches). Repeat with the second pie crust. Place 8 dough rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet or work surface.

Assembly (15 minutes): Lightly brush the edges of each dough rectangle with the egg wash. This will help seal the pies and create a golden crust. Leaving any excess juices in the bowl, spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each rectangle, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides.

Sealing and Crimping (10 minutes): Top with the remaining dough rectangles, gently stretching them if needed to align the edges with the base dough. Press the edges firmly together to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative pattern and ensuring a tight seal. Brush the tops of the pies lightly with the egg wash.

Pre-Bake Preparation (5 minutes): Preheat an air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a small, sharp knife to make 3 evenly spaced diagonal cuts on top of each pie to vent steam during baking.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping (2 minutes): In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the tops of the pies.

Air Frying/Baking (14-17 minutes air frying, 20-25 minutes oven): Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. For air frying, add 4 pies to the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook until golden brown and crisp, 14-17 minutes. Repeat with the remaining pies. For oven baking, place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cooling and Serving (5 minutes): Let the pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot. Serve warm and enjoy!