Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie
If you’ve ever craved the flaky, cinnamon-sweet goodness of McDonald’s iconic apple pies, this Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie is about to change your dessert game. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can recreate these nostalgic treats at home—no deep frying required! They’re perfectly crispy, loaded with warm spiced apple filling, and dusted with irresistible cinnamon sugar.

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie
This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Using pre-made pie crusts and canned apple pie filling, you’ll whip up these mini desserts in no time. Plus, the air fryer gives you that golden, flaky crust with way less mess than traditional frying.
Whether you’re serving these up as a family dessert, a quick sweet snack, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, these air fryer apple pies will quickly become a household favorite. Let’s get started on creating your new go-to dessert!

What You Will Love About This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Using pre-made pie crusts and canned filling saves time without compromising on taste.
Healthier Alternative: Air frying cuts down on oil while still delivering a crispy, flaky crust.
Customizable: You can swap in different fruit fillings like cherry or peach for a new twist on the classic.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or satisfying those fast-food cravings at home.

What Is The History Of The McDonald’s Apple Pie
The history of McDonald’s apple pie traces back to the early 1960s when the fast-food chain introduced its first fried apple pie. This iconic dessert quickly became a popular menu item, known for its crispy pastry crust and sweet apple filling. The original recipe featured a deep-fried pie filled with sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon, all enclosed in a flaky pastry shell. Over the years, the recipe underwent several changes, including alterations to the crust and the method of preparation. In the late 1980s, McDonald’s transitioned to a baked apple pie, eliminating the deep-frying process in favor of a baked version. Despite these changes, the McDonald’s apple pie remained a beloved menu staple, cherished by customers for its nostalgic taste and comforting appeal. Today, variations of the McDonald’s apple pie can still be found at McDonald’s locations worldwide, continuing to delight diners of all ages with its familiar flavors and timeless charm.
How to make Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pies
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into 8 (3×6 inches) rectangles.
- Spoon the apple pie filling onto every other rectangle.
- Top with the remaining four rectangles of pie crust.
- Crimp the edges with the fork.
- Whisk the egg and lightly coat each rectangle then slice several slits into the top of the pies.
- Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Place pies on the air fryer rack & and air fry for 5-8 minutes at 360 degrees.
Tips & Tricks
- Seal It Tight: Make sure to crimp the edges well with a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Slits Matter: Cutting slits on the top crust allows steam to escape, ensuring a flaky texture and preventing sogginess.
- Don’t Overfill: Stick to a few tablespoons of apple pie filling per pie to avoid spillage.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer ensures even cooking and a beautifully golden crust.
- Experiment with Spices: Mix a little nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar for a unique flavor twist.
FAQs
What Is The History of McDonald’s
McDonald’s Corporation, one of the world’s largest fast-food chains, has a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century. It was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald as a barbecue restaurant in San Bernardino, California. The brothers later reorganized their business as a hamburger stand, simplifying their menu to focus on a few items that could be prepared quickly and efficiently.
In 1954, businessman Ray Kroc became involved with the company when he visited the original McDonald’s restaurant to sell milkshake machines. Impressed by the efficiency of the operation, Kroc proposed the idea of franchising the McDonald’s concept to expand the brand nationally. The first franchised McDonald’s restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955, marking the beginning of McDonald’s rapid growth and expansion.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, McDonald’s continued to expand both domestically and internationally, introducing new menu items such as the Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish, and Egg McMuffin. The company also pioneered innovative marketing strategies, including the introduction of Ronald McDonald, the iconic clown mascot, and the launch of memorable advertising campaigns.
In the following decades, McDonald’s further solidified its position as a global fast-food powerhouse, opening thousands of restaurants around the world and diversifying its menu to cater to evolving consumer tastes. Despite facing challenges and controversies over the years, McDonald’s has remained a dominant force in the fast-food industry, serving millions of customers each day with its iconic burgers, fries, and other menu items.
Today, McDonald’s operates in over 100 countries and territories, with thousands of restaurants worldwide. The company continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, offering healthier options, modernizing its restaurants, and embracing digital technology to enhance the customer experience. With its enduring legacy and global reach, McDonald’s remains a symbol of American culture and a ubiquitous presence in the fast-food landscape.
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Air Fryer Copycat McDonald's Apple Pies
Ingredients
- Pre Made Pie Crust
- Apple Pie Filling
- 1 Egg
- Cinnamon Sugar For Dusting
Instructions
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into 8 (3×6 inches) rectangles.
- Spoon the apple pie filling onto every other rectangle.
- Top with the remaining four rectangles of pie crust.
- Crimp the edges with the fork.
- Whisk the egg and lightly coat each rectangle then slice several slits into the top of the pies.
- Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Place pies on the air fryer rack & and air fry for 5-8 minutes at 360 degrees.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 178mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 5gSugar: 40gProtein: 4g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
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