Ridiculously Easy Instant Pot Applesauce

Peel apples, remove the apple cores, and cut apples into 1-inch chunks or wedges.
Place the apples, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and star anise into the bottom of a 6-quart electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot).
Add 1/3 cup of water, then stir the apples around the pot a few times.
Close the lid, select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Note that the timer will not start until there is enough pressure inside the pot, so it may not start for a few minutes.
When the cooking time is up, do not immediately open the lid and instead let the pressure naturally release for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, release the remaining pressure using the quick-release button (be careful to keep your hands and face away from the venting steam).
Stir or mash the apples into your preferred consistency. An immersion blender also works, but the apples should be so soft that a spoon is enough to mash them into a sauce.
Taste the applesauce. If you would like to add a sweetener, add it to taste. Start with a teaspoon and then add more as needed.
The applesauce will thicken a little as it cools, but if it seems too watery, return it to the pressure cooker, turn the sauté function on, and simmer until reduced a little.

Ingredient :

4 pounds crisp, sweet apples (8 large), rinsed
One 3-inch cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 to 2 whole star anise, optional
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, or apple cider vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener to taste, optional