Thanks for the question.

While reading it, my first thought was would pawpaws survive Minnesota winters? Le Sueur County is generally considered to be in growing zones 4b to 5a. Planting a pawpaw (Asimina triloba) plant rated for zone 5 may be pushing the limit, especially if short summers and/or long winters occur. There are reports that pawpaw trees require at least 160 frost-free days and warm temperatures to ripe fruit. This is greater than the average number of annual frost free days for Le Sueur County. Something for you to consider. See:

https://extension.psu.edu/the-native-pawpaw-tree

https://sowsignal.com/planting-calendar/le-sueur-mn

From what I’ve been able to determine, it will be important for you to obtain the appropriate cultivar. Look for one having a northern-origin or is advertised as early-ripening. One that seems to meet this criterion is “NC-1”. I don’t know if Minnesota nurseries carry this or not. This is something you will need to research on your own. Pawpaws generally require genetically different plants for satisfactory cross-pollination. This implies that you may need to purchase two different cultivars. See:

https://perrypawpaws.com/product/nc-1-paw-paw-tree

https://onegreenworld.com/product-category/fruiting-trees-shrubs/pawpaw

https://raintreenursery.com/pages/growing-fruit-trees-pawpaw?srsltid=AfmBOori_PBo6V3v9Zq5xU87caZspRjnEBYdWxE_F_arWr0gDLcLgKdC

I don’t see any issues with the growing conditions you are planning.

There should be no pollination conflict with the nearby apples. Apples are predominantly bee-pollinated, whereas pawpaw flowers are primarily visited by flies and beetles. However, keep in mind that the apple trees won't substitute for the second pawpaw pollinator. You will still need two genetically different pawpaws.

Good luck. Get back to us with any additional, related questions. Thanks for using our forum.