These mozzarella stick mummies are spooky, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make in the air fryer. Perfect for Halloween!
I still remember the first time I made these little guys for a Halloween movie night. My niece was obsessed with unwrapping one like it was a gift and finding that gooey, melty cheese center. It became an instant October tradition — and now it might become yours, too!
These mozzarella stick mummies are the ultimate Halloween snack: crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy inside, and super fun to assemble. Using the air fryer means they turn out golden and crisp without needing a deep fryer.
Flavor-wise, you get everything you love in a mozzarella stick — that melty, stretchy cheese paired with a lightly seasoned, flaky crust. Add candy eyes and you’ve got a spooky-cute twist that’s almost too fun to eat.
The best part? They cook in under 10 minutes and only need a few ingredients. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want something festive to serve the kids, these mummy sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make mozzarella stick mummies:
- Mozzarella string cheese: Go for the classic kind — not the low-moisture shredded stuff. You want each stick intact and easy to wrap.
- Crescent roll dough: Pillsbury’s classic crescent roll sheet works best. If using the perforated version, just press the seams together.
- Candy eyes: These are available at most grocery stores this time of year or online. Totally optional, but they add the perfect Halloween flair.
- Egg wash (optional): A quick brush of beaten egg helps them get that golden, bakery-style finish.
You can swap crescent dough with puff pastry for an extra flaky finish, or use gluten-free dough if needed. And if you’re dairy-free, there are vegan mozzarella sticks out there that work well!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the cheese sticks.
Unwrap 6–8 mozzarella string cheese sticks and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent too much cheese oozing out.
2. Prep the dough.
Roll out the crescent dough sheet and cut it into thin strips (about 1/4-inch wide). You’ll need 2–3 strips per mummy.
3. Wrap your mummies.
Take each frozen cheese stick and wrap it in dough strips, leaving a small gap for the “face.” Crisscross the dough a little to give it that mummy look. Pro Tip: Don’t wrap them too tightly — the dough expands as it cooks.
4. Brush with egg wash (optional).
Beat 1 egg and lightly brush each wrapped stick for a golden finish.
5. Air fry the mummies.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the wrapped sticks in a single layer (don’t crowd them) and air fry for 6–8 minutes until golden and puffy. Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them after 5 minutes — depending on your air fryer, they may cook fast!
6. Add candy eyes.
Let the mummies cool for a few minutes, then press on candy eyes. If they don’t stick, use a dot of cream cheese or ketchup as glue.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not freezing the cheese sticks first — they’ll melt too fast and ooze out.
- Wrapping too tightly — the dough can split open while cooking.
- Overcrowding the basket — this blocks air circulation and leads to soggy dough.
- Skipping the egg wash — it helps with color and crunch.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy Mummies: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or wrap a thin jalapeño slice inside the dough.
- Gluten-Free Mummies: Use gluten-free crescent or puff pastry dough and certified gluten-free cheese sticks.
- Sweet Mummy Dessert: Use mini chocolate bars instead of cheese and wrap them the same way. Air fry for 4–5 minutes.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mozzarella sticks and dairy-free dough. Brush with plant-based milk for color.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
- Make ahead: Assemble the mummies and freeze them on a tray. Transfer to a bag once solid. Cook straight from frozen — just add 1–2 minutes.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
🥗 Optional: Nutrition Highlights
These are a fun, portion-controlled snack that’s lighter than fried versions. About 150–180 calories per mummy depending on dough and cheese.
Mozzarella Stick Mummies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes.
- Cut crescent dough into thin strips.
- Wrap each frozen stick with 2–3 dough strips, leaving a gap for the face.
- Brush with egg wash (optional).
- Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until golden.
- Let cool and add candy eyes.
Notes
😍 Wrap-Up Paragraph
If you make these mozzarella stick mummies, I’d love to hear how they turned out! They’re such a fun Halloween treat and super easy to customize. Snap a photo and tag me — I’m always looking for spooky snack inspiration. And if you’re on a cheesy kick, try my air fryer cheese curds next. They’re golden, gooey, and crazy addictive!
