Pumpkin-Shaped Mozzarella Buns

These mozzarella pumpkin buns are as festive as they are delicious. Shaped like tiny pumpkins and filled with soft, melted mozzarella, they bring a playful autumn touch to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween get-together, a cosy dinner, or simply craving something warm and cheesy, these buns make the perfect seasonal treat.

Servings: 4 portions (about 24 buns)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Appliance: Instant Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 24 mini mozzarella balls
• 1 sheet croissant dough
• 24 pretzel sticks
• ¾ cup marinara sauce, for serving
• Kitchen twine, as needed

Preparation method

Prepare the dough
Place the croissant dough on a cutting board and cut it into 24 even squares.

Fill with mozzarella
Place a mozzarella ball in the centre of each dough square. Fold the corners over the cheese and pinch them together to seal. Roll gently in your hands until smooth, making sure no seams are open.

Shape into pumpkins
Cut three pieces of kitchen twine, each about 12 cm long. Lay them on the board in a crisscross pattern, forming a star shape. Place the dough ball in the middle and tie each string around it, creating the pumpkin ridges. Trim off any excess string and repeat for all dough balls.

Air fry
Place the buns in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Select Air Fry and set to 175 °C for 4–6 minutes, until golden brown. Avoid overcooking or the mozzarella may burst out. Cook in batches if needed.

Finish and serve
Carefully cut and remove all the twine once the buns are slightly cooled. Insert a pretzel stick in the top of each bun to look like a stem. Serve warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce for dipping.

These mozzarella pumpkin buns are a fun, cheesy snack that captures the warmth and charm of autumn. Looking for more festive inspiration? Explore our Instant Pot recipe collection for more quick and creative seasonal ideas.