Prepare the Cheese: Begin by cutting each mozzarella stick in half. This creates shorter pieces that fit better in the air fryer. Place the cheese pieces on a plate and set them aside. Dry cheese helps the coating stick better, so make sure there is no moisture on the surface.
Set Up the Coating Station: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with water until smooth. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the seasoning spreads evenly through the crumbs
Coat the Mozzarella: Roll each cheese piece in flour first, covering all sides. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat fully in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more. Place coated sticks on a tray
Freeze Before Cooking: Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cheese stay inside while cooking. Skipping this part may cause the cheese to leak out during air fryin
Air Fry Until Golden: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Place frozen mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Let them rest for a minute before serving.
