Freeze the Cheese:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the halved mozzarella sticks on the sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.

Prepare the Coatings:

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:

Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it in the egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating, which helps keep the cheese inside while cooking.

Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.

Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:

Air fry for 6-8 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid overcooking, as the cheese can start to ooze out.

Serve:

Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.