In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until fully combined.

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and oil. Mix well with a fork until evenly coated.

In another shallow bowl, stir together the flour with a small pinch of salt and pepper.

Remove the wrappers from the mozzarella string cheese sticks and cut each stick in half.

Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.

Coat each mozzarella stick by dipping it into the egg mixture first.

Roll it in the seasoned flour until completely coated.

Dip it back into the egg mixture.

Finally, coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

Place each coated stick on the prepared baking sheet.

Freeze all coated sticks for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from leaking while cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).

Spray each frozen mozzarella stick generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Arrange the sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one.

Cook the Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks for 4–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Begin checking after 4 minutes and remove immediately once the coating is crisp but before the cheese begins to ooze.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with warm marinara or ranch dressing.