Prepare the Breading Station. To begin, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.
Prep the Mozzarella Sticks. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and cut them in half, creating 16 shorter sticks. This step helps the mozzarella sticks fit better in the air fryer and ensures they cook evenly.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks. Take one mozzarella stick and lightly coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it's fully coated. Lastly, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process with the remaining mozzarella sticks, placing them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and become crispy.
Air Fry the Mozzarella Sticks. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook and Flip. Place the mozzarella sticks in the preheated air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or melting. The mozzarella sticks should turn golden brown and the cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
Serve and Enjoy! Once the mozzarella sticks are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any other dipping sauce of your choice.