why is there not list showing when trying to add a printer on macbook air m2

Don't know what answer you were expecting, but we don't know a lot about your situation.

• Did your printer used to work and now doesn't?
• What are the details of your printer? Have you checked to see if it's compatible with AirPrint? The list of supported printers is here: About AirPrint - Apple Support
• Have you done any troubleshooting thus far that didn't reveal anything? Have you gone thru the printer troubleshooting steps shown in this Apple Support article? Solve printing problems on Mac - Apple Support
• Have you tried powering down both your Mac and your printer, then power them back up and see if it now appears in the list?
• Have you tried downloading the printer manufacturer's driver and installing it...then refer to the Solve printing problems on Mac - Apple Support I linked previously, but focused on the last section "Make Sure You Have The Latest Software"?

Hopefully something here helps you out.

You've not said if you're trying to connect to your printer wirelessly or via cable. If wirelessly, the first thing I'd look at is to ensure your printer is connected to your WiFi properly.