You don't really need cloning gel/powder, it just helps a little bit. I've cloned without it before, and it worked about the same, as if I'd used rooting hormone. You can cut 'em underwater, if you want, some guys swear by it. I've never done it, and get rooting times of 5-7 days, typically, with near 100% success. I throw all my cuttings in a glass of water, for 1/2 hour or so, before slicing the bottom and transferring them to the medium, so that they're fully hydrated, and it works great. I've always wondered if that 'bubble theory' is a crock of shit, and i'm pretty sure it is.lol I don't give a crap, really, because i swish my cuttings around in rooting gel, and if there was indeed a 'supposed' air bubble, it's gone after that, anyway.
Don't worry about air bubbles, just make sure to take healthy cuttings, make sure the temps are correct,(around 80* works great for me) make sure the stem is making good solid contact with whatever medium you choose, mist them twice a day, throw them in a humidity dome under whatever light schedule you plan to use for veg, and you'll be good to go. Yes, there are other details, but this isn't a cloning thread, plus I just woke up, and don't feel like typing anymore, atm.haha