Build a command line from stored value in variable

Question

I am trying to build a commandline based on a variable VAR1.

If its empty it needs to be set as --arg1 1, else --arg2 $VAR1

This is a simple a script

#!/bin/bash -x

export VAR1=1 # Setting this myself for now

if [[ -z $VAR1 ]]
then
    VAR2="--arg1 1"
else
    VAR2="--arg2 \"$VAR1\""
fi

my_command $VAR2

When I execute this single quotes are added across $VAR1

my_command --arg2 '"1"'

I need the output to be

my_command --arg2 "1"

If you have better approach please do post.