In a medium bowl mix together mashed potatoes, flour (or potato flakes) and garlic powder. Thicker mashed potatoes will need only 1 tablespoon of flour, but softer mashed potatoes may need more to give them enough structure to be formed into balls.
Scoop mashed potatoes into 1 ½ inch balls. Place a cube of processed cheese in the center of the potato ball. Shape into a ball, ensuring that the potato completely covers the cheese. Repeat for the remainder of the mashed potatoes.
In separate dishes whisk the egg and spread out the Panko breadcrumbs. Take each mashed potato ball and dip first into the beaten egg, then coat with Panko breadcrumbs. Repeat with all the mashed potato balls.
Using either your deep fryer or oil in a pan on the stove heated to 350°F, fry each ball for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool before eating.
Notes
To Air Fry:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Coat mashed potato balls well with cooking spray.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until mashed potato balls are golden and crispy.