Air Fryer Hash Browns: Can You Make Them?

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but achieving that perfect crispy texture can be a challenge. One way to get that ideal crunch is to use an air fryer. Not only does this method produce delicious results, but it's also quick, easy and healthier than deep-frying. So, if you're looking for a new way to cook hash browns, give your air fryer a go!

How to make hash browns in an air fryer from scratch

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of russet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable, olive, avocado, or coconut oil)
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Grater or food processor
• Large bowl
• Kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Spatula
• Cooking spray (optional)

Method:

• First, peel and grate the potatoes. You can use a box grater or a food processor to shred them.
• Place the shredded potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow the potatoes to soak for at least 10 minutes, but ideally for about 30 minutes. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which will ensure your hash browns are crispy and not sticky.
• Drain the potatoes and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and give them a good squeeze to remove moisture. Pat the potatoes dry and place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F.
• Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, pressing them down lightly to form a single, even layer. For extra crispy hash browns, spray the top of the potatoes with a little cooking spray.
• Air fry for 10-15 minutes, then use a spatula to divide the potatoes into four equal sections and flip each section carefully. Air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Tips:

• For best results, use russet potatoes as they have a drier, fluffier texture that crisps up nicely.
• You can use any type of oil, but if you use unrefined coconut oil, your hash browns may have a hint of coconut flavour.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If you want to add more flavour, try seasoning your hash browns with Cajun seasoning, paprika, or diced onions.
• If you have any leftovers, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for about 5 minutes.

How long to cook hash browns in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hash browns, with many people saying they get crispier than other cooking methods without tasting dry.

How Long to Cook Frozen Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

To cook frozen hash browns in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Then spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with oil. Finally, air fry for 18-23 minutes, flipping and spritzing with oil again after about 18 minutes.

How Long to Cook Fresh Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

To cook fresh hash browns in an air fryer, first peel and grate the potatoes, then rinse them in cold water to remove the starch. Next, dry the potatoes with paper towels, season, and spread in a thin layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz with a little oil and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, stir the hash browns and air fry for another 6-8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

How to make hash browns in an air fryer without them sticking

Yes, you can make hash browns in an air fryer! Here is a guide on how to make hash browns in an air fryer without them sticking:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Set it to around 350-380°F (194°C). While your air fryer is preheating, prepare your hash browns. For the best results, use frozen shredded hash browns, as these will crisp up better than fresh potatoes due to their lower moisture content. If you are using fresh potatoes, peel them and grate them. Rinse the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water, repeating this process until the water is mostly clear. This will remove the starch from the potatoes. Then, use paper towels to dry the potatoes as much as possible.

Once your potatoes are prepared, it is time to cook them. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the hash browns in the basket in a single, even layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. This will allow the air to circulate. Spray the top of the hash browns with oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

Close the air fryer basket and cook the hash browns for around 10 minutes. Then, open the basket and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently flip the hash browns and break up any clumps. Close the basket and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.

To prevent your hash browns from sticking, ensure that you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket and that you spray it with oil before adding the hash browns. You can also spritz the hash browns with a little extra oil during cooking to keep them from drying out.

Enjoy your crispy, golden hash browns!

How to make hash browns in an air fryer without them getting soggy

Hash browns are a great breakfast side dish and can be made even crispier and tastier in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure they don't get soggy:

Preparation:

Before you start cooking your hash browns, it's important to prepare the potatoes correctly to ensure they don't become soggy. Firstly, choose the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are the most common, but Yukon potatoes are recommended as they have slightly less starch, resulting in crispier hash browns. Peel the potatoes and grate them, then add them to a bowl of cold water and rinse well. This process will remove excess starch. Dry the potatoes as much as possible with paper towels.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread the shredded potatoes in a single layer in the basket and spritz with oil. Ensure they are not overlapping. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Air fry for 10 minutes, then use a spatula to divide the potatoes into four equal sections and flip each section. Air fry for another 10-13 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

For the perfect crispy hash browns, serve immediately while they are still hot.

Storing and Reheating:

Store any leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350-370°F for 4-6 minutes.

Troubleshooting:

If your hash browns are not getting crispy, ensure you are not overcrowding the air fryer basket and that you are preheating your air fryer before adding the potatoes.

Enjoy your crispy, homemade hash browns!

What to serve with hash browns

Hash browns are a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for what to serve with hash browns:

Breakfast

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, especially when paired with other breakfast favourites. Try serving them with bacon, eggs, sausages, pancakes, or avocado toast. For a more indulgent option, top your hash browns with fried eggs, smoked cheddar, and red-eye gravy. If you're looking for a lighter option, serve them with fresh fruit or a fruit salad.

Brunch

Hash browns can also be a great addition to brunch. Try serving them with eggs benedict, smoked salmon, or a frittata. For a heartier option, make a quiche with a hash brown crust. You can also get creative and make hash brown waffles if you have a waffle maker.

Lunch and Dinner

Hash browns can be a tasty side dish for lunch or dinner. They go well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, beef, or salmon. Try serving them with a juicy beef burger, a classic turkey meatloaf, or grilled chicken kebabs. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, hash browns pair well with a broccoli casserole or a roasted vegetable platter.

Snacks and Appetizers

Hash browns can even be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. Make mini hash brown patties or croquettes, or serve them with dips like hummus or artichoke dip.

Potlucks and Holidays

Hash brown casseroles are a popular contribution to potlucks and holiday gatherings. They pair well with a variety of dishes, such as roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, beef tenderloin, or leg of lamb. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a cornbread pudding casserole or a broccoli casserole.

Game Day

Finally, hash browns can be a tasty addition to your game day spread. Serve them with buffalo chicken tenders, shredded buffalo chicken sliders, or New York strip steak sandwiches.

With their crispy texture and potato goodness, hash browns are a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Frequently asked questions