Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Can You Do It?

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Cooking hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make this breakfast side dish. It only takes a few minutes and they come out perfectly crispy every time.

How long to cook hash browns in the air fryer?

Hash browns can be cooked in an air fryer in under half an hour! The length of time depends on the temperature of the air fryer and whether the hash browns are fresh or frozen.

If you are using frozen hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the hash browns in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer and spray with cooking oil. Then, air fry for 20-23 minutes, flipping the hash browns and spritzing them with oil after about 18 minutes.

If you are using fresh hash browns, peel and grate the potatoes and soak them in cold water to remove the starch. Then, dry the potatoes and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the air fryer basket with oil. Spread the potatoes in the basket in a single layer and air fry for 10 minutes. Use a spatula to divide the potatoes into four equal sections and flip each section. Then, air fry for another 10 minutes.

And that's it! You'll have perfectly crispy hash browns ready to be enjoyed.

Can you use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen to make hash browns in an air fryer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind and some extra steps to take.

Firstly, it is important to note that frozen hash browns are often recommended because they contain less moisture, and the drier the potatoes, the crispier they will become. Therefore, if you are using fresh potatoes, you will need to remove as much moisture as possible. To do this, peel and grate the potatoes, then add them to a bowl of cold water and rinse them well, repeating this process until the water is mostly clear. This will help to remove the starch from the potatoes. Transfer the grated potatoes to a few paper towels and dry them out as much as possible.

Once your potatoes are mostly dry, you can add them to a bowl with your desired seasonings. For hash browns, it is recommended to use olive oil spray, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. You could also add onion powder, paprika, rosemary, or smoked paprika for extra flavour.

When you are ready to cook your hash browns, preheat your air fryer to between 350˚F and 370˚F. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and spread the potatoes in an even layer. Spritz the potatoes with a little non-stick spray and cook for around 8 minutes. Then, remove the basket, gently stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking, and return to the air fryer for another 6 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Using fresh potatoes will require a little more preparation and a slightly longer cooking time, but it is definitely possible to achieve delicious, crispy hash browns without using frozen potatoes.

How to prevent hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Yes, you can cook hash browns in an air fryer! They are a fast and simple way to get wonderfully crispy hash browns. Here are some tips to prevent your hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket:

Use Oil:

Coat the basket of your air fryer with a generous amount of oil to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray. Make sure to also coat the hash browns themselves with oil. This will ensure that they don't stick to the basket and will help them get nice and crispy.

Prepare the Potatoes:

If you are using fresh potatoes, peel and grate them, then place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. Potatoes contain a lot of moisture, and removing as much as possible is key to achieving crispy hash browns. You can also use frozen hash browns, which tend to crisp up better than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket:

Spread the hash browns into a single even layer in the basket. Overcrowding can cause sogginess and affect the overall crispiness of your hash browns. If you are making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Stir or Flip:

Depending on the type of hash browns you are making, you may need to stir or flip them halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and don't stick to the basket.

Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Liner:

If your air fryer basket has larger holes, you can use a silicone liner or parchment paper to line the basket. This will not only help prevent the hash browns from falling through but will also make cleanup easier. Just remember to put the parchment paper in after preheating your air fryer.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hash browns don't stick to the air fryer basket and come out crispy and delicious!

Can you reheat leftover hash browns in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat leftover hash browns in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to get them crispy again!

To reheat your hash browns, simply place them in a preheated air fryer at 350-370°F for 3-6 minutes. This method is much better than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.

If you're cooking frozen hash browns from scratch, the process is very similar. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and spritz with oil and seasonings of your choice. Then, air fry for around 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

You can also make hash browns from fresh potatoes. Just peel and grate your potatoes, rinse them to remove the starch, and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and placing in the air fryer.

Can you season the hash browns before cooking?

Yes, you can season hash browns before cooking them in the air fryer. In fact, seasoning the hash browns is an important step in the cooking process.

The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 350-370˚F. Then, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray, or olive oil/avocado oil to prevent sticking. Next, place the shredded frozen potatoes in the basket and spread them into a single layer. Spray the top of the potatoes with oil to fully coat them, and then sprinkle your desired seasonings over the potatoes.

Some popular seasonings for hash browns include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. You can also add diced onions to the hash browns for extra flavor.

Once the hash browns are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer for 10-23 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

Frequently asked questions