Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but the traditional frying method can be messy and time-consuming. That's where the air fryer comes in! You can easily make frozen hash browns in an air fryer, and they'll turn out crispy and delicious every time. The air fryer method is quick, simple, and requires very little clean-up. Plus, you can make them straight from frozen, with no need to thaw first. So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty breakfast option, give air fryer hash browns a try!

How to make frozen hash browns in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen hash brown patties
• Oil (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Other seasonings (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (194°C). If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, turn it on for a few minutes to heat up.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. You can also spritz a little oil directly on the hash browns. This will make them crispier, but it is not necessary.
• Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Do not stack or overlap the patties, as this will result in soft or soggy spots.
• Cook the first side for 10 minutes.
• Flip the hash browns over and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the patties are golden and crispy. For extra crispy hash browns, add another 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
• Carefully remove the hash browns from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you like your hash browns darker, add a minute or two to the cooking time. For softer hash browns, remove them a minute or two earlier.
• You can season the hash browns with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings of your choice. Season the hash browns while they are still hot, as this will enhance their flavour.
• If you are cooking shredded hash browns, follow the same instructions but reduce the cooking time.
• Leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

Tips for making frozen hash brown patties

• Preheat your air fryer. If your model does not have a preheat setting, turn it on for a few minutes to heat up.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Store-bought hash brown patties are already coated in oil, so you only need to use a little spray in the basket.
• Place the patties in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket with a little space between each one. This ensures the air can circulate.
• Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time. First, cook one side for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until they are crispy.
• If you prefer your hash browns darker, add a minute or two to the cooking time. If you like them softer, remove them a minute or two earlier.
• For extra crispy hash brown patties, spritz a little oil directly onto the patties and sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Each air fryer cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on the patties and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Do not stack or overlap the patties in the air fryer, as this can cause soft or soggy spots.
• Use plastic utensils such as spatulas or tongs to flip the patties, as metal utensils can scratch the coating of the air fryer basket.

The best frozen hash browns to use

Some recommended brands include Cascadian Farms, which can be purchased at Sprouts or Wegmans, and Trader Joe's.

When preparing frozen hash browns in an air fryer, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply add them straight from the freezer into the air fryer for the best structure. Additionally, there is no need to add oil to the hash browns before cooking, as most frozen hash browns already contain some sort of vegetable oil.

How to prevent soggy hash browns

To prevent your hash browns from turning soggy, follow these tips:

Use frozen hash browns

It might seem counterintuitive, but frozen hash browns will actually crisp up better than fresh potatoes. This is because frozen hash browns contain less moisture, and you want the potatoes to be as dry as possible.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

Make sure the hash browns are spread into a single even layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will cause sogginess, so if you are making a large batch, cook them in several smaller batches instead.

Preheat your air fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the hash browns. This will help ensure that your hash browns get crispy.

Flip the hash browns during cooking

Depending on the recipe you're following, you may need to flip the hash browns partway through the cooking process. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.

Use oil

Coat the hash browns and the air fryer basket with a light layer of oil. This will help the hash browns get crispy and will also prevent them from sticking to the basket.

Use the right utensils

Avoid using metal utensils when flipping the hash browns, as they can scratch the surface of the air fryer basket. Instead, opt for silicone tongs or a spatula.

How to reheat leftover hash browns

Reheating leftover hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them tasting crispy and delicious again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 400°F.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to avoid making a mess (optional but recommended).
• Place the leftover hash browns inside the basket, leaving some space between them.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes at 375°F or 2-3 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through.

Tips for Reheating Leftover Hash Browns in an Air Fryer:

• This method is ideal for reheating a small to moderate amount of hash browns, as the air fryer basket has limited space.
• If you are reheating a large amount of hash browns, you may need to do it in batches.
• You can also reheat hash brown patties in the air fryer using the same method.

Other Ways to Reheat Leftover Hash Browns:

In addition to using an air fryer, you can also reheat leftover hash browns in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop:

Reheating Hash Browns in the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400°F.
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Place the leftover hash browns on the tray in a single layer with space between them.
• Cover the tray with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Reheating Hash Browns in the Microwave:

• Place the leftover hash browns on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer with space between them.
• Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, flip them, and then microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or sogginess.

Reheating Hash Browns on the Stovetop:

• Heat some oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
• Place the leftover hash browns in the pan in a single layer without overlapping.
• Cook until the first side is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Frequently asked questions