Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky. Enter the air fryer—a quick and easy way to cook hash browns that are crispy, golden brown, and delicious. But can you put hash browns in the air fryer? The short answer is yes! Here's everything you need to know about making hash browns in an air fryer.

Cooking times and temperatures

Frozen Hash Browns

Frozen hash browns are the most convenient option as they can be placed straight into the air fryer without needing to be thawed. Frozen hash browns can be purchased pre-shaped into patties or bought shredded.

Frozen Hash Brown Patties

Frozen hash brown patties should be cooked for around 10-12 minutes at 400°F. For extra crispy hash browns, you can add an additional 2-4 minutes to the cooking time. If you are using an air fryer lid, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to reduce the temperature by around 15°F.

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

Frozen shredded hash browns should be cooked for around 15-20 minutes at 370-375°F. For extra crispy hash browns, you can add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

Fresh Hash Browns

Fresh hash browns can be made from Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. It is recommended that you peel the potatoes before grating them. Fresh hash browns should be rinsed in cold water to remove excess starch and dried thoroughly before cooking.

Fresh hash browns should be cooked for around 14-16 minutes at 350°F.

How to make hash browns from scratch

Making hash browns from scratch is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure you get the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to make hash browns from scratch:

Ingredients

• 3 large russet potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, based on preference)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Onion, cheese, cayenne pepper, or garlic (optional)

Instructions

• Shred the potatoes using a box-style cheese grater. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the peel on, depending on your preference.
• Place the shredded potatoes into a bowl of cold water. Stir the potato shreds to loosen the starch, then drain the starchy water. Repeat this process of stirring and draining the potatoes in fresh cold water.
• Remove as much water from the potatoes as possible. You can use paper towels, a clean dish towel, or even squeeze them between layers of cheesecloth.
• Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Transfer the dried potatoes into the hot pan, spreading them into an even layer.
• Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.
• Cook the potatoes without disturbing them for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown on the bottom.
• Use a spatula to flip the potatoes and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from heat and serve.

Tips for Crispy Hash Browns:

• The key to crispy hash browns is removing as much moisture as possible before cooking. This means thoroughly drying the shredded potatoes and making sure your oil is hot before adding them to the pan.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the crispiest hash browns.
• If you want your hash browns to hold together better, you can add binding agents like flour and egg to the mixture.

Tips for making crispy hash browns

• Use frozen shredded hash browns for best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spread the hash browns in a single layer, allowing them to cook evenly and preventing sogginess.
• Flip the hash browns a few minutes before the end of the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Spritz the hash browns with oil to prevent them from drying out and to add flavour. You can use any kind of oil you like, such as canola, vegetable, or avocado oil.
• Use a parchment liner to make clean-up easier and prevent small pieces from falling through the basket or tray.
• Add more spices like onion powder or paprika for extra flavour. You can also dice up some onions and cook them with the hash browns.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure your hash browns get crispy.
• If your air fryer has larger holes in the basket, use a silicone liner or parchment round to prevent the hash browns from falling through.
• If making hash browns from scratch, use Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes have slightly less starch, resulting in crispier hash browns.
• Peel and rinse the potatoes to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly before cooking.

What to serve with hash browns

Hash browns are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with hash browns:

Breakfast Options

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, and there are several options to serve alongside them. The classic choice is creamy, fluffy scrambled eggs, which are quick and easy to prepare and allow the crispy, savoury flavour of the hash browns to shine through. For a more indulgent option, serve hash browns with French toast. The sweet, fluffy French toast provides an exciting contrast of flavours and textures to the salty, crispy hash browns.

If you're looking for something more savoury, try serving hash browns with bacon or sausage. For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad or some fresh fruit can complement the richness of the hash browns. You could also serve them with avocado toast for a more contemporary breakfast option.

Lunch and Dinner Options

Hash browns can also be served as a side dish for lunch or dinner. They go well with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or fish. For a unique twist, try serving them with quesadillas or a grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the hash browns work well with the crispy tortilla and cheesy goodness of a quesadilla, while a grilled cheese sandwich provides a comforting combination of crispy bread and gooey melted cheese.

If you're looking for a vegetable side dish, try roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, or stuffed mushrooms. The earthy flavour of mushrooms and the crispy hash browns make for a delightful contrast. For a more substantial meal, corned beef hash is a great option to double down on the hash theme.

Snacks and Appetisers

Hash browns can also be served as a snack or appetiser. Try crumbling them and serving them with different sauces, such as ketchup, syrup, or hot sauce. You can also add various toppings, such as fresh fruit, grilled onions, peppers, or bacon and cheese.

Storing and reheating hash browns

To reheat your hash browns, simply place them back into the air fryer at 350-370℉ (180-190℃) for 3-6 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat hash browns in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave, although they may become a little mushy.

Frequently asked questions