Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Hash Browns, Perfectly Crispy!

Hash brown patties are a breakfast staple, but who wants to deal with the mess of oil splatters and deep frying? Luckily, you can get crispy, golden hash browns without the grease by using an air fryer. In this article, we'll teach you how to cook frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer for a quick and easy breakfast side dish. So, can you cook frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer? Absolutely! Read on to find out how.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer vary depending on the air fryer model and the desired level of crispness. However, here is a general guide:

First, preheat your air fryer to 380-400° Fahrenheit (193-204° Celsius). Some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 425ºFahrenheit. Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a neutral oil or a non-aerosol, non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single, even layer, ensuring they do not overlap, as this will affect even cooking.

For the cooking time, start by air frying the patties for 5-10 minutes. Then, remove the basket and flip the patties over. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the patties. Check the patties regularly to ensure they don't overcook or undercook.

If you prefer your hash brown patties with a darker colour and a crispier texture, consider adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time. Conversely, if you like them softer, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

How to get the perfect crisp

Cooking frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect crisp. The process is simple and requires minimal preparation, making it a convenient option for a delicious breakfast side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect crisp:

Preheat your Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit or 380°F (193-194°C). Preheating ensures that your hash brown patties cook evenly and efficiently.

Prepare the Hash Brown Patties:

Place the frozen hash brown patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single, flat layer and not stacked or overlapped. This arrangement allows for even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can cook 3-4 patties at a time.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Once your air fryer is preheated, set the temperature to 400°F or 380°F (193-194°C) and cook the patties for 8-12 minutes. For the first batch, start with a shorter cook time of 8-10 minutes and then adjust as needed.

Flip and Cook:

Halfway through the cook time, use a spatula to flip the patties over. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. After flipping, continue cooking for an additional 4-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.

Season and Serve:

Once the patties are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. If desired, season with salt, pepper, or other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder. Allow the patties to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Achieving Extra Crispness:

If you prefer your hash brown patties extra crispy, there are a few adjustments you can make. First, you can increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Additionally, you can spritz the patties with a light coating of cooking spray or oil halfway through the cooking process.

Remember that every air fryer is unique, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to achieve your desired level of crispness. Enjoy your perfectly crispy hash brown patties!

Gluten-free options

Cooking frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get gluten-free, crispy, golden, and fluffy hash browns. The best part is that you don't need to add any heavy oil, making it a healthier option.

To cook gluten-free hash brown patties in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, take your desired brand of frozen gluten-free hash brown patties out of the freezer. It is important to use gluten-free patties or double-check the ingredients list to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contaminants are present. Some recommended brands include Ore Ida, Trader Joe's, and generic store-brand versions.

Once the air fryer has preheated, remove the basket and lightly spritz the bottom with a neutral non-aerosol, propellant-free oil spray to prevent sticking and achieve the perfect crisp. You can use avocado oil or olive oil spray for this step.

Next, place 3 to 4 frozen hash brown patties in the air fryer basket in a single, flat layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. Air fry at 400° Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy hash browns, you can add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

When the timer goes off, use a spatula to remove the patties from the air fryer carefully. Serve them as flat patties or crumble them for shredded hash browns. You can also season with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to taste.

With this method, you can enjoy gluten-free, crispy, and golden hash brown patties straight from your air fryer in less than 15 minutes!

Hash browns from scratch

Yes, you can cook frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer. It is a quick and easy method that produces golden and crispy hash browns in under 15 minutes. No prep is required, but you will need to preheat the air fryer. You can cook the hash browns straight from frozen, with no need for heavy oil.

Now, if you want to make hash browns from scratch, you'll need to start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Starchy potatoes, like Russets, are best for crispy hash browns. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you want your hash browns to stick together more easily, but they won't get as crispy.

Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or food processor. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a bowl of cold water to remove the starch. Stir the potato shreds, then drain the starchy water. Repeat this process until you've removed as much starch as possible. Drain the potatoes and squeeze out as much water as you can using a paper towel or clean dish towel.

To form the shredded potatoes into patties, you can use a flour and egg mixture. You can season this mixture with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. If you want to add cheese, garlic, or other ingredients, you can do so at this stage. Form the mixture into patties, then spray them with olive oil or avocado oil.

Finally, it's time to cook your hash browns. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the patties for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If you're cooking them in a pan, heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the potatoes in a thin, even layer and wait until one side is golden brown before flipping. Cook for another 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on the other side, then serve.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer hash brown patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your hash browns:

Breakfast Options

Air fryer hash brown patties make an excellent breakfast side dish. Serve them with eggs cooked to your liking, such as fried, scrambled, or as part of a zucchini, pesto egg nest. You can also pair them with bacon, either cooked in the oven or in the air fryer. For a healthier option, include some fresh fruit like berries or halved grapefruit on the side. If you're feeling creative, try making bacon and spinach egg muffins to accompany your hash browns for a breakfast on the go.

Casserole or Sandwich

Get inventive by incorporating the hash brown patties into a casserole dish or using them as a sandwich filling. This is a great way to transform a simple side into a more substantial meal.

Crumble Them

If you prefer shredded hash browns, simply crumble the cooked patties and serve them in this style. You can also use the crumbled hash browns as a base for a casserole or as a tasty sandwich filling.

Toppings and Sauces

Enhance the flavour of your hash brown patties with various toppings and sauces. Try adding grilled onions, peppers, or fresh fruit for a refreshing twist. For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of cheddar or panela cheese can take your hash browns to the next level. Alternatively, keep it classic with a dash of ketchup or syrup, or spice things up with your favourite hot sauce.

Main Meals

While hash browns are commonly served at breakfast, they can also accompany your favourite main meals. Their versatility allows them to pair well with a variety of dishes, providing a crispy and delicious side option.

Frequently asked questions