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

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but they can be a hassle to make, especially if you're short on time. Luckily, air fryers offer a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook hash browns. They're less messy than stove-top methods and produce wonderfully crispy results. In this article, we'll explore the different types of hash browns you can cook in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and provide a step-by-step guide to getting that perfect crispiness. We'll also offer tips on reheating, storing, and seasoning to elevate your hash brown game. So, get your air fryer ready, and let's dive into the world of crispy, golden hash browns!

Choosing the right potato

While you can use any potato to make hash browns, some potatoes will yield better results than others. Russet potatoes are the most common type of potato used for hash browns, but Yukon potatoes are recommended for air fryer hash browns. Yukon potatoes are smaller than Russets, have a waxy skin, and contain slightly less starch. This means that the strands of potato will stay separated and get crispier. If you use Russet potatoes, be sure to peel them as their skin is thicker.

Yukon potatoes can be peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference. If you want your hash browns to be like individual wisps of crispy potato, Yukon potatoes are a good choice. If you prefer your hash browns to be more like a patty, Russet potatoes will work better because the strands will stick together more.

You can also make hash browns from scratch using fresh potatoes. To do this, peel and shred the potatoes using a box shredder. Press the shredded potatoes to release water, then use paper towels to dry them out as much as possible. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Brush the air fryer basket with oil, then toss the dried shredded potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne or other herbs and spices.

If you want to use frozen hash browns, there are a few options to choose from. Frozen shredded potato hash browns are available in bags, and some brands include potatoes as the only ingredient. You can also buy frozen hash brown patties, which are more like the traditional patties you would get at a fast-food restaurant. These patties have a strong potato flavor with a crispy outside and soft potato inside.

Using frozen or fresh potatoes

You can cook hash browns in an air fryer using both frozen and fresh potatoes. However, there are some differences in the preparation and cooking time depending on which you choose.

Frozen Potatoes

Frozen hash browns are a convenient option as they are already pre-shredded or in patty form, ready to be cooked. To prepare frozen hash browns, simply toss them with oil and your desired spices or seasonings. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or a neutral oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or rosemary.

Once your hash browns are seasoned, spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. If you are cooking shredded hash browns, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook for 17-23 minutes, tossing or flipping the hash browns every 5-6 minutes for even browning. For extra crispy hash browns, add another 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

Fresh Potatoes

If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, you will first need to peel and grate them using a box grater. Soak the grated potatoes in cold water to remove the excess starch, then drain and spread them out on paper towels to dry thoroughly. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and season with your desired spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Similar to frozen hash browns, spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for about 20 minutes, tossing the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning. You can also cook fresh potatoes in the form of hash brown patties. Form the grated potatoes into patties and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 375°F for 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown.

How to prevent sogginess

To prevent sogginess when making hash browns in an air fryer, it is important to remove any excess moisture from the potatoes. This can be done by squeezing the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth before cooking. It is also crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess. It is better to work in batches if you are cooking a large quantity, allowing enough space for air circulation around the hash browns.

When cooking frozen hash browns, it is generally recommended to cook them from frozen rather than thawed, as thawing can lead to excess water and sogginess. Frozen hash browns should be arranged in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking, as this can also cause moisture to get trapped and result in soggy hash browns.

The type of potato used can also impact the sogginess of your hash browns. Russet potatoes are the most common variety used, but Yukon potatoes, which have slightly less starch, can yield crispier results. If using Russet potatoes, it is recommended to peel them due to their thicker skin.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer before adding the hash browns can help ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Lightly coating the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray can also help prevent sticking and improve the crispness of your hash browns.

Oil and seasoning

Choosing the Right Oil

You can use a variety of oils for air fryer hash browns, including olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or even avocado oil. You can also use cooking spray or an EVO oil sprayer for a lighter coating. The key is to use just enough oil to coat the potatoes without making them greasy. A good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount, such as one tablespoon, and adjust as needed.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before adding the oil and seasoning, it's crucial to prepare the potatoes properly. Start by peeling the potatoes or giving them a good scrub if you plan to leave the peel on. Then, shred or grate the potatoes into a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a crispier texture. Let the potatoes soak for about 20 minutes, then drain and rinse them. Ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before adding the oil and seasoning. You can use a clean dish towel or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.

Seasoning Options

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of flexibility to customize the flavour to your taste. Here are some popular options:

• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings add flavour and enhance the natural taste of the potatoes.
• Garlic powder: For a savoury kick, garlic powder pairs well with the other seasonings.
• Onion powder: Onion powder adds an onion flavour that complements the potatoes. If you're not a fan of onion, you can omit it or substitute it with another flavour.
• Spicy kick: For some heat, add cayenne pepper or chilli flakes to your hash browns.
• Smoky flavour: Smoked paprika will give your hash browns a delicious smoky taste.
• Fresh herbs: After cooking, sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top for added flavour and colour.

Combining Oil and Seasoning

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to add the oil and seasoning. Place the dried potato shreds back into a clean mixing bowl and pour in the oil. Add your desired seasonings and mix well until the potatoes are evenly coated. You can also experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile.

Cooking Instructions

After your hash browns are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F to 370°F (175°C to 190°C). Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring and flipping the hash browns halfway through to ensure even browning. For extra crispy hash browns, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Reheating and storing

When storing leftover hash browns, it is important to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator. While some sources recommend storing them for up to 3 days, others suggest up to 5 days. It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen hash browns.

To reheat hash browns, using an air fryer is the best method, as it helps maintain the crispy texture. Reheat the hash browns at a temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 7 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, but they may become mushy.

Frequently asked questions