Hash browns are a breakfast classic, but the traditional method of frying them in a pan can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a convenient alternative, producing crispy, golden, and flavorful hash browns with significantly less oil. This cooking method is also healthier, as it reduces fat and calorie intake. While some recipes call for a light coating of olive or vegetable oil, it is possible to cook hash browns in an air fryer without any oil at all. This can be achieved by using a non-stick air fryer basket or lining the basket with parchment paper.

Can you cook hash browns in an oil-less fryer?

How to get the perfect crispy texture

Achieving the perfect crispy texture for hash browns in an air fryer is possible, and you can do it with minimal or no oil. The key to success is in the preparation and the type of potato you use.

First, select the right type of potato. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for crispiness, as they have a texture that lends itself to this. You can also use sweet potatoes or yams, but these are more likely to turn out soggy, as they are wetter. If you want to use sweet potatoes, make sure you dry them first with paper towels to get rid of as much moisture as possible.

Next, prepare the potatoes. Peel the potatoes, as the skin can become tough when cooked. Grate the potatoes using a box grater, a food processor, or a spiral vegetable cutter. It is important to do this step right before cooking to prevent oxidation and browning. Once grated, place the potato shreds in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is vital, as removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy texture when air-frying.

Now you are ready to cook your hash browns. Preheat your air fryer to 370–400°F (190°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the hash browns crisp up. Spread the grated potatoes evenly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a thin layer with no overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming. Set the timer for 12–20 minutes, depending on your air fryer. Halfway through the cooking time, pause and shake the basket to promote even browning. When the timer goes off, your hash browns should be golden brown and crispy.

If you are using frozen hash brown patties, you can cook them from frozen with no oil required. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you like them crispier, leave them in for a few minutes longer.

So, there you have it—a foolproof way to create perfectly crispy hash browns with minimal oil and less mess!

The best type of potatoes to use

Hash browns are a beloved breakfast staple, and making them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to the traditional pan-frying method. The key to achieving the perfect crispy texture lies in the preparation of the potatoes and ensuring they are as dry as possible before cooking.

When it comes to the type of potatoes to use, the best option is starchy potatoes like Russets, also known as the classic Idaho potato. Russets have a lower moisture content compared to waxy potatoes, which makes them ideal for achieving the desired crispiness when cooked. Their higher starch content promotes browning, giving your hash browns that golden, crunchy exterior.

If you don't have access to Russets, another good option is Yukon Golds. These potatoes fall somewhere in the middle of the starch spectrum and will yield decently crispy hash browns. They are a versatile choice and can also be used for mashed potatoes.

While sweet potatoes are less starchy than Russets, they can still make great hash browns. Their lower moisture content contributes to crispness, and when cooked, they turn out just as crispy as regular potatoes. However, keep in mind that sweet potato hash browns will have a sweeter flavour profile and may benefit from a dash of acidic hot sauce to balance the taste.

To ensure your hash browns are extra crispy, it is crucial to remove as much moisture from the potatoes as possible before cooking. This can be done by grating or shredding the potatoes and then squeezing out the excess liquid using a clean dish towel, paper towels, or a potato ricer.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in making hash browns as it greatly affects the texture and flavour. The type of potato you use is important, with Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes being the best options for crispiness.

First, peel the potatoes. The skin can become tough when cooked. Next, grate the potatoes using a box grater, a food processor with a grating attachment, or a spiral vegetable cutter. If you want to avoid the gluey texture of traditional hash browns, you can use a spiral vegetable slicer to cut the potatoes into thin ribbons. This allows air to move between the strands more easily, resulting in lighter, fluffier hash browns.

Once grated, it's important to remove as much excess moisture as possible. Place the potato shreds in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the moisture. You can also use paper towels to pat the potatoes dry. Removing moisture is vital for achieving a crispy texture when air frying, as potatoes tend to absorb grease and stick together if they are too wet.

If you want to remove the starch to prevent the hash browns from sticking together, you can soak the grated potatoes in water for 20 minutes, then rinse and drain them before drying. Alternatively, you can steam blanch the grated potatoes to prevent oxidation and discolouration.

After drying, you can season the potatoes with salt and pepper, as well as optional ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or cheese. You can also add a light coating of olive oil or vegetable oil to help achieve a crispy texture.

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking hash browns in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy a crunchy, flavorful dish without the extra oil and mess. The cooking time and temperature for hash browns in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness, the type of potatoes used, and the specific air fryer model. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect cooking time and temperature for your hash browns:

Preparation:

Before cooking, it is essential to prepare the potatoes properly to ensure the best texture and flavor. Start by peeling the potatoes, as the skin can become tough when cooked. Then, grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor. The grated potatoes should be as dry as possible to prevent sogginess and promote crispiness. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture from the grated potatoes.

Temperature Settings:

For cooking hash browns in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to around 370-400°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps develop a crispy exterior. It is worth noting that some air fryers may have specific temperature recommendations, so refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for hash browns in an air fryer can range from 8 to 20 minutes, depending on various factors. For frozen hash brown patties, a shorter cooking time of 8-10 minutes is usually sufficient, flipping them halfway through. Freshly prepared hash browns may take longer, with cooking times ranging from 12 to 20 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the hash browns during cooking and adjust the time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Adjustments and Tips:

• For smaller air fryer baskets, the hash browns may cook faster, so start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. Larger or thicker hash browns may require additional cooking time.
• To promote even browning, it is recommended to pause the air fryer halfway through the cooking time and carefully shake the basket.
• For a crispier texture, consider lightly coating the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray before adding the potatoes. This step can help with cleanup and enhance the crispness of the hash browns.
• If using fresh potatoes, try to remove as much moisture as possible before cooking. Excess moisture can lead to sogginess and affect the overall texture.
• For a simple flavor boost, season the hash browns with salt and pepper, or add spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

Oil alternatives for crispiness

Hash browns are a beloved breakfast staple, and cooking them in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to enjoy them without the extra oil. While air fryers can produce crispy hash browns with little to no oil, there are alternative ways and ingredients to achieve that desired crunchy texture.

One crucial step to achieving crispiness in hash browns is to ensure that the potatoes are as dry as possible before cooking. Removing excess moisture can be done by squeezing or pressing the grated potatoes with a clean dish towel or paper towels. This step is important because it prevents the hash browns from becoming soggy and promotes even browning.

The type of potato you choose also matters. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their superior texture and crispiness. Spiral vegetable slicers or graters can be used to cut the potatoes into thin strands or ribbons, allowing air to move more easily between them during cooking, resulting in a lighter and crispier texture.

When it comes to oil alternatives for crispiness, you have a few options. Firstly, you can opt for a completely oil-free method by using a non-stick pan or air fryer. This may result in slightly less crispy hash browns, but it is still a viable option. Additionally, you can use cooking spray or silicone-based products to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

If you want to use a small amount of oil for extra crispiness, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are good choices. These oils have relatively high smoking points, which is important to consider when air frying at high temperatures. Alternatively, you can use a combination of oil and cooking spray for a more even coating.

Frequently asked questions