Air Fryer Hashbrown Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Hashbrown patties are a popular breakfast side dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are quick and easy to make, with a cooking time of around 10-15 minutes, and can be cooked straight from frozen. The air fryer gives the hashbrowns a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying or the use of oil. This makes it a healthier alternative to other cooking methods.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp on your hash brown patties, follow these steps:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spritz the basket with a non-aerosol, non-stick spray or a neutral oil. You can also line your basket with parchment paper with holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.

Next, place 3-4 frozen hash brown patties in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. You don't need to thaw them first, and you don't need to add any oil.

Cook the patties for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. If you prefer them crispier, cook in 1-2 minute increments until the desired texture is achieved.

Finally, remove the hash brown patties from the air fryer and season with salt to taste. Serve immediately while still warm for the crispiest texture.

Some air fryers may cook hotter than others, so keep an eye on your patties the first time you use this method and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Oil vs no oil

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their versatility and ability to bake, dehydrate, broil, air fry, roast, and more. They are also a healthier alternative to frying food in oil. However, the question of whether or not to use oil in an air fryer remains a source of confusion for many.

When it comes to cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer, there are two schools of thought: oil vs. no oil. Let's explore both options in detail.

Oil

Using a small amount of oil in an air fryer can help keep your food moist and give it a golden brown color. It is recommended to use full-fat cooking oil with a high smoke point or a non-aerosol oil spray. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are all good choices. You can also use olive oil spray, which is a quick and easy way to coat the basket evenly without having to brush or wipe it on. Alternatively, you can toss your hash brown patties in a bowl with a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting them in the air fryer.

No Oil

One of the benefits of using an air fryer is that you can cook food without oil, making it a healthier option for those trying to reduce their oil intake. When cooking hash brown patties without oil, simply season your food, place it in the air fryer basket, and set the desired temperature and time. It is important to shake the basket a few times during cooking to prevent sticking. You can also line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Whether you choose to use oil or not, there are a few general tips to keep in mind when cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer. First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Second, place the patties in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for the hot air to circulate. Finally, cook until the patties are golden brown, which should take around 10-12 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process for hash brown patties. By preheating, you ensure that your hash browns cook evenly and efficiently, resulting in the desired crispy texture. Here's a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer:

• Set the Temperature: Adjust the temperature dial or settings to reach the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for hash brown patties. However, some recipes suggest temperatures between 380 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can experiment to find your preferred setting.
• Allow for Preheating Time: Depending on the model of your air fryer, it typically takes around 5 minutes to fully preheat. During this time, the heating elements inside the air fryer will reach the set temperature, ensuring that your food starts cooking at the right heat from the moment it's placed inside.
• Prepare the Basket: While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the basket. Lightly spritz or spray the bottom of the basket with a neutral oil or a non-aerosol, non-stick spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Don't Overcrowd the Basket: When placing the hash brown patties into the basket, ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows for proper air circulation, which is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can typically cook 3 to 4 patties at a time.
• Seasonings: If desired, you can add seasonings to your hash brown patties before or after preheating. A sprinkle of salt is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder to enhance the flavor.
• Monitor the First Batch: Each air fryer cooks slightly differently, even among the same models. Therefore, it's a good idea to monitor the first batch of hash brown patties closely and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the best results for your hash brown patties. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying crispy, golden, and delicious hash browns cooked to perfection!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for hash brown patties in an air fryer depend on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the patties. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the patties for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. However, some sources suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 380 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 12 to 15 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the hash brown patties are in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with space between them to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of the air fryer, 3 to 4 patties can be cooked at a time. The cooking time may vary, so it is recommended to monitor the patties and adjust the time as needed to avoid under or overcooking.

Some recipes suggest pausing the air fryer after the initial cooking time, shaking the basket, and adding seasonings or salt and pepper before continuing to cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. For crispier hash brown patties, the cooking time can be extended in 1-minute increments until the desired texture is achieved.

It is worth noting that there are oil-free methods for cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer, as some sources claim that the patties will still achieve a golden and crispy texture without the use of oil. However, oil spray can be used to achieve a "crispy deep-fried" texture if desired.

Serving suggestions

Hash brown patties cooked in an air fryer are a great addition to a cooked breakfast or brunch. They can be served as a side dish with eggs, bacon, or breakfast sausage. For example, they go well with a sunny side egg on top or with some scrambled eggs. They can also be served with steak, or with a burger instead of a bun, or sliced up on the side. For a gluten-free option, serve them with smashed avocado instead of toast.

You can also serve them with ketchup or season them with salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or spices like paprika or chili powder.

Frequently asked questions