Air-Fryer Hash Browns: The Secret To Perfect Shreds

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky. Air fryers offer a convenient and tasty solution, with many people swearing by them for the crispiest hash browns. You can use either fresh or frozen shredded potatoes, and there are plenty of seasoning options to elevate your breakfast side.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in making shredded hash browns in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Peel and Shred the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, unless you prefer to keep the skin on. Then, use a box shredder, grater, or food processor to shred the potatoes into thin, even strips. You can also use a sharp knife to shred them by hand.

Remove Excess Moisture: Once shredded, it's important to remove as much moisture from the potatoes as possible. Squeeze or press the shredded potatoes to release the water, and then use paper towels to pat them dry. This step is crucial, as excess moisture can prevent the hash browns from getting crispy.

Season the Potatoes: Assemble your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or dried herbs. Mix the seasonings with the shredded potatoes, ensuring an even distribution.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at a temperature between 350°F and 380°F (175°C to 190°C). Preheating ensures a hot cooking environment, which is essential for achieving crispy hash browns.

Add Oil: Brush the air fryer basket with oil, or use an oil spray, to prevent the potatoes from sticking. Then, toss the seasoned shredded potatoes with a small amount of oil. While oil is necessary for crispiness, use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Spread the shredded potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Overcrowding the basket can prevent proper airflow and result in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the hash browns in batches.

Cook the Hash Browns: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, use a spatula to carefully flip the potatoes. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or so, until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.

Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the hash browns immediately while they are still hot and crispy. You can pair them with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, or a side of ketchup or sour cream.

Air fryer settings

To make shredded hash browns in an air fryer, you will need to adjust the settings on your air fryer. Here are the steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking shredded hash browns is between 350°F and 380°F (175°C-190°C). Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.
• Arrange the hash browns: Spread the frozen shredded hash browns in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results. It is important not to stack or overcrowd the hash browns, as this can affect the cooking process and prevent proper airflow.
• Cooking time and temperature: Set the air fryer to the chosen temperature, typically between 350°F and 380°F. Cook the hash browns for 8-10 minutes, or up to 23 minutes depending on the desired level of crispiness. Shake or flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
• Check for doneness: After the initial cooking time, check if the hash browns are crispy and golden brown. If they need more time, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently until the desired level of crispiness is achieved.
• Season and serve: Once the hash browns are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.

By following these steps and adjusting your air fryer settings accordingly, you can make perfectly crispy shredded hash browns.

Cooking time and process

Cooking shredded hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, gather your ingredients. You will need frozen shredded hash browns, olive oil or cooking spray, and seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs to customize the flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 380°F. While the air fryer is preheating, spread the frozen hash browns in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results.

Once the air fryer is preheated, cook the hash browns for 8 to 23 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model. Shake or flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning and prevent sticking.

After the initial cooking time, check the hash browns for crispiness. If they are not golden brown and crispy, continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, checking frequently until the desired level of crispiness is achieved.

Once the hash browns are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt and pepper, or any additional seasonings, to enhance their flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.

Some additional tips for making perfect shredded hash browns in the air fryer include:

• Use dry potatoes: Ensure the shredded potatoes are as dry as possible before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent the hash browns from getting crispy.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps create a hot cooking environment, crucial for achieving crispy hash browns.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Spread the shredded potatoes in a single layer, allowing proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use oil sparingly: A light coating of oil is necessary for crispiness, but be careful not to use too much.
• Shake the basket: Shaking or tossing the hash browns halfway through promotes even browning and crispy edges.
• Adjust seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
• Serve immediately: Hash browns are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

Shredded hash browns cooked in an air fryer are a versatile side dish that can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They go well with breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast, but can also be served alongside lunch or dinner dishes like sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats. Here are some specific serving suggestions:

• For a classic breakfast, serve the hash browns with bacon, eggs, and sweet cream pancakes. If you have more time, add some sausage and air fryer eggs.
• For a vegan breakfast, serve the hash browns with avocado toast, vegan blueberry pancakes, or fresh fruit.
• For a hearty breakfast, try a fried egg, bacon, and sausage gravy on the side.
• For a Southwestern twist, season the hash browns with taco seasoning and serve them topped with salsa, diced avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
• For a Greek-inspired dish, toss the cooked hash browns with crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh oregano.
• For a cheesy option, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hash browns during the last few minutes of cooking.
• For loaded hash browns, top them with crispy bacon bits, diced onions, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
• For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the hash browns before cooking and serve with a side of hot sauce.

Reheating and storage

When it comes to reheating and storing shredded hash browns, there are several methods that can be used to ensure optimal taste and texture. Here are some detailed instructions for reheating and storing your air-fried hash browns:

Reheating:

The best way to reheat shredded hash browns and restore their crispy texture is by using an air fryer. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Lightly coat the hash browns with cooking spray, which is optional, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat for 4 to 6 minutes, ensuring they are spaced out for even heating. This method will give your hash browns a fresh and crispy texture.

Alternatively, you can reheat hash browns in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place a baking sheet inside. Lightly coat the hash browns with cooking spray, if desired, and place them on the hot baking sheet. Heat for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method is convenient if you are reheating multiple hash browns at once.

Another option is to use a skillet. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hash browns and heat for 4-5 minutes, flipping them halfway. This method allows for easy addition of extra flavours, such as cooking the hash browns in bacon grease or adding chilis to the pan.

Storage:

For storing shredded hash browns, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be stored for 2-5 days, depending on the recipe. It is not recommended to cook and refreeze the hash browns after they have been cooked.

To ensure the hash browns stay fresh and crispy, it is important to let them cool to room temperature before storing. Additionally, use paper towels to line the container and absorb any excess moisture. Make sure the hash browns are not overlapping to prevent soggy spots. If layering is necessary, separate the layers with parchment paper or additional paper towels.

Frequently asked questions