Air Fryer Hash Browns: Fixing Breakfast Favorites

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be a challenge. Fortunately, air fryers offer a convenient and tasty solution. Air-fried hash browns are not only quick and easy to make, but they also deliver a crunchy, golden-brown exterior with a fluffy interior. The air fryer's hot air ensures a consistent and even cook, doing away with the need for constant flipping and stirring. Plus, the use of frozen hash browns means less prep work and a faster route to a delicious breakfast.

How long to cook hash browns in the air fryer

Cooking hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get deliciously crispy results. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato you use, the temperature of your air fryer, and whether you are cooking from frozen or not.

Frozen Hash Browns

Frozen shredded hash browns will take around 23 minutes to cook in a preheated air fryer set to 370°F. You should spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, and spray them with cooking oil. After about 18 minutes, you should flip the hash browns and spritz them with a little more oil.

Fresh Hash Browns

If you are using fresh potatoes, it is recommended that you grate them and then rinse them in cold water to remove the starch. You should then dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer. Fresh hash browns will take around 14-16 minutes to cook in an air fryer set to 350°F. You should flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

How to prevent hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket

To prevent hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to use frozen hash browns, as fresh potatoes contain more moisture and are therefore more likely to stick to the basket. Frozen hash browns will also crisp up better. If you are using fresh potatoes, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible by drying them thoroughly with paper towels.

Before cooking, spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray or a generous amount of olive oil to fully coat the bottom and edges. This will help prevent the hash browns from sticking. You can also spritz the hash browns themselves with a little spray or oil to give them some fat on the surface.

When placing the hash browns in the basket, spread them out in a single, even layer. Overlapping or stacking the hash browns may cause them to stick together and become soggy. It is important not to overcrowd the basket.

Finally, halfway through the cooking process, gently stir the hash browns and break up any clumps to ensure they are cooking evenly. Then, return them to the air fryer to finish cooking.

How to store and reheat hash browns

Storing and reheating hash browns is a delicate art, as they can quickly become soggy. Here is a comprehensive guide to storing and reheating your hash browns to ensure they stay crispy and delicious.

Storing Hash Browns:

• If you have hash brown leftovers in a flimsy to-go box, transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store the container in the fridge until you are ready to reheat and eat them.

Reheating Hash Browns:

There are several methods for reheating hash browns, each with its pros and cons. Here are four of the most common methods, with detailed instructions for each:

Reheating Hash Browns in the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to avoid a mess.
• Place the hash browns inside the basket, leaving space between them.
• Reheat for 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Reheating Hash Browns in the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.
• Line a baking tray with baking paper or aluminum foil.
• Place the hash browns on the tray, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cover the tray with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Reheat for a further 2 minutes without the foil.
• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Reheating Hash Browns in the Microwave:

• Place the hash browns in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, leaving space between them.
• Microwave for 1 minute.
• Flip the hash browns and microwave for another minute.
• If reheating a smaller portion, reduce the time to 30 seconds for each side.

Reheating Hash Browns in a Pan:

• Heat a non-stick pan with some oil over a medium flame.
• Once the oil is hot, place the hash browns in the pan in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
• Cook until one side is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the hash browns and cook the other side.
• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Now you have four methods to reheat your hash browns to crispy perfection!

The best type of potatoes to use for air fryer hash browns

While Russet potatoes are the most common type of potato, Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for air fryer hash browns because they yield the best results. Yukon potatoes are a bit smaller than Russets and have a waxy skin instead of a hard brown skin. The key advantage of Yukon potatoes is that they have slightly less starch in them than Russet potatoes, so the strands stay separated more and they get really crispy.

That said, you can still use Russet potatoes if you prefer, and they should turn out just as crispy and delicious. Just be sure to peel them first, as the skin can be thicker. If you want your hash browns to be more like a patty, Russet potatoes are a good choice because the strands will stick together more.

Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option if you want to make hash browns from scratch. Start by peeling and grating the potatoes, then add them to a bowl of cold water and rinse them well until the water is mostly clear. This will help to remove the starch from the potatoes. Transfer the potatoes to a few paper towels and dry them out as much as possible before placing them in the air fryer.

So, while either type of potato can be used, Yukon Gold potatoes are generally considered the best option for air fryer hash browns due to their lower starch content and waxy skin.

How to make hash browns from scratch

Making hash browns from scratch is easy and the perfect side dish for any meal. Here is a simple recipe to make homemade hash browns in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated Yukon potatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Chives or parsley for garnish

Method:

• Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater on the large holes.
• Add the grated potatoes to a bowl of cold water. Rinse the potatoes a few times until the water is mostly clear. Drain off as much water as possible.
• Remove the potatoes from the bowl and spread them out over a few paper towels. Dry them well.
• Add the grated potatoes to a large bowl and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to season evenly.
• Spray an air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
• Spread out the hash browns in the basket of the air fryer in an even layer. Spritz the hash browns with a little nonstick spray.
• Air fry the hash browns at 350˚F for 8 minutes.
• Open the air fryer basket and stir the potatoes gently. If there are any clumps, try to break them up.
• Air fry for another 6-8 minutes until the hash browns are very crispy.
• Garnish with chives or parsley and serve.

Tips:

• Russet potatoes are the most common potatoes, but Yukon potatoes yield better results as they have slightly less starch, so the strands stay separated more and get crispier.
• If using Russet potatoes, make sure to peel them as the skin can be thicker.
• Rinse the potatoes well to remove most of the starch on the exterior.
• Dry the potatoes out as much as possible after rinsing to ensure crispy hash browns.
• To prevent sticking, spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick spray before adding the hash browns.

Frequently asked questions