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

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are crispy, crunchy, and golden brown. You can use frozen hash browns or make them from scratch. The cooking time varies depending on the type of hash browns and the air fryer model, but it usually ranges from 10 to 23 minutes.

How to make hash browns in an air fryer from scratch

Making hash browns from scratch in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get deliciously crispy hash browns. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect homemade hash browns.

Ingredients:

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

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or food processor. If using a box grater, grate the potatoes on the large holes. Soak the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water and rinse them well until the water is mostly clear. This step helps to remove excess starch. Drain the potatoes and spread them out on paper towels to dry.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are mostly dry, transfer them to a bowl and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure even seasoning.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (some recipes suggest 370°F, so adjust according to your air fryer and preferences). It is recommended to spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Hash Browns

Spread the potatoes in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Spritz the potatoes with a little non-stick spray or olive oil to help them crisp up. Close the air fryer basket and cook for about 8 minutes.

Step 5: Stir and Continue Cooking

Open the air fryer and gently stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Break up any clumps of potatoes that may have formed. Close the basket again and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Divide the hash browns between plates and serve. They go well with eggs and can be garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

Tips:

• For the crispiest hash browns, use frozen shredded potatoes rather than fresh. Frozen potatoes contain less moisture, which is key to achieving that crispy texture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spread the potatoes in an even layer, avoiding overlap or stacking.
• If desired, add additional seasonings like onion powder or sprinkle with diced onions.

Enjoy your homemade hash browns!

Tips for making crispy hash brown patties

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer is 400°F. Cooking time can vary between 8 to 12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your hash browns. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 2 to 5 minutes. Remember to preheat your air fryer before placing the hash browns inside.

Layering and Spacing

For even cooking and maximum crispiness, place the hash brown patties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overlapping them, as this can lead to sogginess and uneven cooking. If you need to cook more patties than your air fryer basket can accommodate, cook them in batches.

Oil and Seasoning

Most frozen hash brown patties already contain some oil, so adding more is usually unnecessary. However, if you find that your patties are drying out, you can spritz them with a little cooking spray or oil halfway through the cooking process. For a fast-food-style taste, lightly spritz the tops of the patties with oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.

Flipping

For even browning and crispiness, flip the hash brown patties halfway through the cooking time. Use plastic utensils, such as spatulas, to flip the patties, as metal utensils can scratch the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket.

Utensils and Clean-up

Always use plastic utensils, such as silicone tongs or spatulas, to flip and remove food from your air fryer. Metal utensils can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. To make clean-up easier and prevent food from falling through the basket, use a silicone liner or parchment paper.

How to get the crispiest hash browns

Ingredients

• Frozen shredded hash browns
• Olive oil or cooking oil spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Silicone liner or parchment paper (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.
• Place the hash browns in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you are cooking a large batch, you can stack them slightly as they will shrink while cooking.
• Spray the hash browns with oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add onion powder for extra flavor.
• Air fry for around 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the final 5 minutes, spritz the hash browns with a little more oil to keep them from drying out.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• Use frozen shredded hash browns for the best results.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• Flip the hash browns with 5 minutes left to ensure even cooking.
• Use any type of oil you like.
• Use a parchment liner to prevent a mess and stop small pieces from falling through the basket.
• If your air fryer basket has large holes, use a silicone liner or parchment paper to prevent the hash browns from falling through.
• If your hash browns are not getting crispy, make sure your air fryer is preheated and that you are only cooking a single layer of hash browns.

How to prevent soggy hash browns

To prevent soggy hash browns, it is important to remove excess moisture from the potatoes. This can be done by placing the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeezing out the moisture. It is also crucial to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the hash browns in a single, even layer. This ensures that the hash browns cook evenly and don't become soggy.

Additionally, using frozen hash browns can help achieve crispiness as they contain less moisture than fresh potatoes. When cooking, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer and flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process.

• Use frozen shredded hash browns. Fresh potatoes can be shredded, frozen, and used for this recipe as well.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spread the hash browns in a single, even layer.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the hash browns.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process.
• Use a parchment liner to prevent the hash browns from falling through the basket and to absorb any excess moisture.
• Experiment with different oils to find the one that works best for you. Some options include canola oil, vegetable oil, and avocado oil.
• Add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cheese to enhance the flavor and texture.

How to reheat hash browns

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

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Hash Browns

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover hash browns out of the refrigerator. It is best to use hash browns that have been stored in an airtight container and consumed within 3-5 days.

Step 2: Place the Hash Browns in the Air Fryer

Spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in an even layer, with no overlapping or stacking, as this can affect the cooking process and texture.

Step 3: Reheat the Hash Browns

Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and reheat the hash browns for about 3-6 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of hash browns and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve the Hash Browns

Once the hash browns are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer using a spatula or tongs. Serve them as a side dish, or crumble them for shredded hash browns. You can also enhance their flavor by adding toppings such as grilled onions, peppers, or cheese.

Tips for Reheating Hash Browns in an Air Fryer:

• If your hash browns are frozen, there is no need to thaw them before reheating. Cooking frozen hash browns will help them maintain a crispy texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It is best to cook the hash browns in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• You can spritz the hash browns with a small amount of oil before reheating for extra crispness, but this is optional.
• If your hash browns are soggy, try preheating the air fryer before adding them and ensure they are in a single layer without overlapping.

Frequently asked questions