Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Is It Worth The Hype?

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but can they be made in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air fryer hash browns are not only possible, but they are also a convenient, quick, and easy way to make crispy, golden brown hash browns. This method yields perfect results every time and is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

How long do hash browns take in the air fryer?

Hash browns are a great breakfast side dish and can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal effort. The cooking time will depend on the type of hash browns you are cooking and the temperature setting of your air fryer.

Frozen Hash Brown Patties

Frozen hash brown patties can be cooked in an air fryer in a few minutes. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired crispiness level. For example, cooking the patties for 10 minutes on each side will result in a crispy texture. If you prefer softer potatoes, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

Frozen shredded hash browns usually take around 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350–380°F (194°C). Spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the hash browns with cooking oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Air fry for about 20 minutes, flipping the hash browns and spritzing them with a little more oil after about 15 minutes.

Can you use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen when making hash browns in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it's important to note that frozen hash browns tend to crisp up better than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture. To get the best results with fresh potatoes, you should shred or cut them into similar sizes and shapes as the frozen variety. This will help ensure even cooking. You'll also want to soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer.

Additionally, fresh potatoes may require a slightly different cooking time and temperature than frozen hash browns. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your air fryer and the type of potato you're using. As a general rule of thumb, air fryers should be preheated to around 350-380°F (177-194°C) for cooking hash browns, and the total cooking time is typically around 20 minutes. However, you may need to adjust these settings depending on the type of potato and your desired level of crispiness.

When cooking fresh potatoes in an air fryer, it's also important not to overcrowd the basket. Spread the potatoes into a single even layer, and cook in batches if necessary. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and don't become soggy.

Finally, you can also experiment with different types of oil and seasonings to find your preferred flavour profile. Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are all good options for air-frying hash browns, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavour of your dish.

How do you prevent hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To prevent hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil before placing the shredded potatoes in it. This will create a non-stick surface and help the hash browns cook evenly without sticking.

• Use frozen shredded hash browns for best results.
• Do not overcrowd the basket. For best results, make sure that the potatoes are spread into a single even layer so that none are overlapping each other. Overcrowding will cause sogginess, so if you are making more than your air fryer basket can hold, cook them in a second batch.
• Use a parchment liner to help with clean-up and prevent any little pieces from falling through the basket or tray.
• If your air fryer basket has larger holes, use a silicone liner or a parchment round.

Can you reheat hash browns in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat hash browns in an air fryer. In fact, it is a recommended way to get them crispy again!

To reheat your hash browns, simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them at 370°F for 3-5 minutes.

If you are reheating frozen hash browns, it is best to keep them frozen until you are ready to reheat and eat them. This will help them maintain their structure.

What temperature do you fry frozen hash browns at?

Yes, you can cook frozen hash browns in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to get crispy hash browns without the grease and mess of deep frying.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature to fry frozen hash browns in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of crispiness, but it typically takes between 10 and 23 minutes. For example, at 350°F, cook the hash browns for 10 minutes, flip them, and then cook for another 10 minutes. At 380°F, cook for 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 6-8 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure crispy hash browns.
• Place the hash browns in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to sogginess. Cook in batches if needed.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. You can also spray the hash browns themselves with oil for extra crispiness, but it's not necessary as frozen hash browns usually contain some vegetable oil.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Season the hash browns after cooking, when they are still hot.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F to 400°F for 3-6 minutes, or until they regain their crispiness.

Enjoy your perfectly crispy air-fried hash browns!

Frequently asked questions