Air-Fryer Has Brown: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but they can be time-consuming and messy to make. Cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep frying, and they come out perfectly crispy every time. You can use homemade or store-bought hash browns, and there are a variety of seasoning options to choose from.

Characteristics of has brown cooked in an air fryer

Air fryer temperature and timing

When cooking hash browns in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the appliance is preheated and that the hash browns are not overcrowded in the basket, which can cause sogginess. It is recommended to cook them in batches if necessary.

For frozen hash browns, it is best to keep them frozen before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them maintain their structure. Place the frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired crispness, but on average, it takes about 10 to 12 minutes. For crispier hash browns, additional cooking time of 2 to 5 minutes may be required.

For homemade hash browns, shred potatoes and soak them in ice-cold water to remove the starch. Drain the potatoes and remove excess water by squeezing them with a paper towel. Form the shredded potatoes into patties and spray them with oil. Season with your favorite spices, then place them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350 to 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 6 minutes.

Frozen vs fresh potatoes

Frozen hash browns are a convenient option for a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or side dish. They can be cooked directly from frozen, with no need to thaw, and typically take around 10-12 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Frozen hash browns are also less messy and healthier than deep-fried or oven-baked options, as they require little to no additional oil.

Fresh potatoes can also be used to make homemade hash browns, which involves shredding the potatoes, forming them into patties, and then air-frying them. However, this process is more time-consuming and may require additional steps such as soaking and drying the potatoes to remove excess starch and moisture.

Frozen hash browns tend to yield crispier results compared to fresh potatoes. This is because frozen hash browns contain less moisture, which is key to achieving a dry and crispy texture. When using fresh potatoes, it can be challenging to remove enough moisture to match the crispiness of frozen hash browns.

For frozen hash browns, it is important to note that different brands and wattages of air fryers will affect the cooking time. It is recommended to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to sogginess. Preheating the air fryer can also improve the crispiness of the hash browns.

On the other hand, fresh potatoes offer more customization options in terms of seasoning and shaping them into patties or shreds. They can be seasoned with spices, salt, and pepper, or even shaped into flat patties or shredded hash browns. However, fresh potatoes may require longer cooking times, typically around 12-15 minutes at 400°F, and may need to be flipped halfway through the cooking process.

In summary, frozen hash browns are a convenient, quick, and crispy option for air fryer enthusiasts. They require less preparation and yield crispier results compared to fresh potatoes. Fresh potatoes can also be used, but they may require more time and effort to achieve the desired crispiness. Ultimately, the choice between frozen and fresh potatoes depends on individual preferences for convenience, taste, and texture.

Oil and seasoning

While air fryers don't always require oil, using the right type of oil can greatly enhance the flavour and texture of your has browns. For optimal results, oils with high smoke points are recommended, such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. These oils allow for cooking at high temperatures without producing smoke or harmful byproducts. Olive oil can also be used, but it has a lower smoke point, so it’s best for lower temperature settings. Additionally, the flavour of the oil matters. If you’re looking for a neutral taste, vegetable or canola oil is ideal. However, if you want to add a bit of richness, consider using oils like avocado or peanut oil.

When cooking has browns, it is recommended to use frozen hash browns rather than fresh. Frozen hash browns crisp up better than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture. Before cooking, spread the hash browns in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not let them overlap or stack. If you are making more than your air fryer basket can hold, cook them in a second batch.

To get that golden brown colour, toss your has browns in a few teaspoons of oil and seasoning before putting them in the air fryer. You can mix seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, or even your favourite spice blend with the oil before tossing it with the has browns. This method distributes the flavours evenly and ensures that each has brown is coated. However, be cautious not to add too much seasoning, as it may overpower the taste of the has browns or burn during cooking. It’s best to start with a small amount and then adjust to your taste preferences.

If you are making homemade has browns, grab some Yukon gold or russet potatoes, shred them using a box grater or food processor, then soak them in a large bowl of ice-cold water to remove the starches. Drain the potatoes, and try to remove as much water as possible by squeezing the shredded potatoes in a paper towel. Form into patties, then spray with olive oil spray or avocado oil, and season before air frying.

Stacking and layering

When cooking hash browns in an air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking. This is because stacking can cause moisture to get trapped, resulting in soggy hash browns. To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it is recommended to leave a little space between each hash brown so that air can circulate.

However, one source suggests that stacking shredded hash browns a bit will still allow them to cook evenly. The potatoes shrink as they cook and get crispy, so a little more than a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray will work perfectly. It is also mentioned that not preheating the air fryer can result in soggy hash browns.

To avoid stacking, it may be necessary to work in two batches if using a smaller air fryer basket. This will ensure that the hash browns cook evenly and get crispy.

When cooking homemade hash browns, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are as dry as possible before placing them in the air fryer. This can be achieved by squeezing or pressing the shredded potatoes with a paper towel or dish towel.

Reheating and storing

When it comes to reheating and storing hash browns cooked in an air fryer, there are several methods to consider.

Reheating

Reheating hash browns in an air fryer is a convenient option that helps retain their crispy texture. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Place the refrigerated or frozen hash browns in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each one. Reheat for 2 to 6 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped to your liking.

It is worth noting that reheating frozen hash browns directly from the freezer yields better results than thawing them beforehand. Additionally, while microwaving is an option, it may not produce the desired crispy texture.

Storing

For short-term storage, leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.

For extended storage, hash browns can be frozen. Place them in a labelled container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions