Tillie Doyle
Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but the traditional methods of frying or baking them can be messy and time-consuming. Air fryers offer a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to cooking hash browns, with minimal clean-up required. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making crispy, golden hash browns in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and storage.
Cooking Hash Browns in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Potatoes, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper |
| Preparation | Shred potatoes, soak in water, drain, rinse, squeeze dry, season, spread in air fryer |
| Cooking Time | 12-23 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Cooking Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-5 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Place in air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes |
| Nutrition | Fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals |
What You'll Learn
Preparation: peeling, shredding, and seasoning potatoes
Start by washing and drying the potatoes. Then, use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to peel the potatoes. If you prefer the rustic look of potato skins in your hash browns, you can skip this step. Next, cut the potatoes in half and use a mandoline or box grater to shred them. Alternatively, you can use a food processor. Place a plate underneath the grater to catch the potato shreds and contain the mess. Work in batches, shredding one potato at a time.
As soon as the potatoes are peeled, the clock starts ticking on oxidation, so it's important to submerge the shredded potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. You can also add grated onion to the potatoes, as it is believed to help prevent browning and enhance the flavour.
Once all the potatoes are shredded and soaked, it's time to remove the excess moisture. Drain the potatoes into a colander and rinse them with cold water. Then, transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean dish towel or paper towels and squeeze or press them dry. You want the potatoes to be as dry as possible for crispier hash browns.
Now, it's time to season the potatoes. You can add salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, chilli flakes, or rosemary. Mix the seasoning with the potatoes in a large bowl. If you're using oil, add it to the bowl and mix well.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for hash browns in an air fryer depend on the type of potatoes used and the size of the air fryer basket.
If you are using frozen hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (or 375°F if your air fryer doesn't heat to exactly 370°F) and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes. If you are using frozen diced hash browns, you can season them and spray them with oil before placing them in the air fryer. For frozen shredded hash browns, it is recommended to use them straight from the freezer without thawing them first. You can also add shredded cheese during the last couple of minutes of cooking.
If you are using fresh potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch, which will make them crispier. After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes, then transfer them to a clean towel and squeeze out any remaining water to ensure they are as dry as possible. Add oil and seasoning to the potatoes, then place them in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F to 370°F and cook for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. For smaller baskets, start checking the hash browns around the 10 to 15-minute mark and cook until they reach your desired level of crispiness. For larger baskets, flip the hash browns after 7 to 8 minutes and continue cooking for another 7 to 12 minutes.
If you are reheating leftover hash browns, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes.
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Flipping and frying
Flipping your hash browns is an important step in the cooking process. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you should flip your hash browns about halfway through the cooking time. For example, if your hash browns take 15 minutes to cook, you should flip them after 7 to 8 minutes. If you are cooking your hash browns for 23 minutes, flip them after 18 minutes.
When flipping your hash browns, you may also want to spritz them with a little more oil and move them around in the basket. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and don't stick to the air fryer. It is important to note that flipping is not necessary if you are using a non-stick air fryer basket, as the hash browns will not stick.
If you are cooking your hash browns from fresh, it is important to soak the potato shreds in water before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help them get crispy all over. However, make sure to dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer, as excess water will make the hash browns soggy.
Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread the hash browns out in a single layer, with a little bit of space between them. This will allow them to cook evenly and get crispy. If you are making a large batch, you may need to cook them in two batches.
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Freezing and reheating
Hash browns cooked in an air fryer can be frozen and reheated. To freeze, place the hash browns on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer. After about an hour, transfer the hash browns to a zip-close freezer bag. Frozen hash browns will keep for up to three months.
To reheat frozen hash browns in an air fryer, there are several methods you can use. One method is to reheat them at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Another method is to reheat them at 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes, leaving a little space between each one. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. However, it is not recommended to reheat them in the microwave, as they may become mushy.
It is important to note that the reheating time may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness. For softer hash browns, remove them from the air fryer a minute or two earlier. If you prefer them darker, add a minute or two to the cooking time.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer hash browns are a quick and easy breakfast side dish that can be served with your favourite breakfast foods. They can be paired with bacon, eggs, and sausage, or enjoyed with avocado toast, pancakes, or fresh fruit. For a kid-friendly option, serve with ketchup on the side for dipping.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, sprinkle shredded cheese—such as cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella—on top of the hash browns during the last few minutes of cooking, and top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes to the hash brown mixture. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavour. If you enjoy the taste of onion, add onion powder or dice up some onions to cook with the hash browns.
Air fryer hash browns can also be served as a snack throughout the day. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days and reheated in the air fryer for a quick and convenient snack.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking hash browns in an air fryer is a simple process. First, prepare your potatoes by peeling and shredding them into a bowl of cold water. Drain, rinse, and dry the potatoes. Add oil and seasoning to the potatoes and mix well. Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket and spread them into an even layer. Cook at 370°F for 12-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown.
Cooking hash browns in an air fryer typically takes around 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer and the desired crispiness. Smaller air fryers may cook the hash browns faster, so it is recommended to start checking for doneness around the 10-15 minute mark.
The ideal temperature for cooking hash browns in an air fryer is around 370°F. However, if your air fryer cannot heat precisely to this temperature, you can cook the hash browns at 375°F, which will yield similar results.
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns in an air fryer. Frozen hash browns can go directly from the freezer into the air fryer, and they tend to crisp up better than fresh potatoes due to their lower moisture content.
To make hash brown patties, start by preparing your potato mixture. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture and form patties using an egg mold or cookie cutter. Place the patties in the refrigerator to chill for about 20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and brush the basket with oil. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket and air fry for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown on both sides.
