Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Quick, Crispy, Golden Goodness

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal. Cooking hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy, golden texture without the use of unhealthy grease. This method also requires less oil than deep frying and produces less mess.

How do I cook hash browns in an air fryer?

Choosing the right potatoes

While you can use any type of potato for air fryer hash browns, Yukon potatoes are recommended for the best results. They are a bit smaller than Russets, the most common type of potato used for hash browns, and have a waxy skin instead of hard brown skin. Yukon potatoes also have slightly less starch, so the strands stay separated more and get really crispy. If you want more of a hash brown patty, you can use Russet potatoes as the strands will stick together more. Just be sure to peel Russets before using them as their skin can be thicker.

You can also use frozen hash browns, which are said to crisp up better than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture. Frozen shredded hash browns are a little more difficult to cook in the air fryer, but they take roughly the same time as patties. Frozen diced hash browns are highly versatile and can be used for more than just breakfast. You can add them as a side for burgers or roasts, or change up the seasonings.

If you want to make your hash browns from scratch, grate or shred your potatoes and season them with spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add diced onions and peppers to make them more of a country-style hash.

Using frozen or fresh potatoes

While some people prefer to use fresh potatoes, others find that frozen hash browns crisp up better than fresh potatoes. Frozen hash browns contain less moisture, and it is important that the potatoes are as dry as possible.

If you are using fresh potatoes, peel and grate them with a box grater. Then, add the grated potatoes to a bowl of cold water and rinse them a few times. Drain off as much water as possible, and spread the potatoes out on paper towels to dry.

Once the potatoes are mostly dry, add them to a bowl with your chosen seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, or smoked paprika.

To cook the hash browns, spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick spray, or line it with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Layer in the potatoes in a thin, even layer, and spritz with a little oil or cooking spray. Start cooking, then stir or shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking times vary depending on your air fryer and your preferred level of crispiness. Some recipes suggest cooking at 350°F for about 8 minutes, then stirring and cooking for another 6-8 minutes. Others suggest cooking at 375°F for 17-18 minutes, shaking or flipping every 5-6 minutes, and adding another 3-4 minutes for extra crispiness.

Oil and seasoning

When it comes to oil and seasoning, there are a few things to consider when making hash browns in an air fryer. Firstly, decide whether you want to use fresh or frozen potatoes. Frozen hash browns are crispier than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture, so if you're using fresh potatoes, it's important to remove excess water by patting them dry with paper towels. This will help prevent sogginess.

Once you have prepared your potatoes, the next step is to season them. You can experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred taste. A classic combination is salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other seasoning blend you enjoy. It is recommended to season the hash browns after cooking, as seasoning beforehand can draw out moisture and make them soggy.

After seasoning, the next step is to add oil. You can use cooking spray, olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Lightly spray the hash browns or drizzle a small amount of oil over them. This will help to crisp up the potatoes and give them a golden colour. If you are using frozen hash browns, they may already contain some oil, so you can decide whether to add extra oil or not, depending on your preference.

When cooking, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Spread the hash browns into a single even layer, with no overlapping or stacking. This will allow them to cook evenly and prevent sogginess. If you are making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to ensure they crisp up properly.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for hash browns in an air fryer depend on the type of potatoes used and whether the potatoes are fresh or frozen.

For frozen hash browns, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or above. Then, place the frozen hash browns in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the hash browns halfway through. If you prefer extra crispy hash browns, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

For fresh hash browns, it is recommended to use Yukon potatoes as they yield better results than Russet potatoes due to their lower starch content, resulting in crispier hash browns. However, Russet potatoes can also be used and are the most common choice.

To prepare fresh hash browns, grate or shred the potatoes and spread them into the air fryer basket in a thin, even layer. Spray the hash browns with cooking oil or spritz them with a little oil spray to prevent sticking and add desired seasonings. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F-370°F and air fry for 8 minutes. Then, take out the hash browns, stir them gently, and air fry for another 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.

The cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the desired level of crispiness, so it is important to keep an eye on the hash browns during the cooking process and adjust the time as needed.

Serving suggestions

Hash browns cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dinner. They can be paired with eggs, bacon, avocado toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, or meatloaf. For a more seasoned flavor, you can add spices like onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

If you want to get creative, you can crumble the hash browns and make them into a casserole, or serve them in a sandwich with toppings like fresh fruit, grilled onions, peppers, or bacon and cheese. You can also dip them in ketchup, syrup, or hot sauce.

Leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheated in the air fryer for a quick snack or side dish.

Frequently asked questions