Air Fryer Frozen Hash Browns: Quick, Easy, Crispy!

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky. Enter the air fryer—a quick and easy way to cook hash browns that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. No more soggy, greasy, or mushy hash browns! This cooking method is a game-changer and will make your breakfast routine a breeze.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making frozen hash browns, as it helps ensure that your hash browns come out crispy and not soggy. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on for a few minutes to heat up before adding your hash browns.

The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to when making frozen hash browns is around 370-400°F (194-200°C). At this temperature, your hash browns will cook evenly and become crispy without burning.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking, and then place your frozen hash browns in a single, even layer, leaving a little space between each one to allow for air circulation.

Depending on your preferred level of crispiness, the total cook time for your hash browns will be around 14-23 minutes. Don't forget to flip them halfway through the cooking process for even cooking!

Oil the air fryer basket

To oil the air fryer basket, you can use a cooking spray, or a paper towel coated with oil. Avocado oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil are all good options. You can also use an oil mister filled with olive or vegetable oil.

It is important to oil the air fryer basket to prevent the hash browns from sticking. However, be careful not to use too much oil—a light coating is enough.

Use frozen shredded hash browns

To make frozen shredded hash browns in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the hash browns. Empty the frozen shredded hash browns into a large bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the hash browns and distribute the spices evenly. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or seasoning blends. Drizzle oil over the hash browns and stir to coat them evenly.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the hash browns into the air fryer basket and press them down to form an even layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer and leave a little space between each hash brown to allow air circulation. Close the air fryer and cook the hash browns for about 10 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and carefully flip the hash browns using tongs or a spatula. Close the air fryer again and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

If you want your hash browns to be extra crispy, you can spritz them with a little more oil about 5 minutes before they are done. Serve the hash browns immediately while they are still hot and crispy. You can also season them with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Leftover hash browns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat, place the hash browns in a preheated air fryer at 350°F to 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Add seasoning

Seasoning your hash browns is a great way to add flavour and make them your own. You can season your hash browns before or after cooking them in the air fryer.

If you want to season your hash browns before cooking them, simply add your chosen seasonings to a bowl with the frozen hash browns and oil, and toss to combine. You can also just coat the surface of the hash browns with oil and sprinkle your chosen seasonings on top. If your hash browns are frozen in one big block, this is the best option. Once they have thawed in the air fryer, give them a stir to distribute the seasonings.

If you are using shredded hash browns, you can also mix fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley with the shredded potatoes before cooking.

If you want to season your hash browns after cooking, simply add your chosen seasonings to the hash browns when they are hot out of the air fryer.

There are lots of seasonings you can use to elevate your hash browns. Salt and pepper are a classic option, but you could also try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs. For a Mediterranean twist, try tossing your cooked hash browns with crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh oregano. For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chilli powder.

Reheat in the air fryer

If you have any leftover hash browns, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Place the cold hash browns in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.

If you're reheating shredded hash browns, make sure to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions