Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be a challenge. Air fryers offer a quick and easy solution to this problem, producing golden, crispy hash browns in under 20 minutes. This simple recipe only requires shredded potatoes, a few seasonings, and an air fryer.

Choosing the right potato

When it comes to choosing the right potato for your air fryer hash browns, there are a few key factors to consider: starch content, moisture content, and potato variety.

Firstly, for crispy hash browns, it is important to select potatoes with a decent starch content. Starch is essential for achieving that crunchy, golden-brown exterior. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a great option as they are starchy and have a lower moisture content, which promotes browning and crisping. While they may be more prone to falling apart, the trade-off is those delicious lacy edges.

On the other hand, if you want your hash browns to stick together easily, opt for a waxy potato like new potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon Golds. These potatoes have a higher moisture content, which helps them hold together in the pan. However, they won't crisp up as nicely as their starchy counterparts.

When in doubt, always remember that smooth-skinned potatoes tend to be waxier, while those with a textured skin, like russets, are starchier. So, the next time you're at the store, give those potatoes a little feel—it could make all the difference in your hash browns!

Now, let's dive a little deeper into the world of potato varieties and their unique characteristics:

• Russet potatoes are the classic choice for hash browns. They are large, starchy potatoes with a textured brown skin. Their high starch content makes them ideal for achieving that coveted crispiness. However, due to their starchiness, they may be more prone to falling apart, so handle them with care during the cooking process.
• Yukon Golds are considered an all-purpose potato and fall somewhere in the middle of the starch spectrum. They have slightly less starch than russets, resulting in hash browns that hold together better but may not be as crispy. Yukon Golds have a waxy skin, and while they can be used for hash browns, they truly shine when it comes to mashed potatoes.
• Red potatoes are small to medium-sized potatoes with smooth, waxy red skin. They have a higher moisture content than starchy potatoes, making them a good choice if you want your hash browns to stick together. However, they may not crisp up as nicely as russets.

So, which potato should you choose for your air fryer hash browns? If crispiness is your top priority, go for russets. If you're looking for a balance between crispiness and hold, Yukon Golds are a safe bet. And if you want your hash browns to stick together above all else, opt for waxy red potatoes.

Remember, the key to successful hash browns is in the preparation. Be sure to rinse, dry, and season your potatoes properly before placing them in the air fryer. Happy cooking!

Preparing the potatoes

Peeling and Grating the Potatoes:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their drier, fluffier texture, which makes them ideal for achieving a crispy exterior. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option, especially if you want individual wisps of crispy potato. If you choose Russet potatoes, make sure to peel them before grating. Yukon Gold potatoes can be peeled or left unpeeled, depending on your preference.

Use a box grater or a large cup food processor fitted with a grating disc to grate the potatoes. Grate the potatoes into a large bowl and cover them with cold water. This soaking process helps remove excess starch, which is essential for achieving crispy hash browns. Let the potatoes soak for at least 10 minutes, but ideally around 30 minutes, for best results.

Drying and Seasoning the Potatoes:

After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. It's important to remove as much water as you can to ensure your hash browns are crispy and not soggy. Once the potatoes are mostly dry, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Add your desired seasonings to the potatoes and mix well. You can keep it classic with just salt and pepper, or add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or other spices to kick it up a notch. Be sure to use a light hand when seasoning, as you can always add more later if needed.

Arranging the Potatoes in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically between 350°F and 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your air fryer basket by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray or coating it with a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil. This step helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and promotes even cooking.

Transfer the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, lightly pressing them down to form an even, single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to sogginess. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the hash browns in batches to ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking the Hash Browns:

Close the air fryer basket and let the potatoes cook for the recommended time, which can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the type of potatoes you're using. For best results, stir or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Once the hash browns are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. If you prefer your hash browns extra crispy, you can lightly spray the top of the potatoes with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer hash browns vary depending on the type of hash browns being cooked (i.e. shredded hash browns, patties, or diced potatoes), the brand of air fryer, and personal preferences for crispiness. Here is a detailed guide:

For Frozen Shredded Hash Browns:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook for a total of 20-23 minutes, flipping the hash browns and spritzing them with oil about 5 minutes before they are done.
• For extra crispy hash browns, you can cook them for up to 28 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• If you are cooking a large batch and need to stack the hash browns, make sure to flip them with 5 minutes left to ensure even cooking.

For Frozen Hash Brown Patties:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until the patties are golden brown and crispy.
• Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you can cook them for a few minutes longer.
• It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the patties in a single layer for even cooking.

For Freshly Grated Hash Browns:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cook for a total of 14-18 minutes, or until the hash browns are crispy and golden brown.
• For extra crispy hash browns, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer.
• Make sure to lightly spray the top of the hash browns with cooking spray before air frying.

Oil and seasoning

Oil is an essential ingredient when making hash browns in an air fryer, as it helps to achieve the desired crispiness and also adds flavour. It is also necessary to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the air fryer basket.

There are several types of oil that can be used when making hash browns in an air fryer. These include:

• Olive oil spray
• Avocado oil
• Vegetable oil (canola oil)
• Olive oil
• Refined coconut oil
• Cooking spray

The amount of oil used will depend on the desired crispiness of the hash browns. Some recipes suggest spraying the air fryer basket with oil, while others recommend tossing or coating the potatoes in oil. It is important not to add too much oil, as this can make the hash browns greasy.

In addition to oil, seasoning is also important to enhance the flavour of the hash browns. The most commonly used seasonings are:

• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Rosemary

Other seasonings that can be used include:

• Parsley
• Chives
• Cumin
• Cayenne
• Red pepper flakes

Serving suggestions

Breakfast

• For a classic breakfast, serve your hash browns with eggs (fried, scrambled, or boiled), bacon or sausage, toast, and fresh fruit.
• For a more indulgent breakfast, serve with avocado toast, vegan blueberry pancakes, or French toast.
• For a quick breakfast, serve with air fryer sausage, air fryer breakfast potatoes, air fryer egg bites, or air fryer blueberry muffin bites.
• For a heartier breakfast, serve with meatloaf, bean chilli, or lentil sloppy joes.
• For a lighter breakfast, serve with a bagel breakfast casserole, or cream cheese toast and cinnamon milk.
• For a vegetarian breakfast, serve with tofu scrambled eggs or a tofu quiche.
• For a vegan breakfast, serve with avocado toast, vegan blueberry pancakes, or fresh fruit.

Lunch/Dinner

• For a lighter lunch or dinner, serve with a sandwich.
• For a heartier lunch or dinner, serve with a jackfruit pulled pork sandwich, or any cozy soup recipe you'd usually serve with crusty bread or French fries.
• For a vegetarian lunch or dinner, serve with a lentil soup or sandwich.
• For a vegan lunch or dinner, serve with a vegan sour cream dip, or a vegan sandwich.

Sauces/Dips

Serve with ketchup, syrup, hot sauce, or vegan sour cream.

Toppings

• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, guacamole, or fresh fruit.
• For a more indulgent topping, add grilled onions and peppers.

Frequently asked questions