Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Quick, Crispy Breakfast

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish made from grated or shredded potatoes. They can be made in an air fryer in under 20 minutes and are a great option for those who want to avoid the grease splatters that come with frying. The air fryer yields extra crispy hash browns with less oil and is also a healthier option.

How long to cook hash browns in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook hash browns, giving them a crispy texture without the grease and extra oil of deep frying. You can cook both frozen and fresh hash browns in an air fryer, and the cooking time will depend on how crispy you like them.

Frozen Hash Browns

Frozen hash browns should be cooked for around 10–12 minutes in an air fryer, depending on how crispy you like them. If you like your hash browns well done, you may want to cook them for up to 23 minutes. It is best to cook frozen hash browns from frozen as this helps them get crispy on the outside.

Fresh Hash Browns

Fresh hash browns will take a little longer to cook than frozen ones. You should cook them for around 15–18 minutes in an air fryer, depending on how crispy you like them.

Tips for Cooking Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• If you are cooking fresh hash browns, peel and grate the potatoes first.
• Rinse the grated potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to allow air to circulate.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Season the hash browns after cooking, while they are still hot.

Air fryer temperature for hash browns

The ideal temperature to cook hash browns in an air fryer is between 350°F to 400°F (194°C).

How to Cook Hash Browns in an Air Fryer:

Before cooking, it is important to preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. Place the frozen hash brown patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with a little space between each one. This ensures that the air can circulate and that they don't stick to the basket.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Set your air fryer to between 350°F to 400°F and cook the hash browns for 10 minutes. Then, open the air fryer and flip the hash browns using plastic-tipped tongs or a spatula. Close the air fryer and cook for another 6-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

Tips for Cooking Hash Browns in an Air Fryer:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• Add seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Use a parchment liner to help with clean-up and prevent any small pieces from falling through the basket or tray.
• If your air fryer has larger holes in the basket, use a silicone liner or parchment round to prevent the hash browns from falling through.
• If you are cooking fresh hash browns, the time and temperature will be different.

How to stop hash browns from sticking to the air fryer

To prevent hash browns from sticking to the air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. If your model does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on for a few minutes to heat up. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 350˚F or 380˚F.

Next, you should lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This will help to prevent the hash browns from sticking. You can use a cooking spray or put some oil on a paper towel and use that to coat the basket.

When placing the hash browns in the basket, ensure that they are in a single, even layer with a little space between each one. This will allow the air to circulate properly.

During cooking, you can flip the hash browns halfway through the cook time to ensure even cooking.

Finally, after cooking, you can transfer any leftover hash browns to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer the next time you use it.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your hash browns don't stick to the air fryer and that you get perfectly crispy results every time!

How to reheat hash browns in an air fryer

Reheating hash browns in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This step is crucial for achieving crispy hash browns and avoiding sogginess.
• Prepare the hash browns: Place the leftover hash browns in the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure they are in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking. This arrangement allows proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Cook the hash browns: Place the air fryer basket or tray into the preheated air fryer and cook for a few minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of hash browns and your desired level of crispiness. As a general guideline, cook for 3 to 5 minutes for shredded hash browns and 2 to 3 minutes for hash brown patties.
• Flip and cook further: For even cooking and crispiness, use tongs or a spatula to flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process. After flipping, continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the hash browns are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispness.
• Season and serve: Once the hash browns are reheated and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season as desired. You can sprinkle salt and pepper or add your favourite spices. Serve the reheated hash browns as a delicious side dish or enjoy them as a snack.

By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy and tasty hash browns that taste just like freshly cooked ones. Reheating hash browns in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to transform leftovers into a delightful treat.

How to stop hash browns from falling through the air fryer basket

If you're making hash browns in an air fryer, you'll want to avoid them falling through the basket and making a mess. Here are some tips to prevent that:

Use a silicone liner or a piece of parchment paper:

If your air fryer basket has larger holes, a silicone liner or a parchment paper round can be a lifesaver. It will not only help keep the hash browns from falling through but will also make cleanup easier. Just remember to put the parchment paper in after preheating your air fryer, as you don't want the paper to burn.

Don't overcrowd the basket:

Make sure to spread the hash browns in a single, even layer with a little space between each one. This will ensure proper air circulation and help prevent them from falling through. If you're making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Use frozen shredded hash browns:

Frozen shredded hash browns tend to crisp up better than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture. This will help prevent them from falling apart and falling through the basket.

Spray with oil:

Coating the hash browns and the basket with a cooking spray or oil will not only help with crisping but also prevent sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a high-quality cooking spray.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your crispy air fryer hash browns without the hassle of cleaning up fallen bits from the basket!

Frequently asked questions