Air Frying Frozen Hash Browns: How Long Does It Take?

Frozen hash browns in an air fryer are a quick and easy breakfast side dish. They are a great alternative to deep-fried hash browns, as they are healthier and require less clean-up. The air fryer makes the hash browns crispy without the need for excessive grease or oil.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you have the right equipment. You will, of course, need an air fryer, and you will also require a silicone liner or a piece of parchment paper to prevent the hash browns from falling through the air fryer basket. You can also use a wire rack to prevent this.

It is also important to ensure your air fryer is preheated. If your model does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on for a few minutes to heat up.

Step 2: Oil

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray. You can also spritz the hash browns with oil before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure your hash browns are extra crispy. However, this is not essential, as most frozen hash browns contain some form of vegetable oil, and too much oil can make the hash browns dry.

Step 3: Spices

Sprinkle the hash browns with spices such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add spices like onion powder or paprika for a more seasoned flavour.

Step 4: Cooking

Place the hash browns in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer, with a little space between each one. This will ensure the air can circulate.

Cook for around 10 minutes, then flip the hash browns over and cook for another 6-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. If you like your hash browns darker, add a minute or two. If you prefer them softer, remove them a minute or two earlier.

Step 5: Serving

Serve your hash browns with a side such as eggs, bacon, avocado, or fresh fruit. Enjoy!

The best temperature to cook at

The best temperature to cook frozen hash browns in an air fryer is between 370-400°F (194-200°C). The higher the temperature, the crispier the hash browns will be. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and the cooking time may vary depending on the model and brand. Therefore, it is recommended to keep an eye on the hash browns during the cooking process and adjust the temperature and time as needed.

For example, one source recommends cooking frozen hash brown patties at 380°F (194°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them over, and then cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes until they are crispy. Another source suggests cooking shredded hash browns at 370°F for a total of 23 minutes, flipping them after 18 minutes and spritzing them with oil before serving.

It's also worth mentioning that some recipes call for preheating the air fryer, while others do not. Preheating can help ensure even cooking and crispiness, but it may not be necessary for all air fryers.

Additionally, the type of hash browns you are cooking may also affect the cooking temperature and time. For instance, shredded hash browns may require a lower temperature and longer cooking time compared to hash brown patties.

In summary, the ideal temperature for cooking frozen hash browns in an air fryer is between 370-400°F, but the specific temperature and time may vary depending on the type of hash browns, the brand and model of the air fryer, and personal preferences for crispiness.

How to avoid soggy hash browns

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before cooking your hash browns, make sure to preheat your air fryer. This will ensure that your hash browns cook evenly and become crispy, rather than soggy. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it on for a few minutes to heat up.

Cooking from Frozen

Always cook your hash browns from frozen. If you let them thaw before cooking, they will release moisture, which can lead to sogginess. Cooking them from frozen will also help them maintain their structure.

Single Layer

When placing your hash browns in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking. This will ensure that air can circulate properly and prevent moisture from getting trapped, which can cause sogginess.

Temperature

Cook your hash browns at a temperature of 400°F (200°C) or above. A higher temperature will help ensure that your hash browns get crispy rather than soggy.

Flip Halfway Through

Flip your hash browns halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that they cook evenly on both sides and prevent sogginess.

Avoid Overcrowding

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the hash browns a little space between each one to allow for proper air circulation. If you are making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Oil

Although it is not necessary to add oil to your hash browns, a light spritz of oil before placing them in the air fryer can help ensure crispiness and prevent sogginess. Use a high-quality cooking spray or avocado oil on a paper towel to coat the air fryer basket.

How to reheat hash browns

Method 1: Using an Air Fryer

Reheating hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and convenient option. Simply preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the cold hash brown patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the hash browns are heated through and crispy.

Method 2: Using an Oven

If you don't have an air fryer, you can use a conventional oven to reheat your hash browns. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hash browns on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.

Tips for Best Results:

• It is recommended to reheat hash browns from frozen, as they tend to get soggy if thawed beforehand.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• For extra crispiness, you can spritz the hash browns with a small amount of oil before reheating.
• Season the hash browns while they are still hot out of the air fryer or oven.
• Always preheat your cooking appliance to ensure crispy hash browns.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the reheating process for even cooking and crispiness.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and crispy reheated hash browns!

How to season hash browns

To make hash browns in an air fryer, you should:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This will ensure that nothing sticks to the basket. You can use a high-quality cooking spray, like avocado oil, or put some avocado oil on a paper towel and use that to coat the basket.

Step 2: Place the Hash Browns in the Basket

Carefully place the hash browns in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. This will ensure that the air can circulate and that they cook evenly.

Step 3: Season the Hash Browns

Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the hash browns. You can use seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add some diced onions for extra flavour.

Step 4: Cook the Hash Browns

Close the air fryer and cook the hash browns for 10 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, flip the hash browns, and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. If you want them darker, add a minute or two. If you prefer them softer, remove them a minute or two earlier.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the hash browns are cooked to your liking, carefully transfer them to a plate and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions