Air Fryer Hashbrowns: Quick, Crispy Breakfast Treats

Hashbrown patties are a quick and easy breakfast option, especially when cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer can turn frozen hash brown patties into a crispy, golden treat in less than 15 minutes. There is no need to defrost the hash browns before adding them to the air fryer, and they can be cooked straight from frozen. The air fryer also negates the need for heavy oils, as the appliance can deliver deep-fried results without the need for a deep fryer.

How long to cook hash brown patties in an air fryer

Cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Before you start, preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit or 400° Celsius. This usually takes around 5 minutes. You don't need to add any oil to the air fryer, as the hash brown patties usually contain enough oil already. However, if you want your hash browns to be extra crispy, you can spritz or spray a little oil on them before cooking. You can also season the hash browns with salt to taste.

Cooking

Place the frozen hash brown patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap or stack. This will ensure that the hot air circulates around them and they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the hash browns in batches.

Air fry the hash browns for 5-6 minutes on each side, for a total of 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. If you like your hash browns crispier, you can cook them for an extra 3 to 5 minutes.

Serving

Remove the hash brown patties from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. You can also sprinkle them with salt, if desired.

Tips

• Keep an eye on the hash brown patties, especially the first few times you cook them, and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid under or overcooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space between each patty to allow the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
• If your air fryer basket doesn't have a lot of gaps, you may need to flip the hash browns halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• You can also cook fresh, homemade hash brown patties in the air fryer. Just note that the cooking time may vary depending on how cooked the potatoes were before air frying.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your hash brown patties in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. This is the optimal temperature to ensure your hash browns cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

While the air fryer is preheating, take your frozen hash brown patties out of the freezer and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not stacked or overlapped, as this will affect the cooking process and lead to uneven results. You can cook as many patties as your air fryer basket can comfortably accommodate, but ensure there is some space between them for the air to circulate.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer. For hash brown patties, it is recommended to cook them for a total of 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This cooking duration will give you that sought-after crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

If you prefer your hash browns with a little extra crisp, you can let them cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep in mind that each air fryer model may vary slightly in terms of cooking time and temperature, so it's important to keep an eye on your patties, especially the first few times you try this method. Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid under or overcooking.

Some people like to spritz a little oil on their hash browns before cooking, as this can enhance the crispiness. You can also add a sprinkle of salt to taste, which some say makes them taste like restaurant-style hash browns. However, this is entirely optional, as hash brown patties typically already contain oil, and you may prefer them without any additional seasoning.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer is a matter of personal preference. Some recipes and guides recommend preheating your air fryer, especially if you want to achieve a certain level of crispiness. However, others suggest that preheating is not necessary, and you can simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Instructions for Preheating:

• If your air fryer has a preheat setting, simply turn it on for a few minutes before adding your hash brown patties.
• If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can turn it on and let it heat up for a couple of minutes before adding the patties.
• Aim for a temperature of around 380-400°F (193-204°C) for the best results.

Tips for Cooking without Preheating:

• Place the frozen hash brown patties directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single, even layer without overlapping.
• Depending on the brand and your desired crispiness, set the temperature to 380-400°F (193-204°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes.
• Flip the patties halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes for the subsequent batches.

Whether you choose to preheat your air fryer or not, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your hash brown patties during the cooking process. This will help you achieve the desired level of crispiness and avoid overcooking or burning.

What oil is best to use?

When it comes to cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer, the use of oil is optional. Some recipes suggest spraying or brushing the patties with a small amount of oil to achieve a crispier texture, while others claim that this step is unnecessary as the patties already contain oil from their original cooking.

If you do choose to use oil, it is recommended to select an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. These oils can be applied using a spray, brush, or aerosol, depending on your preference and equipment. It is worth noting that aerosolized cooking sprays may damage the coating of the air fryer basket, so a neutral oil in a non-aerosol spray is generally recommended.

Additionally, when cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the patties are not stacked or overlapped. This allows for even cooking and prevents sogginess. Cooking times may vary depending on the desired crispiness and the specific model of the air fryer, but generally, around 10-12 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit should be sufficient.

How to store leftovers

Leftover hash brown patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply add a drizzle of oil to a skillet and cook the hash browns over medium heat until heated through.

If you want to freeze your leftover hash browns, place them in an airtight container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, reheat them in an air fryer or preheated oven at 350°F until hot and crispy.

It's worth noting that hash browns are best served fresh, as they tend to get soggy over time. However, if you have no other option than to make them ahead of time, it's recommended to flash freeze the patties and then reheat them in the oven when needed.

Frequently asked questions