Air Fryer Hash Browns: How Long To Cook Them Perfectly?

Hash browns are a breakfast favourite, but getting that perfect crispiness can be a challenge. Air fryers have become a popular way to cook this potato dish, producing a golden and crispy exterior with a fluffy interior. Frozen hash browns can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 7 minutes, but the total cooking time depends on the desired crispiness and the air fryer model.

How long to cook hash browns in an air fryer

Air-fried hash browns are a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast side dish. They're also a great snack and can be served with a variety of meals. The best part is that they can be made without the unhealthy grease of deep frying.

Ingredients and Equipment

You will need frozen hash brown patties or shredded hash browns, an air fryer, and optionally, cooking spray or oil.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer before adding the hash browns. This helps ensure that your hash browns will be crispy and not soggy.
• Prepare the hash browns: Place the frozen hash brown patties or shredded hash browns in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Make sure they are not overlapping or stacked, as this can affect cooking and crispiness.
• Cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the hash browns for about 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes. For shredded hash browns, the total cooking time may be longer, around 23 minutes.
• Add seasonings: Once the hash browns are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer.
• Serving suggestions: Hash browns are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as flat patties or crumble them for shredded hash browns. They can be served with eggs, bacon, sausage, or as a side dish for burgers, roasts, or even chilli con carne. Get creative and add your favourite toppings and sauces!
• Storing and reheating: Store any leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350-400°F for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Crispy Hash Browns

• It is recommended to cook hash browns from frozen, as thawing them can make them soggy.
• Avoid adding extra oil, as most frozen hash browns already have some oil on them. However, if you prefer them extra crispy, you can add a light spritz of cooking spray or oil before cooking.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use it. Otherwise, turn it on for a few minutes to heat up before adding the hash browns.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for cooking hash browns in an air fryer depends on the type of hash browns you are cooking, and the specific model of air fryer.

Frozen Hash Brown Patties

Frozen hash brown patties should be cooked in the air fryer at a temperature between 380-400°F (194-200°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the desired crispiness, but on average, it takes around 10 minutes to cook the first side, and then 6-8 minutes for the second side. It is recommended to flip the patties halfway through the cooking process.

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

For frozen shredded hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for a total of 23 minutes, flipping them and spritzing with oil after about 18 minutes.

Fresh Hash Browns

If you are making fresh hash browns from scratch, it is recommended to shred Yukon gold or russet potatoes, soak them in ice-cold water to remove the starches, and then form them into patties. Spray the patties with olive oil or avocado oil, season them, and then air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the hash browns.
• Do not stack or overcrowd the hash browns in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer with no overlapping to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• Cook the hash browns from frozen for the best structure and crispiness.
• Do not thaw the hash browns before air frying as this can make them soggy.
• Arrange the hash browns in a single layer with no overlapping or stacking to prevent moisture from getting trapped and causing sogginess.
• Maintain a temperature of 400°F (200°C) or above for optimal cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of crispiness. For a darker shade and extra crispiness, add a minute or two to the cooking time.

By following these temperature and time guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked and crispy hash browns using your air fryer!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making hash browns. It ensures that your hash browns will be crispy and not soggy. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can simply turn it on for a few minutes to heat it up. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is between 370-400°F (194-200°C).

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with the rest of the hash brown recipe. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Then, place your frozen hash brown patties in a single, even layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. This ensures that the air can circulate properly.

After placing the hash browns in the air fryer, you can follow the rest of your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking time and temperature. Don't forget to flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process for even cooking!

Flip the hash browns

Flipping your hash browns is an important step in the cooking process. While some air fryer models may not require this step, it is generally recommended to flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

When using an air fryer, it is crucial to allow for proper air circulation. By flipping the hash browns, you ensure that both sides are exposed to the hot air circulating in the fryer, resulting in a more uniform cook. This is especially important if you are cooking shredded hash browns, as the thin strands of potato can cook more evenly when flipped.

Additionally, flipping your hash browns can help you achieve the desired level of crispiness. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior. By flipping your hash browns, you allow both sides to benefit from this cooking method, resulting in a crispier texture. If you prefer your hash browns to be extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a minute or two after flipping them.

It is worth noting that different air fryer models may have varying instructions for flipping hash browns. Some models may require flipping only once, while others may suggest flipping multiple times during the cooking process. It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual or follow a recipe specifically designed for your air fryer model.

In summary, flipping your hash browns in the air fryer is an important step to ensure even cooking and achieve the desired crispiness. By exposing both sides of the hash browns to the circulating hot air, you can create a restaurant-worthy, crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy and tender interior.

Reheat and store leftovers

If you have any leftover hash browns, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It is not recommended to refreeze previously frozen hash browns.

To reheat, the best method is to use the air fryer. Place the cold hash brown patty back into the air fryer at 350-400℉ for 2-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave, although they may become a little mushy.

Frequently asked questions