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

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be a challenge. The air fryer is a great solution to this problem, producing crunchy, golden-brown hash browns with minimal oil and mess. This method is also healthier than deep-frying and faster than oven-baking. The key to success is to use frozen shredded hash browns, which yield better results than fresh potatoes due to their lower moisture content. Simply toss the frozen hash browns with oil and seasonings, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer, and cook at around 350-400°F for about 10-20 minutes, flipping them partway through. With this method, you'll achieve perfectly crispy hash browns with very little effort!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for shredded hash browns in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 350°F and 400°F. The cooking time can range from 10 to 23 minutes, depending on the recipe and the air fryer model.

One recipe suggests cooking shredded hash browns in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 350°F, flipping them, and then cooking for another 10 minutes. This results in golden brown potatoes with crispy edges.

Another recipe recommends cooking at 370°F for about 23 minutes. After about 18 minutes, the hash browns should be flipped and spritzed with a little more oil before continuing to cook.

A third recipe suggests cooking at 360°F for 14-18 minutes for homemade hash browns made from scratch.

For frozen shredded hash browns, a fourth recipe recommends cooking at 375°F for 17-18 minutes, shaking or tossing them every 5-6 minutes for even cooking. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can add another 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the size of the batch. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the hash browns while they are cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, some recipes recommend using frozen shredded hash browns instead of fresh potatoes to achieve a crispier texture. This is because frozen hash browns contain less moisture, resulting in a drier and crispier final product.

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

To prevent hash browns from falling through the air fryer basket, you can use a silicone liner or a piece of parchment paper cut to fit inside the basket. It is important to remember to put the parchment paper in the basket after preheating your air fryer.

If you don't have a liner or parchment paper, you can also try drying the potatoes as much as possible before cooking. This can be done by shredding the potatoes, pressing them well to release water, and then drying them with paper towels.

The best type of potatoes to use

While you can use fresh potatoes, frozen shredded hash browns are recommended for the best results. Frozen hash browns crisp up better than fresh potatoes because they contain less moisture, and dry potatoes are desirable for this recipe.

If you do use fresh potatoes, it is important to soak them in water to remove excess starch, and then dry them thoroughly before cooking.

When it comes to the type of potatoes, russet potatoes are recommended. They have a drier, fluffier texture compared to creamier, waxier potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes, which helps to make the outside of the potatoes as crispy as possible.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in making air fryer hash browns. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their drier and fluffier texture, which makes them perfect for achieving crispy hash browns. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. You can use a vegetable peeler for peeling and a sharp box grater or a food processor with a shredder disk for shredding. If you're using a box grater, go for the side with larger holes.

Next, place the shredded potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, preventing them from becoming sticky or gummy. Let the potatoes soak for at least 10 minutes, but preferably about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes to ensure any remaining excess starch is removed.

Now it's time to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as you can. It's important to get them as dry as possible to ensure crispiness. Once you're done, pat the potatoes dry and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

At this stage, you can add your desired seasonings. A simple blend of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is a great option. You can also add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Make sure to toss the potatoes well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Your potatoes are now ready to go into the air fryer! Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking, and preheat the air fryer if your model requires it. Place the seasoned shredded potatoes in the basket, pressing them down lightly to form a single, even layer. For extra crispy hash browns, you can spray the top of the potatoes with a little more cooking spray.

Now, simply follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen air fryer recipe, flipping the potatoes occasionally for even cooking. And that's it! You're well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy air fryer hash browns made with perfectly prepared potatoes.

What to serve with hash browns

Hash browns are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with numerous foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with hash browns:

Breakfast Options

• Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic pairing with hash browns and make for a quick and easy breakfast. You can also serve them with fried eggs or an egg-based dish like a tofu quiche.
• Meat: Bacon, sausage, and ham (including country ham) are popular meat choices to accompany hash browns.
• Sweet Treats: For a sweet touch, serve French toast or pancakes alongside your hash browns.

Lunch/Dinner Options

• Salads: A fresh garden salad or a chicken salad can provide a nice contrast to the richness of hash browns.
• Vegetables: Roasted veggies, steamed veggies, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy option to pair with hash browns.
• Sandwiches: A grilled cheese sandwich or a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich can be a comforting pairing.
• Seafood: Smoked cod, shrimp skewers, or grilled salmon are elegant choices to serve with hash browns.
• Beans: Baked beans or bean chili add a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavour profile to the meal.
• Quesadillas: The crispy tortilla and cheesy goodness of a quesadilla work wonderfully with hash browns.
• Fruit: For a healthier option, serve Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit or fruit salad.
• Soups: Hash browns can be a great side dish for a cozy soup, such as lentil sloppy joes.
• Casseroles: Hash brown casseroles go well with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or steamed veggies to balance out the richness.

Frequently asked questions