Air Fryer Hash Browns: Timing For Perfection

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but getting them crispy can be a challenge. One way to achieve the perfect level of crispiness is to use an air fryer. Not only does this method produce great results, but it's also quick and easy. In this article, we'll explore the steps for making hash browns in an air fryer, including the ideal temperature and cooking time, as well as tips for ensuring your hash browns turn out perfectly crispy every time.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

The air fryer is a great way to cook hash browns, giving them a crispiness that's hard to achieve through other cooking methods. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect level of crispiness:

Use Frozen Hash Browns

Using frozen hash browns will help you achieve the desired crispiness. Frozen hash browns contain less moisture, and the lack of moisture is key to getting them nice and crispy. If you're making your own hash browns, be sure to dry them out as much as possible before putting them in the air fryer.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer before adding the hash browns. This will ensure that your hash browns start cooking immediately and helps to prevent sogginess.

Single Layer

Spread the hash browns in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. This allows the air to circulate and ensures even cooking. If you stack them, they may end up soggy.

Oil

A light coating of oil will help your hash browns get crispy. You can use cooking spray, olive oil, or avocado oil. If using frozen hash brown patties, be mindful that they are already coated in oil, so you won't need to use much in the basket.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature and timing will depend on your air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. A temperature setting between 350°F and 400°F is common, and the cooking time can range from 12 to 23 minutes. For example, at 350°F, you might cook the hash browns for 10 minutes, flip them, and then cook for another 10 minutes. At 400°F, you might cook them for 7 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 7 minutes or until the desired crispiness is achieved.

Flip Midway

Flipping your hash browns midway through the cooking process will help ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Don't Overcrowd

Make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray. If needed, cook the hash browns in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Seasoning

While seasoning won't directly impact crispiness, it will enhance the flavour of your hash browns. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favourite seasoning blend. It's best to season them while they're still hot and fresh out of the air fryer.

The best type of potatoes to use

Yukon Gold potatoes also have a waxy skin, which means you may not need to peel them before using them. However, if you prefer to peel your potatoes or want a more uniform texture, you can certainly do so. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, typically have a thicker skin that is best removed before cooking.

Ultimately, either type of potato can work well for air fryer hash browns, and personal preference may play a role in which variety you choose. If you want your hash browns to be like individual wisps of crispy potato, Yukon Gold is a good choice. If you prefer a hash brown patty or a more cohesive texture, Russet potatoes may be better.

In addition to the type of potato, the preparation and cooking method are also important for achieving the desired crispiness. Be sure to follow the steps outlined in the previous section, including soaking, drying, and seasoning the potatoes properly before air frying them.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes for your hash browns is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, choose the right potatoes. While Russet potatoes are the most common variety, Yukon potatoes are recommended for the best results. They are smaller than Russets, with a waxy skin, and contain slightly less starch, resulting in crispier hash browns. However, you can also use Russet potatoes if preferred. Just make sure to peel them before grating, as their skin tends to be thicker.

Next, peel and grate the potatoes. If you are using Yukon potatoes, peeling is optional. Once grated, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water and rinse them well until the water becomes clear. Repeat this process a few times to remove the starch from the potato surfaces.

After rinsing, spread the potatoes on paper towels and dry them as much as possible. This step is important because wet potatoes are not ideal for air frying.

Now, season your potatoes. Place the dried potatoes in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add garlic powder, onion powder, or other spices for more flavour. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.

Finally, prepare your air fryer basket. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also use a parchment liner for easier cleanup. Then, spread the seasoned potatoes in a single, even layer in the basket. It's okay if they overlap a little, but avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Now your potatoes are ready for the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided earlier, and you'll have delicious, crispy hash browns in no time.

How long to cook hash browns for

How Long to Cook Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

The length of time it takes to cook hash browns in an air fryer depends on the type of hash browns you are cooking, the desired level of crispiness, and the specific air fryer being used. However, on average, it takes around 15-25 minutes to cook hash browns in an air fryer.

Frozen Hash Brown Patties

For frozen hash brown patties, preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Then, place the frozen patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to allow for air circulation.

Cook the patties for around 7 minutes, flip them over, and then cook for an additional 7 minutes or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. If you prefer your hash browns darker or softer, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

For frozen shredded hash browns, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 370°F. Spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. Spray the hash browns with cooking oil and season as desired.

Cook the hash browns for around 10 minutes, then use a spatula to divide them into equal sections and flip each section carefully. Cook for another 10-13 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.

Freshly Grated Hash Browns

For freshly grated hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Peel and grate the potatoes, then rinse them in cold water several times to remove excess starch. Dry the potatoes with paper towels, then season with your desired spices.

Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray and spread the hash browns in an even layer. Spritz the hash browns with a little oil and air fry for about 8 minutes. Stir the hash browns gently and air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Cooking Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the hash browns.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by leaving space between each hash brown patty or ensuring shredded hash browns are in a single layer.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Frozen hash browns tend to yield better results than thawed or fresh hash browns as they have less moisture and get crispier.
• Use a spritz of oil for extra crispiness, but this is optional.
• Season the hash browns while they are still hot out of the air fryer for better flavor absorption.
• The ideal temperature for cooking hash browns in an air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F.

How to store and reheat hash browns

Hash browns are a breakfast staple that can be made in large batches, but knowing how to store and reheat them is essential to retaining their flavour and texture.

Storing Hash Browns

Firstly, allow the hash browns to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the hash browns soggy. You can use either a plastic container or a zip-lock bag, ensuring that it is sealed tightly. It is also recommended to line the container with paper towels to soak up excess moisture and prevent the hash browns from overlapping or sticking together.

When it comes to location, it is best to store hash browns in the refrigerator rather than on the countertop or in a warm area. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep them fresh for longer. Hash browns can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. After this, they may start to lose their flavour and texture, so it is best to freeze them. To freeze hash browns, wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or bag. Frozen hash browns can last up to four months without losing their quality.

Reheating Hash Browns

There are several methods to reheat hash browns, each with its pros and cons:

• Skillet: Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hash browns and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method produces crispy, moist, and evenly heated hash browns, but you can only cook as many as fit in the pan.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and heat the hash browns for 10 minutes, flipping once at the halfway mark. This is a convenient and effective method, especially for reheating multiple hash browns at once.
• Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and lightly coat the hash browns with cooking spray (optional). Heat them for 4 to 6 minutes, ensuring they are spaced out to crisp up effectively. This method yields crispy and fresh hash browns with a soft, moist interior.
• Microwave: Place the hash browns on a microwave-safe plate lined with a dry paper towel and heat for 30 to 60 seconds. If desired, crisp them up in an air fryer or broiler for 1 minute after microwaving. However, this method tends to result in starchy and soggy hash browns.
• Refrying: Preheat oil to 350°F (180°C) in a deep fryer or pot. Fry the hash browns for 20 to 30 seconds, then drain the excess oil. While this restores the crunchy texture, it is unhealthy, inconvenient, messy, and uses a lot of oil.

It is worth noting that you can enhance the flavour and texture of reheated hash browns by adding chopped onions or peppers, shredded cheese, or even salsa.

Frequently asked questions