Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but they can be soggy and greasy when cooked using traditional methods. Air fryers offer a quick and easy solution to this problem, producing crispy, golden hash browns with minimal oil. Frozen hash brown patties can go straight into the air fryer and be ready to eat in as little as 10 minutes, making them a convenient option for busy mornings. For those who prefer to make their own hash browns from scratch, the air fryer is also a great option, as it requires very little preparation and results in a crispy texture that can be hard to achieve through other cooking methods.

Cooking Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect hash browns. It ensures that your hash browns will be crispy and not soggy. By preheating, you bring the air fryer up to the desired temperature before adding your frozen hash browns, preventing them from thawing and releasing excess water. This step is key to achieving that desired golden brown, crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking hash browns is between 350°F and 400°F. Some sources recommend specific temperatures within this range, such as 370°F or 380°F. If you prefer your hash browns darker and crispier, aim for the higher end of the temperature range. On the other hand, if you like them slightly softer, opt for a lower temperature.

Next, allow your air fryer to heat up to the set temperature. This process usually takes just a few minutes, depending on your air fryer model. It's important to wait until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before proceeding to the next step. Most air fryers will have an indicator light or a beep to signal that it has reached the set temperature.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place your frozen hash brown patties inside. It's important to ensure that the hash browns are still frozen and have not been thawed beforehand. Arrange them in a single, even layer, avoiding any overlap or stacking. This arrangement allows for proper air circulation and helps prevent sogginess by ensuring that moisture doesn't get trapped.

Finally, close the air fryer basket and proceed with the cooking process. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. For hash browns that are extra crispy, you might want to add an additional 2-3 minutes to the total cooking time.

Use frozen hash browns

Cooking frozen hash browns in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious breakfast side dish. The air fryer method is super convenient and gives you crispy, golden-brown, and fluffy hash browns without the hassle of deep-frying. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:

Preparation:

First, take out your desired number of frozen hash brown patties from the freezer. It is best to cook them straight from frozen as thawing them can make the hash browns soggy. Place the frozen patties in a large bowl. You can use any brand of frozen hash browns, but if you want to make them gluten-free, be sure to check the ingredients list.

Seasoning:

To add some extra flavour to your hash browns, you can season them with various ingredients. Add olive oil, melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the bowl. You can also experiment with other seasonings like onion powder or any seasoning blend you prefer. Toss the hash browns in the bowl until they are well coated with the seasoning mixture.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Different air fryers cook differently, so adjust the cook time as needed to avoid under or overcooking the hash browns. Set the temperature to 375°F-400°F (194°C-200°C) for the best results.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the hash browns inside in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or stack. This arrangement helps prevent sogginess and ensures even cooking. Spritz or spray the hash browns with a little cooking oil, and then close the air fryer.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness. For hash brown patties, cook for 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes. If you prefer your hash browns extra crispy, add another 3-4 minutes to the total cooking time. For shredded hash browns, cook for about 15 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispness.

Serving:

Once the hash browns are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. Serve them with your favourite breakfast items, such as eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, or a side of ketchup or sour cream.

Storage:

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 2-5 days, depending on the recipe. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer or oven to crisp them up again!

Now you're ready to enjoy delicious, crispy hash browns made in the convenience of your air fryer!

Oil and seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, it is recommended to season the hash browns while they are still hot and fresh out of the air fryer. This helps to enhance the flavour and ensure the seasonings stick to the hash browns. Common seasonings used for hash browns include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs such as chives or parsley. You can also get creative and experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favourite flavour profile.

It is worth noting that the type of potato used can also impact the oil and seasoning process. For example, Yukon potatoes are recommended over Russet potatoes due to their smaller size, waxy skin, and lower starch content, resulting in crispier hash browns. Additionally, peeling the potatoes before shredding or dicing them can help achieve the desired texture.

Overall, the key to successful oil and seasoning for air fryer hash browns is to use just enough oil to prevent sticking and promote crispiness, and to season the hash browns while they are still hot to maximise flavour.

Cook for 10-12 minutes

Once you've got your air fryer hash browns sizzling away, it's time to let them cook for 10-12 minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to get them golden brown and crispy.

It's important to note that you should always cook hash browns from frozen. If you let them thaw, they can become soggy and soft. So, make sure to pop them straight from the freezer into your preheated air fryer.

Now, back to the cooking process. After you've cooked the first side for 10 minutes, it's time to flip those hash browns over. This will ensure that both sides get nice and crispy. Close the air fryer again and let them cook for another 6-8 minutes.

Depending on how crispy you like your hash browns, you can adjust the cooking time. If you're like me and prefer them extra crispy, add an additional 2-3 minutes. On the other hand, if you like them a little softer, take them out a minute or two earlier.

While you're waiting for the timer to go off, you can prepare some delicious toppings or sides. Hash browns go well with eggs, bacon, avocado, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of sour cream.

Before you know it, the timer will be buzzing, and you'll have a batch of perfectly crispy air fryer hash browns ready to enjoy!

Flip halfway through

Flipping your hash browns halfway through the cooking process is an important step in achieving the perfect crispiness on both sides of the patty. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, flipping halfway through ensures that both sides of the hash brown are evenly cooked and browned.

When cooking hash browns in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them for 10 minutes, and then flip them over at the halfway mark. After flipping, place them back in the air fryer for an additional 6 to 8 minutes. This timing may vary depending on your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer your hash browns darker and crispier, you can add a minute or two to the cooking time. On the other hand, if you like them softer, you can remove them from the air fryer a minute or two earlier.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to start with a shorter cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes and then adjust as needed by adding 2 to 3 minutes for subsequent batches.

Additionally, when cooking frozen hash browns, ensure that they remain frozen before placing them in the air fryer. Do not thaw them beforehand, as this can lead to excess water and soggy hash browns. By keeping them frozen, you'll achieve a better structure and texture.

Frequently asked questions