Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Crispy, Fresh Potato Patties

Hash brown patties are a delicious breakfast side dish, but they can be a hassle to make and often require a lot of unhealthy grease. However, with an air fryer, you can make crispy, golden hash brown patties with minimal oil. This guide will teach you how to make fresh hash brown patties in an air fryer, ensuring a perfect treat for breakfast or any time of the day.

Choosing the right potatoes

When making hash brown patties from scratch, it is recommended to use medium-sized potatoes that weigh around 10 ounces (300 grams) each. This size is ideal as it provides a good balance between cooking time and surface area for grating. Look for potatoes that are firm and have a smooth skin, avoiding any that are sprouted, shrivelled, or damaged.

The type of potato you choose is also important. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices due to their texture and flavour. Russet potatoes, in particular, have a higher starch content, making them ideal for hash browns as they can form a crispy exterior while remaining fluffy on the inside.

If you are short on time or prefer the convenience of store-bought options, frozen hash brown patties are readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Look for brands that offer patties with minimal additives, such as those from Trader Joe's or Sprouts. These can be cooked directly from frozen in your air fryer, saving you preparation time.

When preparing your potatoes, it is crucial to remove excess starch by soaking the grated potatoes in ice-cold water. This step ensures that your hash browns will be crispy and not mushy. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and squeeze out as much water as possible using a paper towel before forming them into patties.

In summary, choosing the right potatoes for your air fryer hash brown patties involves selecting the appropriate type, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, and ensuring they are the right size and quality. Don't forget to remove excess starch and follow the cooking instructions for your desired level of crispiness. With the right potatoes and preparation, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, golden, and crispy hash brown patties in your air fryer!

Preparing the potatoes

Select the right potatoes: For hash brown patties, it is recommended to use Yukon gold or russet potatoes. These varieties have the ideal texture and flavour for this dish.

Wash and peel the potatoes: Before you begin grating, make sure the potatoes are clean and peeled. This ensures that your hash browns are free of dirt or impurities.

Grate the potatoes: Using a box grater or a food processor, shred the potatoes into thin, even strips. The grating process can be a little time-consuming, but it is important to be patient and achieve a consistent size for even cooking.

Remove the starch: Once grated, transfer the potatoes to a large bowl of ice-cold water. This step helps to remove excess starch, which can make the hash browns soggy. Let them soak for a few minutes, then drain the water and use paper towels or a clean cloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Season the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes with your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to enhance the flavour of your hash browns. Some popular options include onion powder, garlic powder, mixed dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Add a small amount of oil and cornstarch to the mixture as well. This will help the hash browns attain a crispy texture when cooked.

Form the potato mixture into patties: Using your hands or a large cookie cutter, shape the seasoned potato mixture into flat, round patties. Gently press the mixture together so it holds its shape. You can make the patties as thick or thin as you like, but keep in mind that thicker patties may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 375-400°F (190-200°C). This step ensures that your hash brown patties cook evenly and efficiently.

Place the patties in the air fryer: Gently place the formed hash brown patties into the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the patties in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook the hash brown patties: Follow your chosen recipe's cooking instructions for time and temperature. On average, hash brown patties take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the model of your air fryer. For best results, flip the patties halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Serve and enjoy: Once the patties are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Hash brown patties are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of toppings, sauces, and main courses.

Forming the patties

Start by choosing the right potatoes. Medium-sized potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, work best. The ideal weight for each potato is around 10 ounces or 300 grams. Wash and peel the potatoes before proceeding.

Cook the potatoes to the right doneness. You can steam or boil them until a knife can be easily inserted, but avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness. It's crucial to let the potatoes cool completely, preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This step ensures that the potatoes firm up, making them easier to grate and preventing a mushy texture.

Once the potatoes are cooled, use a grater or food processor to shred them. Place the shredded potatoes in a large mixing bowl and add your desired seasonings. For example, you might include onion powder, garlic powder, dried mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Also, add a small amount of oil and cornstarch to help bind the mixture. Gently combine the ingredients using a spatula.

Use a large cookie cutter to form the mixture into patties. Place a piece of parchment paper on a plate, then fill the cookie cutter with the potato mixture and press gently to form a patty. Repeat this process until you've used up all your potato mixture.

Preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Gently place the hash brown patties in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry the patties for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create perfectly formed hash brown patties that are golden brown and crispy. Enjoy them as a delicious breakfast side dish or a tasty snack!

Cooking in the air fryer

To cook fresh hash brown patties in an air fryer, start by placing your frozen hash brown patties in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping or stacked, as this will stop them from cooking evenly. You can cook as many patties as will fit in a single layer in your air fryer, but don't overcrowd the basket.

Next, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to between 380°F/193°C and 400°F. Once preheated, spritz the basket with a little oil and place the basket in the air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the patties and return the basket to the air fryer for another 4-5 minutes. Check the doneness of the patties and continue to air fry for 1-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

If you want your hash brown patties to be extra crispy, you can spritz them with a little oil before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add a sprinkle of salt to taste.

It's important to note that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to get your desired result. This method is also specific to frozen hash brown patties. If you're using shredded hash browns, the cook time and temperature will be a little different.

Now you know the basics of cooking hash brown patties in an air fryer, get creative and experiment with different toppings and sauces to enhance the flavors. You can also crumble the patties and make them into a casserole or serve them in a sandwich. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Hash brown patties are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air-fried hash brown patties:

Breakfast or Brunch

Hash brown patties are a popular breakfast side dish. Serve them fresh and crispy alongside fried or scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit such as berries or grapefruit. For a heartier meal, crumble the hash browns and make them into a breakfast casserole, or serve them in a breakfast sandwich with your favourite toppings and sauces.

Main Meals

Hash brown patties can also be a delicious side dish for lunch or dinner. They pair well with a variety of main courses, such as chicken, salmon, or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, try serving them with an air fryer tofu or veggie patty. Don't forget to add your favourite toppings and sauces to enhance the flavours!

Snacks and Appetizers

These crispy treats also make a great snack or appetizer. Serve them as flat patties or crumble them into shredded hash browns and pair them with different dips and sauces. For a fun twist, you can even make mini hash brown patties and serve them as bite-sized appetizers.

Casseroles and Bakes

Hash brown patties are a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into casseroles and bakes. Try using them as a crispy topping or layer them into your favourite casserole recipe for added texture and flavour.

Customisations

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to customise your hash brown patties. You can add cheese, such as cheddar or paneer, to the mixture or sprinkle it on top for a cheesy twist. Fresh herbs, spices, and seasonings can also enhance the flavour profile of your patties.

Remember, hash brown patties are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get creative and enjoy your air-fried hash brown patties!

Frequently asked questions