Air Fryer Hash Browns: Fresh, Fast, And Crispy!

Making hash browns from scratch in an air fryer is a simple, quick, and tasty way to prepare this breakfast classic. Requiring minimal ingredients and preparation, this method produces deliciously crispy hash browns without the need for deep frying. The air fryer's ability to brown and crisp the potatoes without any additional work makes it a convenient and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

When it comes to potato varieties, russet potatoes are a popular choice for hash browns due to their drier, fluffier texture. This variety helps achieve a crispier outer layer. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent option, as they have slightly less starch, resulting in crispier strands that stay separated. If you prefer a hash brown patty, russet potatoes are ideal as the strands will stick together more.

Amount of Potatoes

For a generous serving, aim for around 1.5 to 2 pounds of potatoes, which is roughly two medium-sized potatoes. This amount will yield a large hash brown that can easily serve two people.

Fresh or Frozen Potatoes

While this guide focuses on making hash browns from scratch, it's worth noting that some recipes recommend using frozen shredded hash brown potatoes for convenience and consistent results. However, if you prefer to use fresh potatoes, make sure to grate them just before cooking to prevent oxidation and ensure optimal crispness.

Peeling and Soaking Potatoes

Whether you peel the potatoes is a matter of preference. If you use Yukon Gold potatoes, you can leave the peel on, but be sure to scrub them thoroughly first. For russet potatoes, it's best to peel them due to their thicker skin. After grating the potatoes, soak them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes to remove excess starch, which will result in crispier hash browns.

Drying Potatoes

After soaking, it's crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Use a clean dish towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is essential, as it ensures that your hash browns are not soggy and have a nice crispy texture.

Seasoning

While the main ingredient is potatoes, seasoning plays a vital role in enhancing the flavour of your hash browns. You can season them with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences or experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a unique twist.

Preparing the potatoes

The first step in making fresh hash browns from scratch in an air fryer is to prepare the potatoes. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Peeling and Grating

Start by peeling the potatoes with a vegetable peeler. You can use either russet potatoes or Yukon Golds, depending on your preference. Russet potatoes have a drier and fluffier texture, while Yukon Golds are more creamy and waxy. If you choose to use Yukon Golds, you may opt to keep the peel on, but be sure to scrub them well first.

Once peeled, cut the potatoes into quarters. Then, use a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredder disk to grate the potatoes. Grate them directly into a large bowl filled with cold water. This step will help remove excess starch from the potatoes, ensuring crispier hash browns later on.

Soaking and Drying

Allow the grated potatoes to soak in the cold water for at least 10 minutes, but ideally for about 30 minutes. This process helps remove the excess starch from the potatoes. After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes thoroughly with cold water.

Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure the potatoes are as dry as possible. This step is crucial, as any remaining moisture can affect the crispiness of the final product.

Seasoning

Once the potatoes are dry, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add your desired seasonings to the potatoes. You can use a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Seasoning

Choose Your Base Seasonings:

Salt and pepper are the classic base seasonings for hash browns, and for good reason. They enhance the natural flavour of the potatoes without overwhelming them. A generous pinch of salt will bring out the potato's natural sweetness, while pepper adds a subtle kick. However, you can also experiment with other base seasonings like onion powder or garlic powder to add depth of flavour. These base seasonings form the foundation of your hash browns, so don't skimp on them!

Spicy and Smoky Variations:

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take your hash browns up a notch by adding some spice or smoke. For a spicy kick, include ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes. This will give your hash browns a nice warmth that pairs perfectly with the potatoes. Alternatively, for a smoky flavour, add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. This will give your hash browns a delicious, subtle barbecue flavour. These variations are a great way to change up your hash brown game and keep things interesting!

The Importance of Drying:

While it may not seem directly related to seasoning, properly drying your potatoes after soaking and before adding the seasonings is crucial. The drier your potatoes are, the crispier your hash browns will be. Use a clean dish towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step ensures that your seasonings adhere well to the potatoes and creates a texture that will enhance the overall flavour of the dish.

Experiment with Fresh Herbs:

Don't be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs to elevate your hash browns. Chives or parsley, for example, can add a bright, fresh flavour to the dish. You could also try experimenting with other herbs like thyme or rosemary, depending on your taste preferences. Fresh herbs not only add flavour but also provide a beautiful, vibrant garnish for your hash browns.

The Power of Butter:

While not a seasoning per se, butter can play a crucial role in enhancing the flavour of your hash browns. Toss your shredded potatoes with melted butter before adding the seasonings. This step adds a rich, indulgent flavour to the dish and also helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes. It's a simple step that makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your hash browns.

Remember, the beauty of making hash browns from scratch is that you can customise the seasonings to your taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different blends and variations to find your perfect combination!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer hash browns vary depending on the type of potatoes used and the desired level of crispiness. Here are the detailed instructions for cooking times and temperatures:

For frozen shredded hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (187°C). Spread the hash browns in a single layer, spray with cooking oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Air fry for about 23 minutes, flipping and spritzing them with oil again after 18 minutes. This method yields crispy hash browns without drying them out.

For fresh hash browns, the cooking time and temperature vary depending on the type of potatoes used. Russet potatoes, which are drier and fluffier, may require a higher temperature and longer cooking time than Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a waxy texture and lower starch content. When using fresh potatoes, it is essential to soak and squeeze out the excess moisture to ensure crispiness.

Regardless of the potato type, the general cooking temperature for fresh hash browns in an air fryer is between 350-400°F (176-204°C). The cooking time can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. For example, one recipe recommends cooking at 350°F (176°C) for 10 minutes, flipping the hash browns, and then cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking at 360°F (182°C) for 14-18 minutes without flipping.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Smaller air fryers with a lower wattage may require a lower temperature and shorter cooking time to prevent overcooking. Always refer to the instruction manual for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the hash browns to ensure even cooking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer hash browns are a versatile side dish that can be served at breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Breakfast/Brunch:

• Eggs: Air fryer hash browns go well with eggs cooked any style, such as over easy or sunny side up.
• Bacon: Try air fryer bacon for a crispy treat with less mess.
• Sausage: Air fryer sausage is another easy option to round out your breakfast.
• Pancakes: Sweet cream pancakes or chocolate chip pancakes are a tasty complement to the savoury hash browns.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit or a fruit salad is a healthy addition to your brunch spread.
• Avocado toast: For a trendy, filling breakfast or brunch option.
• French toast: Baked French toast adds a sweet element to your meal and makes your kitchen smell amazing.

Dinner:

• Meatloaf: Serve hash browns as a side dish with meatloaf for a classic, comforting meal.
• Bean chilli: For a hearty, vegetarian option, pair hash browns with a bowl of bean chilli.
• Lentil sloppy joes: Hash browns can accompany lentil sloppy joes for a fun twist on the classic.
• Jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches: Jackfruit is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make delicious vegan pulled "pork" sandwiches.
• Soup: Any cozy soup recipe that you'd usually serve with bread or fries will go well with hash browns, too.

You can also make the hash browns the main event and serve them with a dipping sauce or loaded with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, hot sauce, or guacamole.

Frequently asked questions