Air Fryer Frozen Hash Browns: Quick, Crispy Breakfast

Frozen diced hash browns are a quick and easy breakfast side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to pan-fried hash browns as they require less oil and have a more even cook. To make frozen diced hash browns in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, add the frozen hash browns, and cook for 12-20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during the cooking process.

How to get the right level of crispiness

To get the right level of crispiness, there are several factors to consider when making frozen diced hash browns in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve the desired crispiness:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is typically between 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for achieving even cooking and the desired crispiness.

Prepare the Hash Browns: Take the desired amount of frozen diced hash browns and place them in a bowl. Add a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use cooking spray or an oil spritzer. Mix well to ensure that the hash browns are evenly coated. Season the hash browns with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Cooking Process: Place the seasoned hash browns in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Overcrowding can affect the airflow and result in uneven cooking. Set the timer according to the recommended cooking time, which is usually around 12 to 20 minutes for diced hash browns. During the cooking process, shake or toss the basket a few times to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.

Checking for Doneness: After the initial cooking time, carefully check the hash browns for crispiness. If they are not yet golden brown and crispy, continue cooking in small increments of 2 to 3 minutes, frequently checking until the desired level of crispiness is achieved.

Serving: Once the hash browns have reached the desired crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can also season them with additional salt, pepper, or other seasonings to enhance their flavor.

Customizing Crispiness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the cooking time to achieve a lighter or darker crisp. For a lighter golden brown, reduce the cooking time by about 5 to 7 minutes. For a darker and crispier hash brown, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

By following these instructions and making adjustments as needed, you should be able to achieve the right level of crispiness for your frozen diced hash browns in an air fryer.

How to cook hash brown patties

Ingredients:

• Frozen hash brown patties
• Olive oil or cooking spray (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Utensils:

Plastic spatula

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Lightly coat the inner basket of the air fryer with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they are not stacked or overcrowded.
• Cook for 7-10 minutes, then flip the patties and cook for another 7-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
• Remove the patties from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can spritz the patties with a little oil during cooking if they start to dry out.
• Avoid stacking or overcrowding the patties in the air fryer to prevent them from falling apart.
• Use plastic utensils when flipping the patties to avoid scratching the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket.
• For extra crispy hash brown patties, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

How to cook hash browns without oil

Ingredients:

• Frozen shredded hash browns
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parchment paper (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (190°C).
• Spread the frozen hash browns in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
• Spray the hash browns with cooking oil using an EVO Oil Sprayer, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Air fry for about 18-23 minutes. After about 10 minutes of cooking, flip and move the hash browns around and spritz them with a little more oil.
• Once the hash browns are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Use frozen shredded hash brown potatoes for best results.
• Do not overcrowd the hash browns. Stacking them slightly is fine since they will shrink as they cook.
• Flip them with 5 minutes left to ensure even cooking.
• Use any brand of frozen shredded hash browns, such as Simply Potatoes or Trader Joe's Shredded Hash Browns.
• Spritz the hash browns with oil again to prevent them from drying out.
• Use your favorite kind of oil. Canola oil, vegetable oil, and avocado oil all work well.
• Use a parchment liner to help with cleanup and prevent small pieces from falling through the basket.
• Add more spices like onion powder or paprika for extra flavor. You can also dice up some onions and cook them with the hash browns.

How to cook hash browns with extra ingredients

If you're looking to add some extra ingredients to your hash browns, there are a few simple steps you can follow to get delicious, crispy results. Here's a detailed guide:

Ingredients:

• Frozen hash browns (either shredded, diced, or in patty form)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Additional seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, diced onions, sliced green onions, sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, etc.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature for your chosen type of hash browns. For shredded or diced hash browns, preheat to around 375-400°F (190-200°C). For hash brown patties, preheat to 375-400°F (190-204°C).
• In a bowl, toss the frozen hash browns with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help them crisp up during cooking.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss to combine. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add some extra flavour with garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings.
• Spread the seasoned hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Cook the hash browns for the recommended time, shaking or flipping them halfway through. For shredded or diced hash browns, cook for 17-20 minutes. For hash brown patties, cook for 7-10 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed for your desired level of crispiness.
• If you're adding any extra toppings, do so during the last few minutes of cooking. For example, if you're adding shredded cheese, let it melt over the hash browns before serving.
• Once the hash browns are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Feel free to get creative with your extra ingredients and toppings! You can experiment with different combinations of seasonings, herbs, and toppings to find your favourite flavour profiles. Enjoy your delicious and crispy hash browns!

How to cook hash browns in an air fryer from scratch

Ingredients:

• 16 oz of fresh, shredded potatoes (or diced potatoes)
• 2 tbsp of olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
• Optional: paprika, onion powder, or other seasonings of your choice

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, toss the shredded potatoes with the oil and seasonings until well combined.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If using more than 16 oz of potatoes, cook in batches.
• Cook for 17-18 minutes, shaking or flipping the potatoes every 5-6 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy hash browns, add another 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
• Serve immediately with your favourite breakfast or brunch items!

Tips:

• Use frozen shredded hash browns if you want to avoid the hassle of shredding fresh potatoes. Frozen hash browns also tend to get crispier than fresh ones.
• If you're making hash brown patties, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
• Use a light coating of oil to help the hash browns crisp up, but be careful not to use too much.
• Always use plastic utensils when flipping or tossing the hash browns to avoid scratching the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket.

Frequently asked questions