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

Hash browns are a breakfast favourite, but getting them crispy can be a challenge. Air fryers offer a simple way to cook hash browns that are crispy and golden brown. This guide will take you through the steps to making delicious hash browns in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to get the best results.

Choosing the right potatoes

When making hash browns in an air fryer, the type of potato you choose can have a big impact on the final result. If you want your hash browns to be crispy, it's best to use starchy potatoes like Russets or Idahoes. These potatoes have a higher starch content, which can make the hash browns more prone to falling apart, but they will give you that desired crispiness. On the other hand, if you want your hash browns to stick together easily and don't mind sacrificing some crispness, go for waxy potatoes like new potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes. These potatoes have a higher moisture content, which helps them hold their shape better.

When it comes to preparing the potatoes, it's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible before cooking. This step is essential for achieving crispy hash browns. You can use a potato ricer, a tea towel, or even a salad spinner to squeeze out the excess moisture from the shredded potatoes. Additionally, make sure to rinse the potatoes until the water runs clear to remove any remaining starch.

Another factor to consider is the size and shape of the potatoes. For air-fried hash browns, it's best to cut the potatoes into thin, even slices or shred them into thin strands. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy in the air fryer.

If you're using fresh potatoes, it's important to choose potatoes that are firm and free from any bruises or sprouting. Avoid potatoes that feel soft or have shrivelled skin, as these may not cook properly or give the best texture to your hash browns.

Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of potatoes and preparation methods to find what works best for your taste and cooking setup. You can also try adding various seasonings and ingredients, such as cheese, garlic, or onions, to elevate the flavour of your air-fried hash browns.

Preparing the potatoes

If you're using fresh potatoes, start by peeling and grating the potatoes. Russet potatoes are a good choice because they have a drier, fluffier texture that crisps up nicely in the air fryer. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a waxy skin and slightly less starch, resulting in hash browns that are more separated and crispy. After grating the potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have the time. This step helps remove excess starch and will ensure your hash browns are crispy and not gummy. Drain and rinse the potatoes, then transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Pat the potatoes dry with another towel and transfer them to a mixing bowl.

At this point, you can season the potatoes with your desired spices. A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper works well. You can also add some oil to the potatoes at this stage; options include vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or refined coconut oil. Give the potatoes a good stir to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.

Now your potatoes are ready for the air fryer! Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then transfer the potatoes into the basket, pressing them down lightly to form an even, single layer. For extra crispy hash browns, spray the top of the potatoes with a little more cooking spray. Set the air fryer temperature to between 350-370 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for a total of 14 to 23 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. You may want to stir the potatoes gently halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you're short on time or don't have fresh potatoes on hand, you can also use frozen hash browns in your air fryer. Look for frozen shredded hash browns with potatoes as the only ingredient, with no added preservatives or flavours. Frozen hash browns come in different forms, such as patties or loose shreds, but both can be used in the air fryer. Simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with no overlapping or stacking, and cook at 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 23 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. No additional oil is needed, as frozen hash browns already contain some vegetable oil. Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Whether you start with fresh or frozen potatoes, your air fryer will reward you with crispy, golden hash browns that are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish for any meal.

Seasoning the potatoes

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their drier and fluffier texture, making them ideal for hash browns. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option as they have slightly less starch, resulting in crispier hash browns.

Preparing the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor. If you're using a box grater, the large holes are ideal for hash browns. Once you have shredded the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water and rinse them thoroughly. Repeat this process until the water becomes mostly clear, as this helps remove excess starch.

Drying the Potatoes

After rinsing, transfer the potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. It's important to get them as dry as you can before adding any seasonings. You can also let them air dry on a paper towel.

Seasoning Options

Now comes the fun part – seasoning your potatoes! You can keep it classic with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite spices. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Ground black pepper
• Kosher salt or sea salt
• Chives or parsley for garnish

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices to find your perfect blend. You can also add some diced onions to the potatoes for extra flavour.

Adding Oil

Before placing the potatoes in the air fryer, it's important to add a bit of oil to help with crisping and prevent sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket generously with oil, and then add your potatoes. Spray the top of the potatoes as well to ensure even coating.

Mixing the Seasonings

Place the dried potato shreds in a large bowl and add your chosen seasonings. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.

Final Steps

Once your potatoes are seasoned and ready, follow the standard instructions for cooking hash browns in your air fryer. Spread them into an even layer, set the temperature and timer, and let the air fryer work its magic! Remember to flip the hash browns halfway through cooking for even crisping.

And that's it! With these steps, you'll have perfectly seasoned hash browns that are crispy, golden brown, and full of flavour. Enjoy your delicious air-fried creation!

Cooking the potatoes

Preparing the Potatoes:

Start by peeling and grating your potatoes. You can use a box grater or a food processor for this step. Russet potatoes are a great option as they have a drier, fluffier texture that's ideal for hash browns. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good choice and can be left unpeeled if preferred.

Soaking the Potatoes:

Once your potatoes are grated, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes, but ideally around 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess starch, preventing your hash browns from becoming sticky or gummy.

Drying the Potatoes:

After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. It's important to get them as dry as you can before the next step.

Seasoning the Potatoes:

Place the dried potatoes in a large mixing bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it classic with just salt and pepper, or add some garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour. Drizzle with your choice of oil and toss to coat the potatoes evenly.

Air Frying the Potatoes:

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-370°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned potatoes in the basket, forming an even layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause sogginess.

Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, then use a spatula to carefully flip the potatoes. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the hash browns are golden brown and crispy.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy hash browns cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as part of a hearty breakfast.

Storing and reheating the potatoes

Storing and reheating your hash browns in an air fryer is a simple process. It is best to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

When you are ready to reheat them, simply place them in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, leaving enough space between them to ensure proper air circulation. Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can spritz them with a little oil before reheating if you like, but this is not necessary.

If you are short on time, the air fryer is the best option for reheating your hash browns. It is also a great way to retain their crispy texture. However, do not reheat potatoes more than twice in the air fryer, or they may dry out.

Frequently asked questions