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

Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish, but cooking them on the stove can be a challenge as it's easy to overcook them. Air frying hash browns is a quick, easy, and healthier way to make them extra crispy. Here's a guide on how to make hash browns in an air fryer, with some tips and tricks for perfect results every time.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

The most common types of potatoes used for hash browns are Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are larger and have a harder brown skin, while Yukon Gold potatoes are smaller and have a waxy skin. Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for air fryer hash browns because they have slightly less starch, allowing the strands to stay separated and get crispier. However, Russet potatoes can also be used and will result in a hash brown patty as the strands will stick together more.

Preparing the Potatoes

When using fresh potatoes, it is important to peel them and grate them using a box grater or food processor. If you are using Yukon Gold potatoes, peeling is optional as their skin is thinner. Once grated, rinse the potatoes in cold water several times to remove the starch, and then dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Removing the excess starch and moisture will help ensure crispier hash browns.

Frozen vs. Fresh Potatoes

You can use either frozen or fresh potatoes for your air fryer hash browns. Frozen hash browns are convenient and can be found in most grocery stores. They are also less messy and easier to work with since they contain less moisture. Fresh potatoes, on the other hand, offer more control over the ingredients and allow you to customise the seasonings. If you decide to use fresh potatoes, it is important to shred, freeze, and thaw them properly to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Seasonings and Spices

While the choice of potatoes is crucial, don't underestimate the impact of seasonings and spices. Potatoes pair well with various seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and rosemary. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also add toppings like grilled onions, peppers, bacon, or cheese to enhance the taste of your hash browns.

Preparing the potatoes

Using Frozen Hash Browns

Using frozen hash brown patties or shredded hash browns is a convenient option that requires less preparation time. Here's what you need to do:

• Choose Your Hash Browns: Select your preferred brand of frozen hash browns from your local grocery store. You can opt for well-known brands like Ore Ida or go for store-brand options.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350°F and 400°F. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispiness.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with a parchment liner to prevent sticking. This step is especially important if you're using frozen shredded hash browns to prevent them from falling through the basket.
• Place the Hash Browns in the Air Fryer: Spread the frozen hash brown patties or shredded hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping or stacking them to ensure even cooking. Leave a little space between each patty if using frozen patties.
• Add Seasonings (Optional): If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the frozen hash browns before air frying. This step is optional but can take your hash browns to the next level.

Making Hash Browns from Scratch

If you prefer to make hash browns from scratch using fresh potatoes, here's what you need to do:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: For air fryer hash browns, it is recommended to use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes have slightly less starch and yield crispier hash browns, while Russet potatoes are more common and will also work well.
• Peel and Grate the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes, then grate them using a box grater or a food processor. Grate the potatoes into thin, even strands for the best results.
• Rinse and Dry the Potatoes: Once grated, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water and rinse them several times until the water becomes clear. This step helps remove excess starch from the potatoes. After rinsing, spread the potatoes on paper towels and dry them as much as possible.
• Season the Potatoes (Optional): You can add seasonings to your freshly grated potatoes if desired. Mix the grated potatoes with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor of your hash browns.
• Form into Patties (Optional): If you want to form the hash browns into patties, squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated potatoes using paper towels. Then, form the potatoes into your desired patty shape.
• Coat with Oil: Lightly coat the hash brown patties or shredded potatoes with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This step helps achieve a crispy texture and prevents sticking in the air fryer.

Whether you use frozen hash browns or make them from scratch, preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in achieving the perfect air fryer hash browns. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy hash browns as a side dish or breakfast treat!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your hash browns will depend on the type of hash browns you are making and the type of air fryer you are using.

For hash brown patties, cooking times range from 16-20 minutes at temperatures between 375-400°F (194-204°C).

For shredded hash browns, cooking times range from 10-23 minutes at temperatures between 350-370°F (177-188°C).

For diced hash browns, cooking times are around 18-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

It's important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly.

• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• For even cooking, ensure the hash browns are in a single layer with space between them for air circulation.
• Flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• For extra crispy hash browns, add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• If your hash browns are sticking, use a light coating of oil or cooking spray on the air fryer basket.

Flipping the hash browns

Depending on the type of hash browns you are making, the flipping process will differ slightly. For example, if you are making shredded hash browns, it is best to use a spatula to divide them into equal sections before flipping. On the other hand, if you are making hash brown patties, you can simply flip them over using plastic-tipped tongs or a spatula.

Regardless of the type of hash brown, it is important to ensure that they are evenly spaced and not overlapping in the air fryer basket. This allows the air to circulate properly and ensures that the hash browns cook evenly. It is also crucial to spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper before adding the hash browns to prevent sticking.

When flipping your hash browns, it is a good idea to spritz them with a little more oil to keep them from drying out and to promote even browning. Additionally, if you are cooking shredded hash browns, you may need to toss or stir them gently halfway through the cooking process to ensure that they are cooking evenly.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your hash browns come out perfectly crispy and golden brown every time!

Storing and reheating

To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350–375 °F for three to six minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave or oven, but they may become mushy.

Frequently asked questions