Air Fryer Hash Browns: Crispy Potato Perfection

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but they can be a pain to cook on the stovetop or in the oven. Air fryers offer a quick, easy, and mess-free way to make this classic dish. This guide will teach you how to make delicious, crispy hash browns from scratch using an air fryer.

Choosing the right potato

When making hash browns, the type of potato you choose can have a big impact on the final result. The key thing to consider is the texture you want to achieve. Do you want your hash browns to be extra crispy? Or would you prefer them to stick together easily?

There are two main categories of potatoes: starchy and waxy. Starchy potatoes, such as Russets or Idahoes, have a higher starch content and lower moisture content, making them ideal for browning and crisping. However, they may be prone to falling apart. If you want your hash browns to stick together and form a patty, then a waxy potato like new potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes is a better choice. These potatoes have more moisture and will hold together in the pan, but they won't crisp up as nicely.

When choosing a potato for your hash browns, it's also important to consider the skin. Smooth-skinned potatoes, such as red potatoes, indicate that the potato contains less starch. On the other hand, potatoes with textured skin, like Russets, are higher in starch and will give you those crispy, lacy edges. If you can't find Russets, Yukon Golds are a good alternative as they fall somewhere in the middle of the starch spectrum.

Another option to consider is sweet potatoes. While they are technically a root vegetable, sweet potatoes can also make great hash browns. They are less starchy than Russets but have a low moisture content that is ideal for crisping. Just keep in mind that they will be sweeter, so you may want to add a splash of hot sauce to balance out the flavour.

Finally, don't forget that the preparation of the potatoes is just as important as the type of potato you choose. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible by rinsing, squeezing, or soaking the shredded potatoes before cooking. This will help ensure your hash browns are extra crispy and not gluey.

Preparing the potatoes

First, select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their drier, fluffier texture, which makes the hash browns crispier. However, you can also use Yukon potatoes, which are slightly smaller and have a waxy skin. They yield excellent results and have slightly less starch, ensuring the strands stay separated.

Next, peel the potatoes. If you are using Yukon potatoes, peeling is optional, but make sure to wash them thoroughly. For Russet potatoes, it is recommended to peel them as their skin tends to be thicker.

Now, it's time to shred the potatoes. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a grating disk. Aim for a consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Once the potatoes are shredded, transfer them to a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes, but preferably about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, which can make the hash browns sticky and gummy.

After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes well. Then, transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Getting the potatoes as dry as you can is crucial for achieving maximum crispness.

At this point, you can season the potatoes. Add oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like cayenne, paprika, or rosemary to enhance the flavour.

Now, you are ready to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 370°F. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a generous amount of oil to prevent sticking and ensure crispness.

Place the shredded potatoes in the basket, forming an even layer. Make sure the potatoes are not overcrowded, as this can lead to sogginess. Spray the top of the potatoes with more oil and add your desired seasonings.

Air fry for about 10 minutes, and then use a spatula to divide the potatoes into sections and flip them carefully. Return the air fryer for another 10 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy hash browns made from scratch. Enjoy them as a side dish or a tasty breakfast treat.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your hash browns will vary depending on the type of potatoes you use, the style of hash browns you want, and the size of your air fryer.

For shredded hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F. Then, cook for 10 minutes, divide the hash browns into four equal sections, flip each section, and cook for another 10 minutes. If you prefer your hash browns to be lighter, reduce the total cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

For hash brown patties, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Then, cook for 7-8 minutes, flip the patties, and cook for another 7-8 minutes.

For southern-style diced hash brown potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, cook for 18-20 minutes, tossing the potatoes halfway through.

If you are using frozen hash browns, cook for 23 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway through. If you are using fresh potatoes, grate them first, then soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to remove excess starch. After grating and soaking, follow the cooking instructions above.

If you are using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. If you are using an air fryer lid, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Oil and seasoning

Oil

The oil helps to achieve the desired crispiness of hash browns and prevents sticking. It is recommended to use a generous amount of oil to fully coat the bottom and edges of the air fryer basket. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or refined coconut oil. Olive oil spray or a similar product can be used for convenience and to ensure an even coating.

Seasoning

Seasoning is crucial for adding flavour to your hash browns. A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is a classic option. You can also add spices like paprika, smoked paprika, rosemary, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other seasonings of your choice.

Combining Oil and Seasoning

After shredding, drying, and seasoning the potatoes, it's time to combine them with the oil. Toss the shredded potatoes with a small amount of oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can use a brush or a spray to apply the oil. Then, transfer the seasoned and oiled potatoes to the air fryer basket, spreading them into a single layer to ensure even cooking.

During Cooking

Depending on the air fryer model and your desired level of crispiness, you may need to flip the hash browns and add a little more oil halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure even browning and prevent them from drying out.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer hash browns are a great breakfast side dish, but they also work well as part of a dinner or brunch. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer hash browns:

• Eggs: Air fryer hash browns go well with eggs cooked a variety of ways, including scrambled, over easy, sunny side up, or as part of a breakfast casserole.
• Meat: Try serving hash browns with bacon, sausage, or meatloaf.
• Bread: Hash browns can be served with toast, bagels, or cream cheese toast.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit or a fruit-based dish like cinnamon milk or a fruit-based smoothie can be a good pairing with hash browns.
• Dipping Sauce: Try loading your hash browns with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, hot sauce, or guacamole, or serve them with a dipping sauce on the side.
• Other Breakfast Foods: Hash browns can be served with pancakes, French toast, or cinnamon rolls.
• Other Savory Dishes: For a heartier meal, pair hash browns with chilli, soup, or sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions