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

Hash browns are a breakfast favourite, but getting them crispy can be a challenge. The air fryer is a great solution to this problem, yielding extra crispy hash browns with minimal effort and clean-up. This guide will teach you how to make delicious, crispy hash browns in an air fryer.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

The most common types of potatoes used for hash browns are Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. These varieties have a higher starch content, which makes them ideal for hash browns as they will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Look for potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin, avoiding any that are sprouted or shrivelled.

Fresh vs. Frozen

When making hash browns in an air fryer, you can use either fresh or frozen potatoes. Fresh potatoes will need to be shredded, soaked in cold water to remove excess starch, and then dried thoroughly before being formed into patties. Frozen hash browns are a convenient option as they are already shredded and ready to be cooked. However, be sure to look for frozen hash browns that have potatoes as the only ingredient, avoiding any with added preservatives or unnecessary ingredients.

Amount of Potatoes

It's important not to overcrowd your air fryer basket when cooking hash browns. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your hash browns in batches. A single layer of hash browns in the basket will ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. If you are using fresh potatoes, shredding them to a similar size as frozen hash browns will help them cook evenly.

Oil and Seasonings

Whether you are using fresh or frozen potatoes, adding a small amount of oil will help your hash browns crisp up nicely. Avocado oil, olive oil, or even melted butter can be used, and a light coating or spray will suffice. When it comes to seasonings, keep it simple with salt and pepper, or add some garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover hash browns, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

Using the correct oil

The type of oil you use for your hash browns in the air fryer is important. You want to use an oil with a high smoke point, as this will help to prevent the oil from breaking down and releasing harmful compounds. Some oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, canola oil, olive oil, and vegetable oil.

When it comes to how much oil to use, you don't need a lot. A light coating of oil on the air fryer basket will help to ensure that your hash browns don't stick. You can also give the hash browns themselves a light spritz of oil to help them crisp up. If you're using frozen hash browns, keep in mind that they already have some oil on them, so you don't need to add too much extra.

If you're making your hash browns from scratch, you'll want to coat them with a bit of oil before putting them in the air fryer. This will help them get nice and crispy. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter. Just be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point to avoid any unhealthy grease.

Additionally, if you're looking to add some extra flavour to your hash browns, you could try using an infused oil. For example, you could use a garlic-infused oil or add some garlic powder to your regular oil. This will give your hash browns a delicious garlicky kick. You could also experiment with other infused oils, such as chilli oil or herb-infused oils, to find a flavour that you love.

Spices and seasoning

The most basic seasoning for hash browns is salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning for a little extra kick. If you want to keep things simple, just a sprinkle of salt and pepper will do the trick. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try experimenting with different combinations of spices to find your perfect hash brown flavor.

For example, if you're looking for a more savory option, you could try adding some Cajun seasoning to your hash browns. This will give them a nice spicy kick. Another option is to go for a more garlicky flavor by adding some garlic powder and onion powder. This will give your hash browns a nice, savory punch.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different spices and seasonings. You can also try adding fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley to your hash browns for a brighter, more herbal flavor. Just remember to add your spices and seasonings sparingly, as you can always add more, but you can't take them away!

Additionally, you can serve your hash browns with a variety of sauces and toppings. Ketchup, syrup, hot sauce, and sour cream are all great options for adding extra flavor and moisture to your hash browns. You can also get creative with toppings like grilled onions, peppers, bacon, cheese, or fresh fruit.

Finally, remember that the type of oil you use can also affect the flavor of your hash browns. Common choices include olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, and even melted butter. Each of these options will impart a slightly different flavor to your hash browns, so choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.

Layering and spacing

When preparing your air fryer hash browns, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. Always use a single layer of hash browns to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess. If you're making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches to maintain that single layer. You can also stack them slightly as they will shrink as they cook, but avoid overcrowding.

Before placing the hash browns in the air fryer, season them with your desired spices and oil. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. Avocado oil, olive oil, or any oil of your choice can be used. Drizzle or pour the oil over the hash browns, ensuring they are well-coated.

Once you've layered your seasoned hash browns in the air fryer, it's time to set the temperature and cooking time. Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. The cooking time will vary based on the amount of hash browns you're cooking, but on average, it should take about 15-20 minutes.

During the cooking process, you'll need to flip the hash browns at least once to ensure even cooking. After about 10-15 minutes, use a spatula to divide the hash browns into sections and carefully flip each section. You can also break them into squares and gently flip them. This will ensure that all sides get crispy and golden brown.

If needed, you can add a little more oil or spray the hash browns with oil after flipping to maintain moisture and promote even browning. After flipping, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

By following these layering and spacing tips, you'll achieve perfectly crispy and delicious air fryer hash browns every time!

Reheating and storing

Leftover hash browns can be reheated in the air fryer at 370°F for 3 to 5 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven, in the microwave, or in a skillet on the stovetop.

If you're reheating hash browns in the oven, preheat to 350°F and place the hash browns on a baking tray lined with baking paper or aluminum foil. Cover the top of the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Remove the foil and bake for another 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

For reheating in the microwave, place the hash browns in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, flipping them halfway through.

To reheat hash browns in a skillet, heat a small amount of butter or oil in the pan over medium-low heat. Add the hash browns and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

When reheating hash browns, it's important to note that they may lose their crispiness and become soggy, especially if reheated in the microwave.

As for storing, leftover hash browns can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It is not recommended to refreeze cooked hash browns.

Frequently asked questions