Air-Fryer Hash Browns: Shredded, Crispy, Quick

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky. The air fryer is a great way to cook hash browns, creating a crunchy exterior without drying out the interior. This guide will take you through the steps to making delicious shredded hash browns in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

Choosing the best potatoes

Choosing the right potatoes for your hash browns is essential to achieving the perfect texture and taste. Here are some tips for selecting the best potatoes for your shredded hash browns:

Starchy vs. Waxy Potatoes

There are two main types 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 hash browns if you prioritize crispiness. However, they may be more prone to falling apart. On the other hand, waxy potatoes, like new potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes, have a smoother, waxier skin and higher moisture content. They will stick together better during cooking but may not crisp up as nicely.

Skin Texture

When in doubt, choose a potato with a textured skin, such as a russet. Russets are known for their rough, brown skin and are excellent for hash browns due to their higher starch content and lower moisture levels. If you can't find russets, Yukon Golds are a suitable alternative, although they won't crisp up quite as well.

Potato Preparation

To get the best results, it's crucial to prepare your potatoes properly before cooking. First, shred the potatoes using a grater, food processor, or mandoline. Then, rinse the shredded potatoes until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. After rinsing, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly. You can use paper towels or a salad spinner to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is essential because moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Par-Cooking

Some chefs recommend par-cooking your potatoes before shredding them. Par-cooking involves boiling, baking, or microwaving the whole potatoes until they are partially cooked, and then chilling them overnight. This process helps remove excess starch and sets the starch, resulting in a cohesive mass of starch and water that browns easily during cooking.

Freezing

Another tip for ensuring fluffy and crispy hash browns is to freeze the shredded potatoes after drying them. Freezing creates sharp ice crystals that puncture the cell walls of the potatoes. When the potatoes are heated again, the water can escape easily, resulting in fluffier and crispier hash browns.

Seasoning

Don't forget to season your hash browns generously. Salt not only enhances the flavor but also helps draw out moisture from the potatoes, promoting browning. You can also add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Remember, the key to successful shredded hash browns in an air fryer is choosing the right type of potato, preparing it properly, and ensuring it's dry before cooking. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to making delicious and crispy hash browns!

Preparing the potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their drier and fluffier texture, which makes the outside of the potatoes crispier. The amount of potatoes needed will depend on the desired serving size, but a medium-sized potato is a good starting point.

Peel the potatoes and shred them using a box grater or a food processor with a grating disk. It is important to use a sharp grater to ensure the potatoes are shredded effectively. Once shredded, transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow the potatoes to soak for at least 10 minutes, but preferably for about 30 minutes. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which will prevent the potatoes from becoming sticky and gummy.

After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. This step is crucial to ensure that any remaining excess starch is removed. Next, transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure the potatoes are dry. Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel if needed.

At this stage, you can also use paper towels to remove any remaining moisture from the potatoes. Assemble any seasonings you plan to use, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (optional). Drying the potatoes thoroughly is essential to ensure that the hash browns are crispy and not soggy.

Now, you are ready to toss the dried shredded potatoes with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other type of cooking oil. Brush the air fryer basket with oil as well to prevent the potatoes from sticking. Preheat the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Place the seasoned shredded potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single even layer. This step is crucial as overcrowding the basket can lead to sogginess. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, then flip the potatoes and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on the desired level of browning.

And that's it! Your shredded hash browns are now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can serve them as a classic breakfast side or alongside meatloaf, bean chili, or any cozy soup for dinner.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for shredded hash browns in an air fryer will depend on whether you are using fresh or frozen potatoes, and the specific air fryer model you are using.

If you are using fresh potatoes, it is important to first soak the shredded potatoes in water to remove excess starch, and then dry them thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that your hash browns do not turn out soggy or mushy. For fresh potatoes, most recipes recommend cooking at a temperature between 350°F and 370°F for 14 to 20 minutes, flipping or tossing the potatoes every 5 to 6 minutes to ensure even cooking.

If you are using frozen shredded hash browns, there is no need to defrost them first. Simply add the frozen potatoes to your air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that they are in a single layer. Cooking times for frozen hash browns vary from 15 to 23 minutes at temperatures between 370°F and 400°F, depending on the desired level of crispiness. It is recommended to flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking process and spritz them with a little oil to ensure even cooking and prevent them from drying out.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check your hash browns periodically during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Adding flavour

While the main ingredient of your hash browns is, of course, the potato, there are plenty of ways to add flavour to your air-fried shredded hash browns.

Oil

The oil you choose to cook your hash browns in can add flavour. While some recipes recommend using an oil spray, others suggest drizzling olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil over the potatoes. You could also try coconut oil, but refined coconut oil is preferable if you don't want your hash browns to taste of coconut.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are classic seasoning options that will add flavour to your hash browns. If you're using kosher salt, you might want to increase the amount you add, but be sure to taste as you go to avoid over-salting.

Garlic powder

Garlic powder is a common addition to hash browns and is used in many of the recipes I found.

Onion powder

Onion powder is another popular choice for seasoning hash browns and is used in some of the recipes I found.

Cayenne

If you like your food spicy, you could try adding some cayenne to your hash browns. This is, of course, an optional extra, and you can add more or less depending on your preference.

Other seasonings

You can also experiment with other seasonings to add flavour to your hash browns. Some recipes suggest adding paprika, while others recommend adding your choice of herbs and spices.

Serving suggestions

These shredded hash browns are a versatile dish that can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• For breakfast, serve them with eggs (such as silken tofu scrambled eggs or a vegan tofu quiche), bacon, sausage, toast, and fresh fruit. You could also enjoy them with a dipping sauce or loaded with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, hot sauce, or guacamole.
• For a heartier breakfast or brunch, pair them with air fryer bacon, sweet cream pancakes, and air fryer eggs and sausage.
• As a side dish at lunch or dinner, serve them with meatloaf, bean chili, lentil sloppy joes, jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches, or a cozy soup.
• For a vegetarian option, serve them with avocado toast, vegan blueberry pancakes, or fresh fruit.
• If you're serving a crowd, make a big batch of hash browns and let people top them as they like—set out shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, hot sauce, and guacamole and let everyone customize their plate.

Frequently asked questions