Air-Fryer Shredded Hash Browns: Quick, Easy, Crispy!

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, and making them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook them. Using an air fryer means you can make hash browns with less oil, less mess, and in less time than cooking them on the stove. You can also cook them straight from frozen, with no need to preheat your air fryer.

Preparation: shredding, seasoning, and layering

The first step in making shredded hash browns in an air fryer is to shred the potatoes. You can do this by hand or use a food processor with a shredder disk. If you are using fresh potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in water to remove excess starch, and then dry them thoroughly before shredding. This will help to reduce the moisture content and ensure crispier hash browns.

Once the potatoes are shredded, it's time to season them. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

Now it's time to layer the potatoes in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. You can stack them slightly as they will shrink down while cooking, but it's important to allow for airflow so that they cook evenly and get crispy.

If you are using frozen hash browns, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply follow the same steps for seasoning and layering, and you're ready to start cooking!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for shredded hash browns in an air fryer vary depending on the quantity of hash browns and the specific air fryer being used. However, a general guideline is to cook them at around 370°F for 15-23 minutes.

For example, one recipe recommends cooking at 370°F for 23 minutes, flipping the hash browns and spritzing them with oil after 18 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking at 400°F for 13 minutes without flipping.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer and the portion size of hash browns being cooked. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your hash browns while they are cooking to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Additionally, when cooking frozen hash browns, it is recommended to spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and ensure that they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.

Oil type and application

The type of oil you use for your shredded hash browns in an air fryer is important. You want an oil with a high smoke point that can get really hot. Good options include canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. You can also use melted butter for a buttery taste.

When applying the oil, you can drizzle it over the hash browns in a bowl and toss to coat, or you can spray the oil using an oil sprayer. Make sure to get an even coating of oil on the hash browns to ensure they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

Some recipes recommend spraying the hash browns with a bit more oil about halfway through the cooking process to keep them from drying out. This can help ensure they get nice and crispy without burning.

In addition to oil, you can also add seasonings to your hash browns for extra flavour. Salt and pepper are standard, but you can also try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning.

Flipping technique

Flipping the hash browns is an important step to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Here is a detailed guide on the flipping technique for making shredded hash browns in an air fryer:

Before placing the hash browns in the air fryer, it is recommended to spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with a silicone liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can use any type of oil or cooking spray you prefer.

Now, for the flipping technique:

After spreading the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and time according to your recipe. Most recipes recommend cooking the hash browns at around 370-400°F for about 15-23 minutes.

Once the air fryer is preheated and the hash browns are cooking, there is no need to flip them for the first half of the cooking time. This is because the air fryer cooks the hash browns evenly on all sides due to the holes in the basket that allow hot air to circulate.

However, for the best results, it is recommended to flip the hash browns about halfway through the cooking process. Use a spatula to carefully flip them over. You can also break the hash browns into sections before flipping to ensure even cooking and browning.

After flipping, you may need to add a little more oil or cooking spray to the hash browns to prevent them from drying out and ensure they remain crispy. Simply spritz or drizzle a small amount of oil over the hash browns before continuing to cook.

Finally, let the hash browns cook for the remaining time. Depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Some recipes suggest cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes after flipping, while others recommend a total cooking time of 15-23 minutes.

Once the hash browns are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer using a spatula and serve immediately. You can also season them with additional salt and pepper, or your preferred spices, to taste.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer hash browns are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Breakfast: Hash browns are a popular breakfast side dish. Serve them with eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes for a hearty morning meal.
• Brunch: If you're looking for something more indulgent, pair your hash browns with an oven frittata, crispy baked bacon, chocolate chip pancakes, or baked French toast.
• Lunch or Dinner: Hash browns can also be served as a side dish for lunch or dinner. Try them with air fryer sausage, Mexican scrambled eggs, or a juicy steak.
• Taco Night: For a fun twist, use hash browns as a base for your tacos. Top them with taco meat and your favourite toppings.
• Snack: Hash browns can even be enjoyed as a snack on their own or with a dip like ketchup or mayo.
• Party Appetizer: Mini hash brown bites or patties can be a great appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• Potato Bar: Set up a potato bar with various toppings and let your guests create their own hash brown combinations.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner: If you're craving breakfast food in the evening, make it a full spread with hash browns, French toast sticks, pancakes, and turkey bacon.
• Air Fryer Feast: If you're an air fryer enthusiast, cook your hash browns alongside other air fryer dishes like chicken thighs, pork chops, or frozen pizza.
• Healthy Option: Hash browns cooked in the air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried hash browns. Serve them with a refreshing salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Customization: Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding Cajun seasoning, onion powder, paprika, or even diced onions to your hash browns for a unique flavour profile.

Frequently asked questions