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

Hash browns are a breakfast staple, but getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky. Enter the air fryer—a fast, simple way to get wonderfully crispy hash browns. Here's everything you need to know about using an air fryer to make hash browns, from temperature and timing to ingredients and preparation methods.

How to get the right level of crispiness

The air fryer is an excellent way to cook hash browns, producing a level of crispiness that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect level of crispiness:

Use the Right Type of Potatoes

The type of potatoes you use can impact the crispiness of your hash browns. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their drier, fluffier texture, which makes them ideal for achieving a crispy exterior. Yukon potatoes are also a good option, as they have slightly less starch, resulting in crispier hash browns.

Prepare the Potatoes Properly

Before cooking, it is essential to peel and grate the potatoes. Soak the shredded potatoes in cold water for at least 10 minutes, and up to 30 minutes if possible. This step helps remove excess starch, which can make the hash browns sticky and gummy. After soaking, be sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible and pat the potatoes dry before adding them to the air fryer.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

When placing the potatoes in the air fryer basket, spread them into a single, even layer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to sogginess and uneven cooking. It's better to cook multiple batches if needed to ensure even crispiness.

Use Oil and Seasonings

Adding a small amount of oil to the potatoes before air frying will enhance crispiness and prevent sticking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even refined coconut oil. Additionally, seasoning the potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder will add flavour and help achieve the desired crispiness.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Don't forget to preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes. This step ensures that the potatoes start cooking immediately and promotes even cooking and crispiness.

Flip the Hash Browns During Cooking

Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your hash browns, you may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness. Use a spatula to gently divide the hash browns into sections and flip each section carefully.

Adjust Cooking Time as Needed

The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your hash browns. Keep an eye on them during the cooking process, and adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Remember that you can always cook them a little longer if you want them crispier, but you can't undo overcooking!

The best types of potatoes to use

When making hash browns in an air fryer, it's important to use the right type of potatoes to get that crispy texture. While Russet potatoes are the most common variety, Yukon potatoes are actually the best choice for air fryer hash browns. Here's why:

Yukon potatoes are slightly smaller than Russets and have a waxy skin instead of a hard brown skin. The key difference is that Yukon potatoes contain slightly less starch, so the strands stay separated and get crispier. With Russet potatoes, you might end up with more of a hash brown patty because the strands will stick together more.

However, if you prefer the patty style, Russet potatoes can still work well. Just make sure to peel them first, as their skin tends to be thicker.

When preparing your potatoes, whether Yukon or Russet, it's important to wash and rinse them thoroughly. This helps remove the starch on the exterior. After rinsing, be sure to dry the potatoes as much as possible before adding your seasonings and placing them in the air fryer.

So, while Russet potatoes are a common choice, Yukon potatoes are the best type of potatoes to use for air fryer hash browns if you want that extra crispiness and separation in your strands.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is the most important step in making hash browns in an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Select the right type of potatoes for your hash browns. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their drier, fluffier texture, which makes them ideal for achieving a crispy texture. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes are smaller, with a waxy skin, and slightly less starch, resulting in crispier hash browns.

Step 2: Peel and Grate the Potatoes

Start by peeling the potatoes. Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating disk to grate the potatoes into shreds or small pieces. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can also chop the potatoes into small cubes.

Step 3: Soak the Potatoes

Place the grated or chopped potatoes in 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, preventing the potatoes from becoming sticky or gummy.

Step 4: Dry the Potatoes

After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Transfer them to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. It's important to get them as dry as you can to ensure crispiness.

Step 5: Season the Potatoes

Place the dried potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with your preferred oil—options include vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or refined coconut oil. Then, season generously with your choice of spices. A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper works well. You can also add other spices like paprika, smoked paprika, or rosemary to enhance the flavor.

Step 6: Layer in the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F (177-194°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer in the basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so the potatoes may need to be cooked in batches.

Now your potatoes are ready for air frying! Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe for air fryer hash browns, and enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!

How long to cook hash browns for

How Long to Cook Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for hash browns in an air fryer depends on the type of hash browns being cooked, the desired level of crispiness, and the specific air fryer being used. Here are some general guidelines to help you achieve the perfect crispy hash browns:

Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

For frozen shredded hash browns, preheat your air fryer to 350-370°F (177-188°C). Spread the hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking oil, and season as desired. Air fry for about 20-23 minutes, flipping and spritzing them with a little more oil halfway through the cooking process.

Frozen Hash Brown Patties

For frozen hash brown patties, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (191-204°C). Lightly coat the hash brown patties with cooking oil and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced out and not stacked on top of each other. Air fry for a total of 14-16 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through.

Freshly Grated Hash Browns

If you are using freshly grated potatoes, it is important to rinse and dry the potatoes before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (177-182°C). Spread the potatoes in a single layer, spray with cooking oil, and season as desired. Air fry for a total of 16-20 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through.

Tips for Perfect Hash Browns

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. It is important to allow air to circulate around the hash browns for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Flip or stir the hash browns halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of crispiness. For lighter hash browns, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. For darker and crispier hash browns, add a minute or two.
• Different air fryer models may have varying cooking times, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your hash browns during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

How to reheat hash browns

Reheating hash browns in an air fryer is a great way to ensure they stay crispy. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat hash browns, specifically focusing on using an air fryer:

Firstly, it is important to note that reheating hash browns in an air fryer is a relatively quick process, so you should not leave them unattended. Most recipes suggest reheating for around 3-6 minutes, but this will depend on the type of hash browns you are reheating and your desired level of crispiness.

If you are reheating frozen hash browns, it is best to cook them straight from frozen. Do not thaw them beforehand, as this will affect their structure. For frozen shredded hash browns, cook at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. For frozen hash brown patties, cook at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes.

If you are reheating hash browns that have already been cooked, set your air fryer to 370°F and cook for about 3-5 minutes. You can also reheat hash browns in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, but they may become a little mushy.

When reheating, ensure that your hash browns are in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. This will allow the air to circulate and ensure even cooking. You can also spritz them with a little oil to keep them from drying out.

Now you know the best way to reheat hash browns and ensure they stay crispy!

Frequently asked questions