Hash Browns in Air Fryer: Quick & Crispy Recipe

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Are you looking for a quick and easy way to make crispy hash browns? Look no further than your air fryer! Making hash browns in air fryer is not only simple but also results in perfectly crispy potato treats every time. Plus, you’ll use less oil than traditional frying methods, making this a healthier option for breakfast or any meal of the day.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the best hash browns in air fryer from scratch, how to cook frozen hash browns, and share some tasty variations to try. Let’s get started on your air fryer hash brown adventure!

Why Air Fryer Hash Browns Are Amazing

Have you ever tried to make hash browns on the stove, only to end up with soggy potatoes that stick to the pan? Making hash browns in air fryer solves these common problems. First of all, the hot circulating air cooks the potatoes evenly on all sides. This means you get hash browns that are golden and crispy outside while staying tender inside.

Benefits of Cooking Hash Browns in Air Fryer

Using your air fryer for hash browns comes with many advantages:

Healthier option: You’ll use much less oil than pan-frying, but still get crispy results.
Even cooking: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking hash browns evenly without flipping.
Quick and easy: Hash browns in air fryer cook faster than in the oven.
Less mess: Say goodbye to oil splatters on your stovetop!

Perfect for Busy Mornings

On busy weekday mornings, the last thing you want is to spend lots of time cooking breakfast. Air fryer hash browns are ready in about 15 minutes, which means you can prepare other parts of your meal while they cook. Furthermore, kids love the crispy texture, making this a family-friendly breakfast option that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients for Homemade Hash Browns in Air Fryer

Making hash browns from scratch is easier than you might think. Here’s what you’ll need for basic homemade hash browns in air fryer:

Ingredients for homemade hash browns: russet potatoes, oil, salt, pepper, paprika, a grater, and a towel on a wooden surface

Russet potatoes
Olive oil or cooking spray
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder (optional)
Onion powder (optional)
Paprika (optional)

These simple ingredients create delicious, crispy hash browns that you can customize to your taste. The key is using the right kind of potatoes and preparing them properly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hash Browns in Air Fryer

Here’s a quick overview of how to make hash browns in your air fryer:

Shredded potatoes in a mixing bowl, with a hand squeezing moisture from them using a towel, surrounded by salt and pepper

Wash and peel potatoes
Grate the potatoes
Soak in cold water
Drain and dry thoroughly
Season the potatoes
Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes

This simple process yields crispy, golden hash browns that are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Remember that the full detailed recipe will be available through the recipe plugin.

Cooking Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer

Don’t have time to make hash browns from scratch? No problem! Frozen hash browns in air fryer are super convenient and still turn out wonderfully crispy.

How to Cook Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

Cooking frozen shredded hash browns in your air fryer is even easier than making them from scratch:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil
Add frozen shredded hash browns in a single layer
Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through

The result is perfectly crispy hash browns without the need for grating or soaking potatoes!

Cooking Frozen Hash Brown Patties

Frozen hash brown patties are another great option for the air fryer:

Preheat air fryer to 380°F
Place frozen hash brown patties in a single layer
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through

These come out golden and crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. They’re perfect for breakfast sandwiches or as a side dish.

Tips for Perfect Hash Browns in Air Fryer

Want to make sure your hash browns in air fryer turn out perfectly every time? Here are some helpful tips:

A golden hash brown patty on a white plate, with an air fryer on a modern kitchen counter

Getting the Crispiest Results

For extra crispy hash browns, try these tricks:

Dry thoroughly: After soaking and rinsing, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the potatoes by squeezing them in a clean kitchen towel.
Don’t overcrowd: Arrange hash browns in a single layer with some space between pieces so air can circulate.
Spray with oil: A light coating of oil helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture.
Shake or flip: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the hash browns for even browning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are some mistakes people often make when cooking hash browns in air fryer:

Skipping the soaking step: Soaking removes excess starch, which helps hash browns get crispier.
Too much oil: You only need a light spray – too much oil will make hash browns soggy.
Cooking at the wrong temperature: If your air fryer temperature is too low, hash browns will be soft; if too high, they might burn before cooking through.

Delicious Hash Browns in Air Fryer Variations

Once you’ve mastered basic hash browns, try these tasty variations:

Loaded Hash Browns

Add these ingredients to your basic hash browns before air frying:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions
Diced bell peppers

Or, switch things up and serve your hash browns with this crispy catfish in air fryer recipe for a classic Southern-inspired meal.

Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Switch regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and add:

A pinch of cinnamon
A touch of maple syrup
Chopped pecans (add after cooking)

Seasoning Ideas for Hash Browns

Try these seasoning combinations for different flavor profiles:

Southwest: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder
Italian: Dried oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan after cooking
Ranch style: Dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Hash Browns

Hash browns make a great side dish, but they can also be the star of the meal! For a protein-packed combo, serve them alongside this flavorful air fryer Italian sausage for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or dinner.

Breakfast Ideas

Serve your crispy hash browns in air fryer with:

Scrambled or fried eggs
Fresh fruit
Yogurt and granola
Vegetarian sausage

Hash Brown Breakfast Bowls

Create a delicious breakfast bowl with:

Hash browns as the base
Topped with scrambled eggs
Sliced avocado
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese

Hash Browns for Lunch or Dinner

Hash browns aren’t just for breakfast! Try them:

As a side dish with grilled chicken or this comforting chicken and gravy recipe
Topped with vegetarian chili and cheese
As a crunchy topping for casseroles
In place of french fries with sandwiches

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Hash Browns

Made too many hash browns? Here’s how to save them for later:

Refrigerating Leftover Hash Browns

Store leftover hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Freezing Homemade Hash Browns

You can make a big batch and freeze them for later:

Cook hash browns as directed
Let them cool completely
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour
Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months
Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F for 6-8 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions About Hash Browns in Air Fryer

Why are my potatoes not crispy in the air fryer?

If your hash browns aren’t crispy, there are a few possible reasons. First, you might not have dried the potatoes well enough after soaking them. Extra moisture prevents crispiness. Second, you might be overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange hash browns in a single layer with space between pieces so hot air can circulate around them. Lastly, your air fryer temperature might be too low. Try increasing it to 380°F for better results.

Why soak potatoes before air frying?

Soaking potatoes in cold water before air frying serves two important purposes. First, it removes excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which helps them get crispier when cooked. Second, it prevents the potatoes from turning brown (oxidizing) while you’re preparing them. For the best results, soak your grated potatoes for at least 15 minutes, then rinse and dry them thoroughly before air frying.

How long do you cook frozen hash browns for?

For frozen shredded hash browns, cook them in the air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your hash browns. Always check them a minute or two before the recommended time is up to avoid overcooking.

How long does it take to cook a frozen hash brown patty in the air fryer?

Frozen hash brown patties typically take 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 380°F. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. If you prefer them extra crispy, you might need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. The patties should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when they’re done.

How long do you cook hash browns in the air fryer?

For fresh, homemade hash browns, the cooking time is about 12-15 minutes at 380°F. Make sure to shake the basket or flip the hash browns halfway through cooking. If you’re making thicker hash browns, they might need a little more time. The best way to check is to look for a golden-brown color and crispy texture.