Name: Air Fryer Hash Browns
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes; 2 tbsp bread crumbs; 2 tsp salt; 1/3 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/3 tsp paprika; 3 tbsp olive oil

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Air Fryer Hash Browns are this amazing breakfast dish that I make when we want something crispy and delicious. You can make them easily at home with just some basic ingredients like potatoes and spices. Why do I love this recipe? It has all the crunch we crave but uses less oil than traditional frying methods.

Then you get these golden, crispy patties that taste incredible. But the best part is how simple it is – even beginners can master this technique. Also, it takes less time than oven-baked versions, so we can enjoy them faster.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Hash Browns

These Air Fryer Hash Browns will become your new breakfast favorite for several reasons. First, they get incredibly crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. The air fryer creates that golden texture we all crave without using tons of oil. You can make them in just 15 minutes, which saves time during busy mornings.

Plus, they’re customizable – add your favorite spices or herbs to make them your own. They’re also healthier than deep-fried versions since they use minimal oil. Finally, you can prep them ahead and freeze them for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes
2 tbsp bread crumbs
2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/3 tsp paprika
3 tbsp olive oil

How To Make Air Fryer Hash Browns

Start by peeling your potatoes and grating them using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl filled with cold water. Rinse them thoroughly until the water runs clear – this removes excess starch.

Next, squeeze the grated potatoes to remove water and spread them on paper towels. Pat them dry to get out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy hash browns.

Transfer the dried potatoes to a clean bowl. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and drizzle with olive oil. Mix everything together until the seasonings coat the potatoes evenly.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a spoon, scoop the potato mixture and place it inside a round cookie cutter on the tray. Press down firmly to form compact patties. Remove the mold and repeat until all mixture is used.

Place the formed patties in the freezer for 20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Line the basket with parchment paper and brush with a little olive oil. Place the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer – don’t overcrowd them.

Cook for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

What To Serve With Hash Browns

Hash browns pair beautifully with classic breakfast foods. Try them alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a traditional morning meal. They also taste great with fried eggs – the runny yolk creates a delicious sauce when it mixes with the crispy potatoes.

For a lighter option, serve them with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Greek yogurt with herbs makes another healthy accompaniment. You can also add them to breakfast bowls with roasted vegetables and cheese.

Don’t forget about beverages – freshly brewed coffee or orange juice complement the rich, savory flavors. For weekend brunches, consider serving them with mimosas or bloody marys.

How to Store Air Fryer Hash Browns

Store leftover hash browns in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked hash browns for up to 2 months. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Reheat frozen hash browns directly in the air fryer – no need to thaw first.

You can also prepare the raw mixture ahead of time. Form the patties and freeze them before cooking. This way, you can make fresh Air Fryer Hash Browns whenever you want them.

Expert Tips For The Crispiest Hash Browns

The key to extra crispy hash browns lies in removing moisture. After grating the potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes. Then squeeze them in a clean kitchen towel to get out every drop of water you can.

Choose the right potato variety – russets work best because they have higher starch content. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties as they won’t get as crispy.

Don’t skip the freezing step before cooking. This helps the patties maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the air fryer. The cold temperature also helps create a better crust.

Use parchment paper in your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Just make sure it doesn’t block the air circulation. A light coating of oil spray also helps achieve golden browning.

What Kind of Air Fryer Should I Use?

Any standard air fryer will work for making these hash browns. Basket-style air fryers are ideal because they provide excellent air circulation around the patties. Look for models with at least a 3-quart capacity if you’re cooking for a family.

Convection-style air fryer ovens also work well and can handle larger batches. The key feature you want is adjustable temperature control and a timer. Most Air Fryer Hash Browns recipes work best at temperatures between 350-375°F.

If you have a smaller 2-quart air fryer, you’ll need to cook the hash browns in smaller batches. This actually can be an advantage since you won’t overcrowd the basket, leading to better results.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Hash Browns: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the potato mixture before forming patties. The cheese melts and creates delicious crispy edges.

Herb Hash Browns: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or dill. Dried herbs work too – just use 1 tablespoon instead.

Spicy Hash Browns: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works well.

Sweet Potato Hash Browns: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier twist. They get beautifully caramelized and slightly sweet.

Loaded Hash Browns: Top cooked hash browns with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onions. Return to air fryer for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these hash browns without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs if you don’t have them. The hash browns will still turn out crispy, though the breadcrumbs do help create extra texture and help bind the mixture together. You could substitute with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Why are my hash browns falling apart in the air fryer?
This usually happens when the potatoes aren’t dry enough or the mixture lacks binding ingredients. Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the grated potatoes and press the patties firmly when shaping. The freezing step also helps them hold together during cooking.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
While you can use frozen shredded hash browns, the texture won’t be quite the same. Thaw them completely first and squeeze out excess moisture. You may need to adjust the cooking time since frozen hash browns are already partially cooked.