How long it takes: 25 minutes Equipment you’ll need: air fryer Servings: 4 These air fryer hash browns are absolute perfection, although it’s not really a surprise considering how fantastic the air fryer is for cooking potatoes (see these air fryer potato wedges and air fryer French fries for proof). Whether you like classic shredded hash browns or the ones that are cut into cubes, this recipe for air fryer hash browns will cook them up delightfully crispy, with far less oil than you’d use on the stovetop to get similar results. They’re great as is, but this recipe also works as a springboard for adding your own favorite seasonings, add-ins, and toppings!
The Easiest Hash Browns
No more sad hash browns. Making hash browns seems like it would be an easy thing to do but so often they end up sticking to the pan, over-saturated with oil, insufficiently crispy, or otherwise disappointing. The air fryer is the best way I’ve found to cook consistently perfect hash browns every time. We tested this recipe several times to make sure (and believe me, it wasn’t a hardship!). Easy from start to finish. You don’t have to thaw the hash browns before you get started, and making them in the air fryer means you don’t have a skillet or oil spatters on the stovetop to clean up afterwards. Makes enough hash browns for everyone. One of the things I find frustrating about cooking with the air fryer is the need to make everything in batches, especially when I’m feeding my whole family. You can cook a whole bag (up to 32 oz.) of frozen hash browns in an air fryer, so there’s no need to serve everyone in stages or have half of your meal cold by the time everyone sits down. On the flip side, you can easily cook a small amount, too, which is perfect if you’re cooking for one or two.
Ingredient Notes
Frozen shredded hash browns: I love that you can keep a big bag of frozen hash browns in the the freezer, ready for a quick side. Choose either the shredded potatoes or the cubed variety. You don’t have to thaw either type before cooking them. Olive oil: You’ll only need 2 tablespoons of heart-healthy olive oil. Another oil you like to use for cooking, like avocado oil, will also work. Salt and pepper: I use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optional seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs, or whatever you like with your hash browns. Potatoes go with just about anything!
How to Make Air Fryer Hash Browns
Season the hash browns. Toss the frozen potatoes with the oil and the seasonings you choose in a large bowl. You can add chopped onions, too, if you want. Make sure everything is well-distributed and all the potatoes are coated in oil. This is how they get crispy! Cook. You don’t need to preheat your air fryer. Simply spread the hash browns in an even layer in your air fryer basket. Cook them for 10 minutes at 380ºF. Flip. Use a spatula to flip the hash browns. Rearrange them so that the browner edges are near the center of the basket, to ensure that the potatoes brown evenly. Continue cooking. Air fry the hash browns for 10 minutes more, or until they are as brown and crisp as you like them. This can vary from person to person, so check them occasionally near the end of the cooking time. Plate the hash browns, or put them into a bowl to pass. Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
Add onions. Stir in ½ cup of finely diced onions with the rest of the ingredients. I love onions in my hash browns so I made sure that this recipe works well with onions, too. Add peppers. Add ½ cup of diced bell peppers to the potatoes. Make them cheesy. Sprinkle shredded cheddar (or whatever cheese you like) over the hash browns during the last few minutes of cooking. Double the amount. A half bag of hash browns (about 16 oz.) makes 4 servings, but if you want to make 8 servings, you can air fry an entire bag (32 oz.). Just double the rest of the ingredients and increase the cooking time to 25 minutes total. Use fresh potatoes. You can substitute fresh potatoes for the frozen if you’d like. I recommend soaking the shredded potatoes in ice water for 30 minutes, rinsing, then wringing them out in a cheesecloth or kitchen towel until no more liquid is released.
Serving Ideas
Hash browns are versatile because they’re potatoes, and potatoes go with almost anything. Often hash browns are served at breakfast, with eggs, toast, and bacon or sausage. Try serving hash browns as a side for lunch or dinner, with sandwiches or a simple meat entrée. Breakfast. Pair sweet pancakes with savory air fryer hash browns! These chocolate protein pancakes are my current favorite. Another sweet pairing I love is this stuffed French toast for holiday breakfasts. For an all-savory breakfast, try sheet pan eggs or my egg white frittata. Lunch/Dinner. Serve a side of air fryer hash browns with your favorite burger instead of fries. We love easy turkey burgers or black bean burgers. Crispy hash browns go well with broiled salmon, breaded pork chops, or easy chicken bites, too. Sauces. Some of us are purists who like hash browns just as they are. If you fall more into the “slather them with ketchup” camp, you may want to try some alternatives. We love this French fry dipping sauce with hash browns. BBQ sauce is good; for something a bit different, try ranch dressing or green goddess dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Air fryer hash browns are best enjoyed immediately, when they’re at their crispiest. If you do have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat: The best way to restore some of the original crispiness is to reheat these hash browns in the air fryer at 380ºF. In a pinch, you can use the microwave, but they’ll be much soggier. A nonstick skillet set over medium heat works too.
