Have you ever wanted to make crispy, delicious hash browns but didn’t want to deal with the mess and hassle of deep frying? Using an air fryer is a great alternative to frying up hash browns without all the oil.
The air fryer can produce tender hash browns on the inside with a crispy outer crust using just circular airflow and minimal oil.
If you have leftover or pre-shredded hash browns, you may be wondering if they will work in an air fryer.
The short answer is yes; you can absolutely put shredded hash browns in an air fryer! With just a few simple tips, you can make restaurant-quality crispy hash browns from the comfort of your own kitchen.
How to Cook Shredded Hash Browns in an Air Fryer
Cooking shredded hash browns in the air fryer is easy, but there are some things to keep in mind for the best results.
Choose the Right potatoes.
The type of potato you use for shredding makes a difference in the final texture. For light and crispy hash browns, russet potatoes are the best choice.
They have a fluffy texture that gets crispy edges in the air fryer. Other waxy potato varieties, like red or gold, may get too soft.
If you want to shred your own potatoes, be sure to rinse the shredded potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. This will help prevent them from sticking together when cooking. Pat the shredded potatoes thoroughly dry before air-frying.
Cut even-sized pieces.
Buy pre-shredded hash browns or use a grater or food processor to shred potatoes into uniformly thin pieces. Thinner shreds will get crispier than thick chunks. Try to shred them between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick for the best texture.
Even shredding is the key to even cooking and crisping. If some pieces are much thicker, they will undercook compared to thinner parts.
Use a Non-Stick coating.
To prevent sticking, it is crucial to coat the hash browns with a thin layer of oil. You can use cooking spray, brush with oil, or toss shredded potatoes with a teaspoon or two of oil.
This allows the potatoes to fry up crispy instead of baking into clumps.
For extra insurance against sticking, you can also use a parchment paper liner. Parchment can help evenly distribute heat and catch any drippings.
Air Fry at the Right Temperature
Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for crisping potatoes, between 370 and 400°F. Higher heat will make the outer edges crisper.
Cook shredded hash browns in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overstuffed air fryer baskets will steam instead of fry.
Flip Halfway Through
Set a timer and flip the hash browns halfway during cooking. This allows both sides to evenly crisp up.
Shaking the basket can also help redistribute hash browns for even browning.
Season Generously
Season shredded hash browns before and after cooking to infuse them with flavor. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, herbs, and chili powder all taste great on air-fried potatoes.
You can also top air-fried hash browns with sauces like ketchup or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Follow these tips for deliciously crispy and tender hash browns straight from your air fryer. Ditch the deep fryer; air-fried shredded potatoes are so easy and tasty!
Best Practices for Air Frying Hash Browns
Want your hash browns to come out perfect every time? Follow these best practices to take your air-fried shredded potatoes to the next level.
- Use an air fryer cooking basket or insert. The raised cage design helps air circulate for even cooking and crisping.
- Do not overfill the air fryer basket. Hash browns need room to breathe and cook properly.
- Preheat for at least 5 minutes before adding potatoes. Proper preheating gets the air fryer up to temperature.
- Spray the basket and potatoes with oil before cooking. A light coating prevents sticking and promotes browning.
- Cook at 370–400°F to achieve a crispy texture. Higher heat equals crunchier hash browns.
- Flip or shake halfway during cooking. This ensures that the potatoes brown evenly on all sides.
- Cook hash browns in batches for best results. Avoid crowding for optimal texture.
- Let hash browns rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. The residual heat finishes crisping them up.
Following these simple guidelines will take your air-fried shredded hash browns from soggy to sensationally crispy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Frying Hash Browns
Can you put frozen hash browns in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen shredded hash browns work great in the air fryer! Follow the package instructions and adjust the temperature and time as needed to reach your desired level of crispyness. Frozen hash browns may take a little longer since they need to defrost. Be sure to separate and flip them halfway for even cooking.
How long do you air fry frozen hash browns?
Frozen hash browns take about 15–20 minutes at 370°F in an air fryer. Start checking after 12 minutes. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy outside. Cook times can vary based on the amount and your preferred texture.
Do you have to flip hash browns in the air fryer?
It is recommended to flip or shake hash browns during air-frying to promote even browning on both sides. However, if your air fryer has a rotating basket, flipping is not necessary. The spinning action will expose all sides to the circulating hot air.
Can you put raw potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, it is possible to cook raw potato shreds in an air fryer. The raw potatoes must be thinly shredded, dried thoroughly, and tossed with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking. Cook at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust the time as needed for your preferred level of doneness.
How do you keep hash browns from sticking in an air fryer?
To prevent sticking, spray or brush the basket and potatoes lightly with oil before cooking. Use a sheet of parchment paper for easy release. Cut potatoes into even shreds, rinse to remove starch, and pat very dry before air-frying. Cook in batches to avoid crowding and at the right high temperature (370–400 °F) to crisp the outside quickly.
Can you put hash brown patties in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen hash brown patties or pressed cubes of shredded hash browns will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Brush both sides lightly with oil first. Cook frozen patties for 10–12 minutes per side at 370°F. Cook homemade patties for 8–10 minutes per side at 400°F until golden brown. Flip halfway during cooking to crisp both sides. Enjoy grease-free, crispy hash brown patties!
What is the healthiest way to make hash browns?
The healthiest way to prepare hash browns is to shred fresh potatoes, rinse to remove starch, pat very dry, then spray or brush lightly with avocado oil or olive oil before air-frying. Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying for a lighter option. Season with herbs, spices, or hot sauce instead of salt for more flavor without added sodium. For extra nutrition, try shredding cauliflower along with the potatoes.
In Summary
Air-fried shredded hash browns make for a quick and delicious breakfast side or snack. Almost any type of shredded potato can be cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer with just a little oil and the right techniques.
Uniform shreds, proper preheating, and batch cooking are key to getting them crispy outside and tender inside.
Feel free to season air-fried hash browns with your favorite herbs or spices. In just 10–15 minutes, you can enjoy guilt-free crispy hash browns from the comfort of your kitchen. Give this easy air fryer recipe a try soon!
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.