Craving crispy and delicious hash browns without the excess oil? Air fryer hash browns are a healthier and faster alternative to frying them in a pan, and they still come out golden and crunchy! Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast side or a snack, air fryer hash browns are the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have hot and crispy hash browns ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients List
Before we begin, let me share what you’ll need for this simple and tasty recipe. It’s likely already on hand in your kitchen!
- 2 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped chives for garnish (optional)
These basic ingredients come together to create hash browns that are savory, full of flavor, and perfectly crispy on the outside with a soft center. The best part? You hardly need any oil, thanks to the magic of air frying.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make your air fryer hash browns, you don’t need many tools, which makes this recipe super convenient. Let’s keep it simple:
- Air Fryer : The star of this recipe, your air fryer will give you those perfect crispy edges on your hash browns without the need to pan-fry.
- Mixing Bowl : You’ll need a large bowl to combine the hash browns with the seasoning and oil.
- Tongs or Spatula : These will come in handy for tossing and removing the hash browns from the air fryer basket.
- Measuring Spoons : To precisely measure your seasonings and oil.
- Kitchen Scissors (optional) : If you’re using frozen hash browns and need to portion them.
Once you have these tools ready, you’re all set! The air fryer does most of the work, so you can relax and wait for that crispy goodness. Now, onto preparing the hash browns!
Instructions: Preparing and Cooking Air Fryer Hash Browns
Now let’s dive into the steps to make your air fryer hash browns. The process is super simple and quick, just as a good hash brown recipe should be!
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing your large mixing bowl. Add the frozen shredded hash browns , salt , pepper , olive oil , and garlic powder . Use a spoon or tongs to gently mix everything together. The olive oil helps give the hash browns that necessary crispiness, while the garlic powder adds a subtle kick of flavor. Keep stirring until the hash browns are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 2: Preheat and Cook at 370°F
Next, place the seasoned hash browns in the air fryer basket. Spread them out to form an even layer—this will ensure they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and cook for 5 minutes . This first round of cooking helps soften the hash browns and gets them on their way to becoming golden perfection.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to cook in smaller portions to achieve maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Shake and Increase Heat
After the first 5 minutes, open up the air fryer and give the basket a good shake. This helps move the hash browns around and ensures they cook evenly. Now, increase the heat to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes . This final burst of heat will give your hash browns the extra crunch we all love. Feel free to check the level of crispiness at about 4 minutes, and adjust the time depending on how golden you like them.
Serving and Garnishing
Once your hash browns have reached the perfect level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Transfer them to a serving plate, and now it’s time to elevate them with a simple yet flavorful garnish!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top your freshly cooked hash browns with some chopped chives . Not only do chives add a pop of color, but they also provide a subtle oniony flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy garlic-seasoned hash browns.
You can serve these hash browns as a side with your favorite breakfast items, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, or avocado toast. They’re also great alongside burgers or sandwiches as a quick snack! Not only are they versatile, but they’re also guilt-free thanks to the minimal use of oil.
Storage Tips
If you end up with leftovers (though I doubt you will!), you can store your air fryer hash browns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to bring back their crispiness.
If you’re meal prepping, you can also freeze the cooked hash browns. Simply place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. To reheat, pop them straight from the freezer into the air fryer at 400°F for about 4-5 minutes until crispy again.
Conclusion
Air fryer hash browns are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. With just a few ingredients, minimal oil, and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have crispy, golden perfection in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re craving a classic breakfast side or a crispy snack, this easy recipe has you covered. Enjoy them fresh and hot, and don’t forget to experiment with your own seasonings and toppings!