Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer – quick and crispy perfection
Easiest recipe ever – frozen hash browns in air fryer is a no-brainer for a quick breakfast or even an easy side for dinner. With 4 kids constantly on the go, I need fast and filling meals and I’ve been using our air fryer a ton for that.
You can use the hash browns you prefer but I like patties lately and grabbed a pack of 20 in the frozen section.
I try to shop at Aldi whenever possible because it’s so much less expensive than other places and they have a decent organic section.
I even bought a work dress at Aldi the other day for $3 and some leopard shoes for my daughter for $8. I’ll post pics of those later as I’m sure you’re here for the hashbrowns and not my fashion pics.
Why cook frozen hash browns in air fryer?
Seriously crispy
There are several options when it comes to cooking frozen hash browns, the air fryer is the best in my opinion because they come out perfectly crispy with no effort on your part. The potato is still fluffy on the inside and nice and golden on the outside.
Seriously Easy
There is no skill whatsoever involved here and there’s practically no way to screw it up. Even if you’re a nightmare in the kitchen and can’t boil an egg, the air fryer is so simple to use.
Seriously Quick
The air fryer is faster than an oven in general. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook your frozen hash brown patty so there’s no excuse for a warm breakfast or dinner side the kids will actually eat.
I’ve cooked frozen hashbrowns in the crock pot before for work potlucks and it takes forever!!! I won’t be doing that again as it literally takes hours.
Seriously better than traditional frying
Traditional frying usually requires lots of extra oils to achieve the desired crispiness. With the air fryer you’re getting all of that crispiness from …. wait for it…. the air.
Seriously not expensive
Potatoes in general are pretty budget-friendly but frozen hash browns – especially the patties – are next level. I get mine at Aldi and it’s one of the cheapest sides I’ve come across at $6.05 for a pack of 20.
What you’ll need to air fryer your hash browns
Are you ready for this? Literally, it’s just two things. You won’t even need to write this down.
Hashbrowns
Air fryer
That’s it.
I told you you didn’t even need to write it down.
Step-by-Step guide to cooking your hash brown patties
This is just as simple as listing the above ingredients.
You can choose to preheat your air fryer if you prefer or you don’t have to. I’ve used a number of different types of air fryers, but the one I use now is built into my oven. So I usually do preheat it, just because I like to. I preheat mine to 400 degrees.
Place hashbrowns in an air fryer basket. Some users prefer thawing the hashbrowns slightly before cooking but I throw mine in fully frozen. You don’t have to spray the basket with oil if you don’t want to because the hashbrowns have some oil already in them.
Make sure not to overlap or even have them touching as the areas where they’re touching won’t crisp up as well.
Cook at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes or until desired crispiness. Some people like to flip their patties halfway through cooking but I never do. Check to make sure you’ve achieved your desired crispiness and enjoy!
Serving suggestions
This is great as a fast breakfast or brunch option or it can be an easy side for a healthy dinner.
Classic Breakfast Plate:
Serve air fryer hash browns alongside eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached), bacon or sausage, and toast for a hearty and traditional breakfast.
Hash Brown Benedict:
Swap out the English muffin in a traditional Eggs Benedict with some cooked frozen hash brown patties. I found a yummy recipe for hash brown benedict from Tasty and can’t wait to try it.
Top with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and fresh herbs for an elegant brunch dish.
Breakfast Burrito or Wrap:
Fill a tortilla with scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, avocado, and air fryer hash browns for a satisfying breakfast on the go.
I feel like the potatoes in the wrap make it extra filling.
Hash Brown Casserole:
Layer air fryer hash browns in a baking dish with cheese, diced ham or bacon, and beaten eggs. Bake until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted for a delicious breakfast or brunch casserole.
Hash Brown Breakfast Skillet:
Cook up some diced bell peppers, onions, and sausage in a skillet, then add air fryer hash browns and top with eggs. Cook until the eggs are set for a one-pan breakfast masterpiece.
This would be delicious alongside some fresh fruit.
Hash browns with Tilapia
For dinner, I always like to serve something hearty alongside a flaky whitefish. I want a side dish that is filling to pair with it. Air fryer hashbrown alongside healthy tilapia cooked in the air fryer makes for a balanced and delicious supper the kids will actually eat.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
Can I cook frozen hashbrowns in the air fryer without thawing?
Yes, you can cook frozen hash browns directly in the air fryer without thawing. However, thawing them slightly can help ensure more even cooking and crispiness.
What temperature and cooking time should I use for frozen hashbrowns in the air fryer?
Generally, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (190°C) and cook frozen hash browns for less than 10 minutes. Some users like to flip halfway through for even crispiness but I never flip mine.
Adjust the time and temperature based on your air fryer model and personal preferences.
Do I need to use oil when cooking frozen hashbrowns in the air fryer?
While you can use a small amount of oil or cooking spray to enhance crispiness, it’s not always necessary in an air fryer due to its ability to crisp foods with circulated hot air.
How do I keep my frozen hashbrowns from sticking to the air fryer basket?
If you’re worried about the hash browns sticking, you could lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray before adding your patties. I never do this step though and mine come out great and don’t stick. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket to encourage proper airflow.
Why are my frozen hashbrowns not getting crispy in the air fryer?
Several factors could affect the crispiness of your hash browns, including not preheating the air fryer, overcrowding the basket, or not flipping the hash browns halfway through the cooking time. Adjusting these factors can help achieve crispier results.
Can I season my frozen hashbrowns before cooking them in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Seasoning your frozen hash browns with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder or any other preferred seasonings before cooking can enhance their flavor.
Or just sprinkle salt and call it a day.
Are there different types of frozen hashbrowns that work better in the air fryer?
While most types of frozen hash browns can be cooked in the air fryer, shredded hash browns tend to work best due to their thin, uniform shape. However, you can experiment with different shapes and varieties to find your preferred texture and taste.
I’m a big fan of the patties because they’re so easy to work with.
Can I cook homemade hash browns in the air fryer using fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can make homemade hash browns using fresh potatoes in the air fryer. It’s just a little big more work.
Shred or grate the potatoes, season them to your liking, and follow similar cooking instructions as you would with frozen hash browns, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Just throw your shredded hash browns in the basket and cook.
Storage Instructions
I doubt you’ll have many leftover hash browns. If you do, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. I usually put them in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
I prefer a glass container so I can pop it in the microwave to reheat or you can always easily reheat them in the air fryer to ensure extra crispy hash browns.
Conclusion
Let me know what you think of this or if there are any other delicious air fryer recipes you just love that I should try. I’m always down to experiment with fun new cooking options – especially if they’re easy!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
