Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of crispy, golden hash browns but want to skip the greasy frying pan, an air fryer is the perfect kitchen gadget for you. With its hot circulating air, an air fryer can mimic the deep-fried crunch without a ton of oil. In this article, we’ll show you the steps to make delicious fresh hash browns in an air fryer.
First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh potatoes, onion (optional), salt, pepper, and oil. Choose potatoes that are starchy, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, as they will give you the best texture. Peel and grate the potatoes, using a box grater or a food processor with a grating disc. If you like, you can also grate a small onion for extra flavor.
Once your potatoes are grated, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out the excess liquid. This step will help the hash browns become crispy in the air fryer. Then, transfer the grated potatoes to a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, brush the air fryer basket with a thin layer of oil to prevent the hash browns from sticking. Then, divide the grated potato mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even cooking.
Cook the hash browns in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your patties, so keep an eye on them. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, remove the hash browns from the air fryer and serve them hot.
Now that you know how to cook fresh hash browns in an air fryer, you can enjoy this classic breakfast dish with a healthier twist. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own unique variations. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, the air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to make perfect hash browns every time.
Preparation for Cooking Fresh Hash Browns
Before you can start cooking fresh hash browns in your air fryer, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure delicious and crispy hash browns:
1. Start by peeling and shredding the potatoes. Use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment to quickly and evenly shred the potatoes.
2. Once the potatoes are shredded, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water. This will help remove excess starch and prevent the potatoes from turning brown.
3. Let the shredded potatoes soak in the cold water for about 5 minutes. Then, drain the water and rinse the potatoes thoroughly to remove any remaining starch.
4. After rinsing, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the shredded potatoes. This step is crucial for achieving crispy hash browns in the air fryer.
5. Now, it’s time to season the hash browns. You can add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasoning of your choice. Toss the shredded potatoes in the seasoning until they are evenly coated.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
7. Once the air fryer is hot, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to prevent the hash browns from sticking.
8. Place the seasoned shredded potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
9. Cook the hash browns in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your hash browns and the crispiness you desire.
10. Once the hash browns are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Follow these preparation steps, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious and perfectly cooked hash browns in an air fryer.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you can start cooking fresh hash browns in an air fryer, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Potatoes
Choose medium to large-sized potatoes for the best results. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well for hash browns.
2. Onion (optional)
If you like the added flavor of onions, you can include a medium-sized onion in your ingredients. Finely chop it before using.
3. Cooking oil
You’ll need a neutral-flavored cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to coat the potatoes and prevent sticking.
4. Salt and pepper
Season your hash browns with salt and pepper to enhance their taste.
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking your fresh hash browns in an air fryer.
Peeling and Shredding Potatoes
Before you can cook fresh hash browns in an air fryer, you need to start by peeling and shredding the potatoes. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
When making hash browns, it’s important to choose the right potatoes. Look for potatoes that have a high starch content, such as Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These types of potatoes will give you the best texture and flavor for your hash browns.
2. Peel the Potatoes
Once you’ve selected your potatoes, it’s time to peel them. Start by washing the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin from the potatoes. Make sure to remove all of the skin to avoid any unwanted texture in your hash browns.
3. Shred the Potatoes
After peeling the potatoes, you’ll need to shred them into thin strips. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment to do this. Simply hold the potato and run it along the grater or through the shredding attachment until you have a pile of shredded potatoes. Alternatively, you can also use a mandoline slicer to achieve thin and uniform slices.
Make sure to work quickly once the potatoes are shredded to avoid any browning or discoloration. You can place the shredded potatoes in a bowl of cold water to keep them fresh until you’re ready to cook them.
Now that you have perfectly shredded potatoes, you’re ready to cook fresh hash browns in an air fryer!
Cooking Fresh Hash Browns in an Air Fryer
Hash browns are a delicious and versatile breakfast dish that can be made in many different ways. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to cook fresh hash browns is by using an air fryer. Air frying provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still achieving a crispy and golden-brown texture.
To begin, you will need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 small onion
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by peeling and grating the potatoes. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Grate the onion as well.
Once grated, place the potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure crispy hash browns.
Transfer the squeezed potatoes and onion to a mixing bowl. Add the vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Take a scoopful of the hash brown mixture and shape it into a patty. Place the patty in the air fryer basket and repeat with the remaining mixture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the hash browns in batches.
Cook the hash browns in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your hash browns. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the hash browns from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite breakfast sides like eggs, bacon, or toast.
Using an air fryer for cooking fresh hash browns is a quick and effortless way to enjoy a classic breakfast dish. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Plus, it’s a healthier option that still delivers the same delicious results.
So, the next time you’re craving hash browns, give your air fryer a try and enjoy a tasty and guilt-free breakfast!
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your fresh hash browns in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating allows the air fryer to reach the optimal cooking temperature, ensuring that your hash browns will be crispy and delicious.
Here’s how to preheat your air fryer:
1. Check the Manual
First, consult the manual that came with your air fryer to determine the recommended preheating temperature and time. Different models may vary, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Set the Temperature and Time
Next, turn on your air fryer and set the temperature and time according to the manual’s instructions. For hash browns, a temperature of around 400°F (200°C) is typically recommended. The preheating time can vary, but it is usually around 5 minutes.
Note: Some air fryers have a preheating function that you can select, which will automatically adjust the temperature and time settings for you. If your air fryer has this feature, follow the instructions provided.
3. Allow the Air Fryer to Preheat
Once you have set the temperature and time, allow the air fryer to preheat. This may take a few minutes depending on your model. The preheating process ensures that the cooking chamber reaches the desired temperature, creating the perfect environment for cooking your fresh hash browns.
Tip: While the air fryer is preheating, you can start preparing your fresh hash browns. This way, they’ll be ready to go as soon as the preheating process is complete.
By preheating your air fryer, you can ensure that your fresh hash browns will be cooked evenly and to perfection. This step takes just a few minutes but can make a big difference in the final result. Once the air fryer is preheated, you’re ready to start cooking your delicious hash browns!
Arranging Hash Browns in the Air Fryer
Once you have prepared your fresh hash browns, it’s time to arrange them in the air fryer for cooking. Properly arranging your hash browns will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
Here are the steps to arrange your hash browns in the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to the recommended cooking temperature.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
- Place the prepared hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are evenly spread out and not overlapping.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- If you have a large batch of hash browns, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Once the hash browns are arranged in the air fryer, close the lid or basket.
By following these steps, you will ensure that your hash browns cook evenly and become perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Enjoy your delicious homemade hash browns!
Cooking and Flipping Hash Browns
Once your air fryer is preheated and your hash browns are shaped and seasoned, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook and flip your hash browns in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the shaped hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between each hash brown to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the hash browns on one side for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the hash browns over. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.
- Cook the other side for an additional 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Monitor the cooking time closely as the exact cooking time may vary based on the size and thickness of your hash browns.
Once your hash browns are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve them hot and enjoy them as a delicious side dish or breakfast staple!
Questions and Answers
Can I use frozen hash browns in an air fryer?
No, you cannot use frozen hash browns in an air fryer to cook fresh hash browns. Frozen hash browns are pre-cooked and have a different texture than fresh ones. It is recommended to use freshly grated potatoes for the best results in an air fryer.
How long does it take to cook fresh hash browns in an air fryer?
The cooking time for fresh hash browns in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of your hash browns. On average, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook them until they are crispy and golden brown. However, it is always recommended to check on them a few times during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of crispiness.
