This post may contain affiliate links. By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.
Nothing says a budget-friendly breakfast like making Hash Browns in the Air Fryer from Scratch! These homemade hash browns are the best, crispy, golden brown hash browns that require just a few simple steps and 6 ingredients, including salt and pepper.
When I first started air frying hash browns, I was in love with these Frozen Hash Browns in the Air Fryer. They’re Trader Joe’s fried, golden brown patties that I can pop in the air fryer on busy mornings without any forethought. But as someone who’s always thinking about how I can make my favorite foods cheaper and healthier, I knew it was time to master homemade hash browns.
I’ve tried many hash brown recipes in the past, and was never happy with them. They were either too soggy, not brown or crispy at all, and just lackluster. I also found that they we’re impossible to keep from sticking without tons of oil.
But by using the brilliant air fryer, we’re surpassing all of those annoying problems and achieving extra crispy shredded hash browns with little effort. I’m happy to share that we’ve cracked the code on EASY, delicious hash browns and I’m adding it to my Favorite Potato Recipes as we speak!
Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Method
- It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying hash browns. The crispiest hash browns are traditionally deep fried, or in a frying pan with a significant amount of oil to make them golden and as crispy as possible. By using the air fryer, you can achieve an equally crispy hash brown, with significantly less oil! This makes them significantly lower in fat and much better for you.
- Faster than oven-baked hash browns. Air fryer hash browns are ready in about half of the amount of time compared to oven methods. With a little bit of prep work, it’s one of those easy breakfast recipes that you can actually see yourself making from scratch.
- Quick breakfast or delicious side dish for dinner. Hash browns are certainly an ideal breakfast side, but with its shorter cooking time, these hash browns also make a great, easy recipe for dinner. Instead of my 60-Minute Oven Roasted Potatoes, Instant Pot “Baked” Potatoes, or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, serve up this fast potato side.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: The best potatoes to use are russet potatoes. They have a drier, fluffier texture compared to more creamy, waxy potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes. This helps to make the outside of the potatoes as crispy as possible.
- Oil: I have made these potatoes using vegetable oil (canola oil), olive oil, and avocado oil. All work great. Coconut oil will also work fine, but I’d recommend using refined coconut oil, unless you don’t mind your potatoes having a hint of coconut.
- Seasonings: In order to keep these extra crispy hash browns as versatile and classic as possible, I season them with a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and black pepper. If you’re using kosher salt, increase the measurement to about 3/4-1 teaspoon salt.
How to Make Hash Browns in Air Fryer From Scratch
- Prep the potatoes. First, peel and grate the potatoes. Then, add the shredded potatoes to a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow the potatoes to soak for at least 10 minutes, ideally about 30 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. After 10-30 minutes, drain and rinse the potatoes well. This will help to remove the excess starches. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Pat the potatoes dry and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add seasonings. Season the potatoes with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Air fry. Transfer the potatoes into an air fryer basket, lightly pressing down until the potato shreds are flattened into an even, single layer. For extra crispy potatoes, lightly spray the top of the hash browns with a little cooking spray like Pam or olive oil spray. Air fry at 360F for 14-18 minutes, or until the homemade hash browns are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve. Enjoy these crispy air fryer hash browns while hot as as desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This hash brown recipe can served as a classic breakfast item, alongside eggs (try my silken tofu scrambled eggs or vegan tofu quiche!), bacon or sausage, toast, and fresh fruit.
You can also serve crispy air fryer hashbrowns as a dinner side alongside meatloaf, bean chili, lentil sloppy joes, jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches or any cozy soup recipe you’d otherwise serve with a slice of crusty bread or french fries!
Or, make the hashbrown potatoes the star of the show, and enjoy with a dipping sauce, or loaded with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, hot sauce, guacamole, and more!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Fresh hash browns are best when served immediately while hot and crispy, but if you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight storage container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360F for about 5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.
If you would like to freeze these hash browns, let them cool completely, then transfer them to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. For convenient storing, I’d recommend breaking the hash browns into single servings. Place the potatoes in the freezer and flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until frozen solid. Transfer to a freezer safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat directly from frozen at 360F for 5-8 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.
Recipe FAQs
Can I skip soaking the potatoes?
If you’re a kitchen rebel like me, you might be thinking, do I really have to soak the potatoes. And the short answer is yes. Soaking potatoes helps to remove the excess starch. Without this step, the fresh potatoes will be sticky, gummy, and won’t be nearly as crispy. If you want good homemade hash browns, you must soak them, so plan accordingly!
Can I use this air fryer hash browns recipe with sweet potatoes?
I have not personally tested it, but it should work. For best results, still follow the recipe – peel, shred, soak, season, air fry.
What should I use the grate the potatoes?
I typically use a box grater (some call this a cheese grater) on the largest grating side. If you do not have a box grater, you can also shred fresh potatoes using a large cup food processor fitter with the grating disk.
What air fryer do you use?
I own and recommend the Cosori 5.8 qt Air Fryer. I originally purchased it from Amazon and have used it almost every single day since receiving it.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
I have not personally tried it, as I have only made this recipe with fresh potatoes. If you give it a try and have success, please leave a comment down below!
How to Find the Cheapest Potatoes
- Buy in bulk. 10 pound bags of potatoes are almost always cheaper than buying single potatoes. They also keep well for months when stored in a cool, dry place, so you don’t need to worry about food waste. Potatoes are one of my favorite pantry staples for a reason!
- Shop the weekly ads. Every week on Wednesdays, (most) grocery stores release their weekly ad. As someone who loves saving money on groceries, I’ve made it a habit to always check the ad before shopping. Most weeks, I find deals on potatoes this way (often 10 pound bags for $2.99).
- Check your discount grocery stores. No deals on potatoes in the weekly ad? Check your discount grocery store. Even when there are no good deals, I can find a good discount at Grocery Outlet.
Homemade Hash Browns in Air Fryer from Scratch
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds russet potatoes about 2 medium-sized potatoes ($0.60)
- 2 tablespoons oil ($0.06)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt ($0.01)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder ($0.06)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder ($0.03)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ($0.01)
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes. First, peel and grate the potatoes. Then, add the shredded potatoes to a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow the potatoes to soak for at least 10 minutes, ideally about 30 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. After 10-30 minutes, drain and rinse the potatoes well. This will help to remove the excess starches. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean lint-free kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Pat the potatoes dry and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add seasonings. Season the potatoes with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Air fry. Transfer the potatoes into an air fryer basket, lightly pressing down until the potato shreds are flattened into an even, single layer. For extra crispy potatoes, lightly spray the top of the hash browns with a little cooking spray like Pam or olive oil spray. Air fry at 360F for 14-18 minutes, or until the homemade hash browns are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve. Enjoy these crispy air fryer hash browns while hot as as desired. Enjoy!
- Seasonings: Change up the seasonings, as desired!
Notes
- Storage instructions: Leftovers will keep in an airtight storage container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360F for about 5 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.
- Freezing instructions: Place the air fried potatoes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Break into individual servings, if desired. Flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until frozen solid. Transfer to a freezer safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 360F for 5-8 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: The Nutritional Information provided for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the facts listed is not and cannot be guaranteed.
Did You Love This Recipe?
Rate the recipe here and make sure to leave a comment below!
Free ebook
Wallet-Friendly Recipes & Smart Shopping Tips in Your Inbox
Plus get a free cookbook with 12 Dirt Cheap Dinner Ideas that’ll cost you $2 or less per serving.
