Air-Fryer Hash Browns

Create roadside diner vibes at home with these Air-Fryer Hash Browns!

Hash browns are a practical staple for my weekend breakfasts. They’re the perfect comfort food and so easy to make. But wow, all that oil—it’s not the healthiest side to my scrambled eggs, is it? So, I’d like to tip my hat to the person who invented the air fryer (that would be Dutch engineer Fred van der Weij). Thanks to this wonderful appliance, my air-fryer hash browns satisfy my craving, minus all that grease.

Air-fryer hash browns create the crispy texture I adore, but with significantly less oil. You’ll still get that crunchy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft underside of the shredded potatoes. Sometimes, grinding some sea salt or Himalayan pink salt on these finished hash browns hits just right. But when I want something different, I trade the salt for garlic or onion powder (or both!), and it’s oh-so-delicious.

With only four ingredients and a cook time of under 10 minutes, this is quite an easy recipe. It’s even fast enough for a weekday breakfast before school or work!

Are Air-Fryer Hash Browns Healthy?

Air-fryer hash browns are a healthier take on the deep-fried variety you find at your local greasy spoon. There is significantly less oil, which translates to less fat and calories. Potatoes have a healthy dose of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and antioxidants. If you want to turn the metaphorical health dial up a notch, try the same recipe but with sweet potatoes, which are even higher in vitamin A. You may have to adjust the cook times, but I’d wager that it would be a sweet and nutritious twist to this simple recipe. Either way, this recipe is vegan and gluten-free! I’d highly recommend pairing your hash browns with a protein like eggs or sliced avocado. If I try to eat solely hash browns for breakfast, my stomach will start growling a few hours later.

The Key To Perfect Air-Fryer Hash Browns

The secret to the perfectly crispy air-fryer hash browns depends on the right amount of oil and your cooking technique. You don’t need a lot of oil for this recipe—too much will ruin it. But the right amount ensures the hash browns get that golden, crispy exterior we all love. 

Regarding your cooking technique, remember to cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You need that hot air to circulate so that the hash browns cook evenly; simple steps like shaking the basket halfway through also help. I should also mention that the cooking times and even the amount of oil may vary depending on the thickness of your hash browns. So please keep a watchful eye on them while they cook.

Serving Suggestions

Any breakfast food goes well with hash browns. If you don’t want much fuss, just make yourself some Perfect Sunny Side-Up Eggs or basted eggs with a side of bacon. That air fryer is still nice and hot, so you might as well throw in some turkey bacon or pork bacon if you prefer. For the gluten-free connoisseurs, try these Blueberry Gluten-Free Greek Yogurt Waffles. They’re healthy, tasty, and surprisingly fluffy considering that they’re made without gluten!

Recipe