Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to cook various dishes with less oil and in a shorter amount of time. One dish that you can easily recreate using an air fryer is hash brown potatoes. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these golden-brown delights are a favorite breakfast item for many. In this article, we will guide you on how to cook hash brown potatoes in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy delight with every bite.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For making hash brown potatoes in an air fryer, you will need:
– 4 medium potatoes (russet potatoes are recommended)
– 1 small onion
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your choice of seasoning such as paprika, garlic powder, or parsley
Prepare the Potatoes
Step 1: Peel and Grate the Potatoes
Begin by peeling the potatoes to remove the skin. Then, using a grater or a food processor with a grating attachment, grate the potatoes into long, thin strips. Grating the potatoes ensures that they cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
Step 2: Soak in Water
Once the potatoes are grated, transfer them to a bowl of cold water. Soaking the grated potatoes helps remove excess starch, which can cause them to stick together and become gummy when cooked. Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse them thoroughly.
Step 3: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture
Next, take handfuls of the grated potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture. Removing as much moisture as possible will aid in achieving crispy hash browns. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out the water.
Step 4: Dice the Onion
While the grated potatoes are draining, dice the small onion into small pieces. The diced onion will add flavor and texture to the hash brown potatoes.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is essential to ensure even cooking and crispy results. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the drained and squeezed grated potatoes, diced onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasoning of your choice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 3: Shape the Hash Browns
Take a handful of the seasoned potato mixture and shape it into a flattened patty. Repeat this process until you have used up all the potato mixture. The size of the hash brown patties can be adjusted according to your preference.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Carefully arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Cook the hash brown potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After the initial 10 minutes, flip the patties using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning on both sides. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the hash browns turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the hash brown potatoes are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve them immediately while they are still hot and crispy. Hash browns are commonly enjoyed for breakfast, served alongside eggs, bacon, or sausages. However, they can also be enjoyed as a side dish for lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfect Hash Brown Potatoes
– Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are commonly used for hash browns as they have a starchy texture that results in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
– Soak and rinse the grated potatoes: This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier hash browns.
– Squeeze out moisture: Removing excess moisture before cooking helps achieve crispy results.
– Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
– Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the hash brown patties in a single layer, allowing proper air circulation for an evenly cooked and crispy texture.
– Flip halfway through cooking: Flipping the hash browns halfway through ensures even browning on both sides.
– Add your favorite seasonings: Customize your hash brown potatoes by adding seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking hash brown potatoes in an air fryer is a simple and convenient way to achieve crispy, golden-brown results with less oil. By following the steps outlined in this article and considering the tips for perfect hash browns, you can create a delightful breakfast or side dish. Enjoy the delicious crunch and soft center of homemade air-fried hash brown potatoes!