Crispy Air Fryer Hash Browns: The Ultimate Breakfast Hack

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Air fryer hashbrowns are the crispiest, most golden-brown hashbrowns you can make without the hassle of grating potatoes at 7 a.m.! Your air fryer can turn frozen shredded hashbrowns into perfectly crispy potatoes that’ll have everyone rushing to the table.

A plate with crispy hash browns and fried eggs, accompanied by small bowls of salsa and chopped herbs in the background.

Making crispy hash browns just got so much easier! As someone always looking for shortcuts in the kitchen, I’m excited to share how to make frozen hash browns that are better than any restaurant version, with edges so crispy they crackle when you cut into them!

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If you’re tired of soggy hash browns or spending way too much time standing over a skillet, this method is going to be a game-changer. In just 12 minutes, you’ll have golden-brown, crispy hash browns that rival your favorite diner’s – without all the oil and mess of pan-frying.

What I love about these air-fried hashbrowns is their versatility. They’re not just for breakfast—we’ve topped them with chili for dinner, used them as a crunchy base for fried eggs at brunch, and even turned them into mini potato pancakes that my picky eater actually requests. You’ll get consistently crispy results every time.

Let me show you how to turn a bag of frozen hashbrowns into the crispiest potatoes you’ve ever made at home. I’ll show you the simple steps to cook frozen hash browns in your air fryer, share my best tips, and suggest some delicious ways to serve them.

Looking for more breakfast recipes? Try air fryer Scotch eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, or air fryer bagels.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.

🥘Ingredient Notes

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

  • Frozen Shredded Hash Browns 
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
Frozen shredded hash browns, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder in small bowls, and a dish of olive oil on a marble surface.

🥣How to Make Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 3 minutes.
  2. Place the shredded hash browns in a mixing bowl. Add your seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) and drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together until well coated.
  3. Arrange your hash browns in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—this is the secret to getting them nice and crispy! Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to work in batches.
  4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. 
  5. Check for your desired level of crispiness. My family likes them extra crispy, so I usually go for the full 20 minutes. You might prefer them less crispy, and that’s totally fine!
  6. Serve while they’re hot and at their crispiest.
Shredded raw potatoes arranged in a single layer in a dark-colored rectangular container.
Season the hash browns.
Golden brown hash browns cooking in a square gray air fryer basket.
Cook for 15-20 minutes.

🍴Serving Ideas

One of my favorite things about hash browns is how versatile they are! I love serving these crispy potatoes as part of a complete breakfast spread, but they’re honestly perfect any time of day. Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy them.

For Breakfast:

  • Top with a perfectly runny fried egg and serve with crispy bacon
  • Add them to breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs and cheese
  • Serve alongside fluffy pancakes or French toast for the ultimate weekend brunch

Loaded Hash Browns:

My kids go crazy for “loaded” hash browns – it’s such a fun way to dress them up! Try topping them with:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon
  • Sour cream and chopped green onions
  • Diced tomatoes and avocado

I sometimes use these as a base for a quick weeknight dinner for creative main dishes. Try topping them with chili and cheese, or use them as a crispy base for taco toppings.

Fork holding crispy, golden-brown hash browns garnished with herbs over a white plate with more hash browns and a hint of fried egg.

💭How to Store

While these hash browns are best served fresh and hot from the air fryer, I know life happens, and sometimes you need to save leftovers. Place them in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5-8 minutes, and they’ll crisp right back up. Don’t use the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.

A plate with crispy hash browns and fried eggs, garnished with herbs. A small bowl of red sauce sits in the background.

⭐Tips & Tricks

Be sure to check out the step by step instructions

  • Always preheat your air fryer! Just 3-5 minutes of preheating makes a huge difference in how evenly your hash browns cook.
  • Don’t thaw the hash browns before air frying.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cramming too many in the basket is a recipe for disappointment. If you need to cook more, make multiple batches.
  • Frozen hash browns can be a bit bland on their own. I’ve found that seasoning them well before cooking makes all the difference. I like to go heavy on garlic powder and pepper.
  • A light coating of oil makes them crispier, but you don’t need to drown them.

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A white plate with hash browns and two fried eggs, with a fork resting on the side.
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Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer Recipe

Published By Anne
Learn how to make the crispiest, most golden-brown hash browns using your air fryer and frozen shredded potatoes. This quick and easy recipe yields restaurant-quality results in just 12 minutes, without the mess and oil of pan-frying.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients
 

  • 16 ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 3 minutes.
  • Add your frozen hashbrowns to a mixing bowl and sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over them. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference.
    16 ounces frozen shredded hashbrowns, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Drizzle olive oil over the hash browns and toss them until they are evenly coated.
    2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Spread the shredded hash browns in a thin, even layer in the air fryer basket. If you are using a small air fryer, work in batches.
  • Air fry at 360 degrees F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway to prevent sticking. Cook them until they brown and have crisp edges.
  • Enjoy your air fryer hashbrowns immediately as the perfect side dish or a quick breakfast with a fried egg or fresh fruit.

Notes

  • Always preheat your air fryer! Just 3-5 minutes of preheating makes a huge difference in how evenly your hash browns cook.
  • Don’t thaw the hash browns before air frying.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cramming too many in the basket is a recipe for disappointment. If you need to cook more, make multiple batches.
  • Frozen hash browns can be a bit bland on their own. I’ve found that seasoning them well before cooking makes all the difference. I like to go heavy on garlic powder and pepper.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 607mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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Plate of crispy hash browns on a table with a bowl of ketchup, a bowl of chopped greens, salt and pepper shakers, and a fork and knife on a checkered napkin.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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