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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch [Oil Free Option]

    Published: Aug 1, 2020 · Modified: Aug 24, 2020 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

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    Air Fryer Hash Browns PIN

    Ready for the crispiest, crunchiest hash browns ever?? These air fryer hash browns are made from scratch with just 3 ingredients plus an optional fourth and make a perfect addition to your brunch or breakfast.

    plate of hash browns with tray of fruit beside it and plate of muffins above

    Do you have an air fryer? Are you loving it?

    You’re going to LOVE these air fryer hash browns! Just like my Buffalo cauliflower and air fryer carrots, these bad boys are flavour packed, crispy and delicious!

    Pair them with fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit and all your favourites for the ultimate breakfast!

    I’m sure we’ve all had deep fried hash browns at some point in our lives right?

    Now you can have ALL that crispiness and deliciousness with FAR less oil, and I even have an oil free option for you too.

    piece of hash brown being held up with hand above the plate of hash browns below

    How to make them

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Gather your ingredients. All you need is potatoes, salt, a little oil (or see my oil free option in the notes at the bottom) and onion powder, if you’d like.

    potatoes, oil, onion powder and salt on white deck with potato peeler beside them

    You may peel the potatoes or leave the peel on, just scrub well first.

    Then shred your potatoes using a box shredder into a plate, cutting board, or directly into a large mixing bowl to save an extra dish to wash. (photo 1)

    Next, you’ll cover the potato shreds in cold water, give it a stir and let them sit for about 20 minutes. Then drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. (photos 2-3)

    NOTE: This process removes the starch, resulting in crispy air fryer hash browns later, so do not skip.

    collage of images of shredding potatoes with box grater, and then soaking and rinsing the potato shreds

    Now dry your potato shreds using a clean dish towel or paper towels. Lay them out and press and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. (photos 4-5)

    Return the DRY potato shreds to your mixing bowl (but wipe the bowl dry first!). Add your seasoning and the oil, if using, and mix well. Then transfer the shreds to your basket. (photos 6-7)

    collage of images of shredded potatoes laid out on a dish towel, then in bowl with seasoning.

    Spread the shreds into an even layer and try not to leave any thicker areas or those spots won’t crisp up as much. Then cook until golden and crispy, (approx 20 minutes in an 8qt Ninja Foodi) no need to flip. (photos 8-9)

    shredded potatoes in a layer inside ninja foodi basket before and after cooking

    Once golden and desired level of crispiness is reached, carefully remove the hash brown from your basket.

    Use a silicone spatula to gently separate the edges if needed, and then lift it out. Enjoy with all your favourite breakfast foods or as a side dish.

    large round hash browns in plate with air fryer in the background and fruit scattered around

    Break off pieces or use a pizza slicer to cut into cleaner, cut wedges, if preferred.

    One round hash brown easily serves 2 with a generous portion or you may cut into 4 triangular slices.

    I kind of like this messy look!

    hand holding up hash brown wedge with air fryer and fruit in the background

    What kind of air fryer should I use?

    I’m using an 8qt Ninja Foodi and my hash brown is crispy at the 18-20 minute mark.

    If you’re using a smaller air fryer basket, they will cook faster. Start checking around the 12-15 minute mark and cook until desired crispiness is reached.

    For smaller models you may need to work in two batches.

    What substitutions can I make?

    If using the optional onion powder in your air fryer hash brows, you’ll have onion flavour of course. If onion is not your thing, feel free to omit it.

    Or you may sub the onion powder for another flavour, if preferred.

    For spicy hash browns, use ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

    For smoky hash browns, add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.

    *If you’re avoiding oil and using a non stick basket, this recipe also works without the oil. I tried it in my Ninja Foodi and it does not stick. Use a silicone spatula to gently separate the edges and it will remove easily. Please note that it will be slightly less crispy this way.

    Expert Tips for the Crispiest Hash Browns

    1. Don’t skip the soaking. Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove the starch which will result in crispier potatoes. So make sure to soak for 20 minutes and also rinse them afterward.
    2. Dry them very well! Again, for maximum crispiness, make sure the potato shreds are dried well. Use a clean dish towel to squeeze out the liquid.
    3. Spread the potatoes in an even layer to get them evenly crisped. Thicker spots may not crisp up as much.

    More Awesome Vegan Breakfast Recipes

    • Healthy Blueberry Pancakes
    • Eggless Frittata Muffins
    • Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
    • Banana Walnut Smoothie

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    plate with large hash browns and fruit scattered around the dish

    Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch [Oil Free Option]

    Ready for the crispiest, crunchiest hash browns?? Made from scratch using your air fryer with just 3 ingredients for the BEST hash brown patties ever!
    4.96 from 42 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 2 Servings
    Calories: 270kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.
    Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb yellow potatoes approx 2 medium potatoes
    • 1.5 tablespoon avocado oil or cooking oil of choice *see notes for oil free option
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Fill a large bowl with cold water and peel your potatoes. (Or scrub them if you wish to leave the peel on.)
    • Then using a box grater, shred your potatoes into the bowl of water. Give them a quick stir and let them sit for 20 minutes. Now drain into a colander and rinse very well with cold water.
    • Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean dish towel or paper towels and squeeze or press them dry. You want them as dry as possible for the crispiest hash browns.
    • Now add the potatoes back to the same bowl (wipe it dry first) and add the oil (if using) and the seasoning. Mix well.
    • Grease or spray your basket (if needed) and place the seasoned potatoes inside. Use a silicone spatula to spread and press the shreds into an even layer and cook at 370 degrees for 12-18 minutes, until golden. No need to flip! Enjoy!

    Notes

    Don’t skip the soaking. Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove the starch which will result in crispier potatoes. So make sure to soak for 20 minutes and also rinse them afterward.
    Dry them very well! Again, for maximum crispiness, make sure the potato shreds are dried well. Use a clean dish towel to squeeze out the liquid.
    Spread the potatoes in an even layer to get them evenly crisped. Thicker spots may not crisp up as much.
    I’m using an 8qt Ninja Foodi and my hash brown is crispy at the 18-20 minute mark. If you’re using a smaller air fryer basket, it may cook faster. Start checking around the 10-15 minute mark and cook until desired crispiness is reached.
    For smaller air fryer’s you may need to work in two batches.
    For spicy hash browns, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
    For smoky hash browns, add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
    *If you’re avoiding oil and using a non stick air fryer, this recipe also works without the oil. I tried it in my Ninja Foodi and it does not stick. Use a silicone spatula to gently separate the edges and it will remove easily. Please note that it will be slightly less crispy this way.
    This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten free, soy free, nut free and free from all common allergens.
    ***EDIT Feb 28/2021 – Lowered temperature from 400 degrees to 370 degrees F. Some users were experiencing cooking too quickly. This will vary according to your fryer model. If you’ve previously made this at 400 degrees with no trouble, you may continue to do so.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 955mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.

    7.7K shares

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    1. Vaughn

      August 21, 2022 at 12:48 am

      5 stars
      Recipe was just fine. I somehow managed to turn my hashbrowns into shoestring potatoes which would be would be a great topping. My shredded potato soaked for probably 20 hours due to other distractions. So I think that I got too much of the starch out of them so they didn’t hold together. I’m using a two drawer ninja and accidentally started it off on bake instead of air fry. I’ll do it again, thank you!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        August 21, 2022 at 8:03 am

        Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed it despite the distractions. 🙂

        Reply
    2. NIta

      July 18, 2022 at 5:34 pm

      Hi – have you tried making these with the pre-packaged Simply Potatoes Hash Browns? Hoping it works!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        July 19, 2022 at 9:12 am

        I haven’t tried that, please let us know how it goes if you give that a try.

        Reply
    3. Cathy

      June 18, 2022 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      Light and delicious!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        June 18, 2022 at 3:29 pm

        Thrilled you enjoyed!

        Reply
    4. Tina

      December 30, 2021 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      This was good. Make sure to do an even layer in your Airfryer.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        January 01, 2022 at 9:38 am

        Glad you enjoyed Tina!

        Reply
    5. Sandy

      December 12, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      Made 2 of these air fryer hash browns for dinner for me and my husband and they were gone in about 2 minutes flat!! I think I’ll need to make a big batch next time. Great recipe! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        December 13, 2021 at 9:07 am

        That’s awesome! So glad you both enjoyed Sandy! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Nick

      November 06, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      5 stars
      Yum

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 09, 2021 at 4:45 pm

        Glad you enjoyed 🙂

        Reply
    7. Carol

      October 04, 2021 at 9:50 am

      5 stars
      Made these over the weekend so delicious and crunchy! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 04, 2021 at 12:49 pm

        Yay! So glad you enjoyed Carol. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Betty

      October 03, 2021 at 4:43 pm

      Can you use a air fryer with shelves? If so would you use parchment paper under the hash briwns?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 04, 2021 at 8:52 am

        I haven’t tried that, but I’ve had other readers do so with success. Parchment paper isn’t needed if you have tightly woven shelves. If the holes are too big, then use parchment paper, but you’ll likely need to flip the hash browns for even heat distribution. Enjoy!

        Reply
      • Clary Tim

        April 21, 2022 at 11:58 pm

        5 stars
        You are correct, I do this often. I have the shelf oven style air fryer and no need for parchment. just spread the layer over the spray coated shelf, I spray Avacado oil from my manual mister on top of the shredded potato, a bit of salt and pepper and air fry, watch for doneness as they all differ ( can get mine perfect in less than 5 min). And yes flip. Just practice a you’ll know then next time regarding timing.

        Reply
    9. Connie

      October 03, 2021 at 12:30 am

      Can I prep this in advance?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 03, 2021 at 8:33 am

        Hi Connie, you may shred the potatoes and leave the shreds soaking in the fridge in advance. You can try partially cooking them (maybe halfway?) but I wouldn’t fully cook them in advance or they may dry out when reheating. Enjoy.

        Reply
    10. Noora

      September 05, 2021 at 3:13 am

      Hello! Do you have any suggestions on how I can make these the night before? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        September 05, 2021 at 9:49 am

        Hi Noora, I haven’t tried prepping these the night before. But you can prepare everything the night before and leave the potato shreds soaking in the fridge. Or perhaps even cook them halfway/two thirds of the way until they hold together and then finish them off in the morning. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
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