Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch

I absolutely love how these Air Fryer Hash Browns from Scratch transform simple potatoes into crispy, golden perfection with minimal oil and effort. They come out crunchy on the outside yet tender inside—pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it’s fast, healthier than traditional pan-frying, and still delivers that irresistible hash brown crunch. I just grate potatoes, season them, and air fry—no frying pan mess, no excessive oil. Plus, I can serve them alongside breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner with ease.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 lb total)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

directions

1. Peel the potatoes and grate them using the large holes of a box grater.

2. Rinse the grated potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.

3. Transfer the potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible—I go for thick potato clumps with minimal water.

4. In a bowl, toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

5. Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C) for a few minutes.

6. Arrange the potato mixture in a single even layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd it.

7. Air fry for 10 minutes, then gently flip the hash browns, pressing them back into a flat layer.

8. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp to your liking.

9. Carefully remove from the air fryer, let rest for 1–2 minutes, then garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 4 side-dish portions

• Total time: Approx. 25 minutes

  • Prep: 10 minutes

  • Air-frying: 18–20 minutes

  • Resting: 1–2 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add finely chopped bell pepper or green onions into the mixture before air-frying for extra flavor.

• To make them spicier, I sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.

• For a cheesy twist, I’ll mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar during the last few minutes of cooking.

• I can swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes—same method, slightly sweeter taste.

• If I’m in a hurry, I skip the flip and just cook a bit longer on one side, but turning ensures even crispness.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed and crisp again. They crisp up nicely without getting soggy.

FAQs

How can I make sure the hash browns stay crispy?

I make sure to remove as much moisture as possible after grating, and I only lightly coat them with oil—too much oil can cause sogginess.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes—I usually use russets for their starchiness, but Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes also work well; just adjust cook time slightly for texture.

Do I have to flip them halfway through?

Flipping after the first 10 minutes gives a more even golden crust, but if I’m short on time I can skip it and just extend cooking by a few minutes.

Can I add herbs or spices before cooking?

Absolutely—I often toss in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like smoked paprika or cumin, depending on my mood.

Can I freeze these and reheat later?

I haven’t frozen them personally—you can, but I’ve found they’re best fresh or reheated within a couple of days for optimal crispiness.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Hash Browns from Scratch are a go-to recipe in my kitchen whenever I crave something crispy yet light. They’re easy, quick, and endlessly customizable—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner side. I love how they re-crisp beautifully in the air fryer, making leftovers just as satisfying. Enjoy every golden bite!