Cooking Frozen Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

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Some mornings just call for something easy. Making frozen hash browns in the air fryer is one of my favorite breakfast shortcuts because they come out crispy every time and take almost no effort to make. It is a simple way to get breakfast going without adding more chaos to the morning.

Four hash brown patties on a small plate with ketchup and a fork.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

This is the kind of breakfast that makes busy mornings feel more manageable. The air fryer does most of the work, and you still end up with crispy hash browns that taste way better than you would expect from the freezer aisle.

I also love how little effort there is. No pans full of oil, no standing over the stove, and breakfast is ready fast.

What Readers Are Saying

Another benefit of making frozen hash browns in the air fryer is the easy cleanup afterward. You only have the air fryer basket to wash, and there is no dealing with leftover grease or the mess that comes with deep frying.

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Happy Kitchen Secrets

Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making frozen hash browns in the air fryer! I’ve made this recipe countless times to save you from a failed attempt.

  1. Be sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the hash browns. Even just a few minutes of preheating helps them cook more evenly and crisp up better.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so the patties don’t stick. Since frozen hash brown patties already contain oil, you only need a small amount.
  3. Arrange the hash browns in a single layer with a little space between each one. That airflow is what helps them get crispy instead of soggy.
  4. Flip the hash brown patties over about halfway through the cook time. This helps both sides to crisp up evenly. I usually let them air fry until the edges are golden and extra crispy.

If you want a homemade version, check out these recipes for stuffed hash browns and homemade hash brown patties.

Ingredients

This recipe keeps things really simple. Aside from the frozen hash brown patties, all you need is a little oil spray to help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Shredded potato patties, non-stick cooking spray, and tongs on a cutting board.

Non-stick cooking spray helps keep the hash browns from sticking to the air fryer basket and gives them a crispier finish. I usually use avocado oil spray, but you can also lightly coat the basket with avocado oil or olive oil using a paper towel.

How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns in the Air Fryer

This is a summary of the steps. For the full instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️

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Before you start, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (194ºC). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just turn it on about 10 minutes before you cook the hash browns.

Hang holding plastic tipped tongs to place frozen hash browns in air fryer basket.
Three crispy hash brown patties in air fryer.
  1. After spraying the basket with oil, place the frozen hash browns in a single layer in the bottom of the basket.
  1. Air fry for about 18 minutes, until the hash brown patties are golden brown with crispy edges. Half way through the cook time, open the basket and flip the potatoes over.

Helpful Tip

If you like your shredded potatoes a little darker, add a minute or two. If you like them a little softer, remove them a minute or two earlier.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you end up with leftover hash brown patties, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for a few days and are easy to reheat for another quick breakfast.

I use the air fryer to reheat them because it helps bring back those crispy edges. Another option is to warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture will be much softer.

Since the hash browns were already frozen before cooking, I do not recommend freezing them again after they have been cooked.

A hand holding up a cooked, crispy hash brown patty dipped in ketchup.

Make it kid friendly: Adding a little cup with ketchup or healthy ranch dressing for dipping to your kiddo's plate will make this a fun experience.

Recipe FAQs

What temperature should I use for frozen hash browns?

I have found that air frying at 380°F gives the best texture to the patties.

Can I add seasonings to air fryer hash brown patties?

Definitely. You can season them before cooking or right after they come out of the air fryer while they are still hot. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are all easy options that work really well.

Other Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Planning to make this recipe?

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After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!

Three crispy hash brown patties in air fryer.

Frozen Hash Browns in an Air Fryer

Total Time 18 minutes
You can make frozen hash brown patties in an air fryer, and they turn out perfectly crispy every time! This air fryer potato side is a breakfast favorite.
5 from 9 votes
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

Video

Ingredients

  • 4 frozen hash brown patties
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil or use avocado or olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (194ºC). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, just turn it on about 10 minutes before you cook the hash browns.
    Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking oil spray. Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.
  • Close the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes, then open the basket and use plastic-tipped tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the hash browns over.
    Close the air fryer and cook for another 6-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your potatoes.
  • When they are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and serve while warm.
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Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F, then set the hashbrowns in the basket, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they're heated through and crisping up again. 

Nutrition

Serving: 64g | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 182mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you try this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Hey friend, I’m Madison!

I’m the mama behind Cook at Home Mom. Through simple, family-friendly recipes and practical meal prep tips, I show busy moms how to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable, even with packed schedules. So glad you are here!

5 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

    1. Hi Julian, You need to scroll to the recipe card or hit “Jump to Recipe” at the top to see the actual recipe with the temperature. The rest of the post is mostly helpful info and tips. -Laura

    1. Hi Calvin, I’m so glad to hear it came out perfect for you! Thanks for the feedback! 🙂 -Laura

    1. Hi Cj! Thanks for sharing your feedback! I’m glad they were perfect! 🙂 -Laura

    1. Hi Joe, the temperature is written in step 1 of the recipe in Fahrenheit as well as Celsius. Did you scroll down and read the actual recipe? Click the “Jump to Recipe” button next time and it’ll take you right to the recipe! The rest of the post is helpful info. 🙂 -Laura