If you love crisp, golden edges with a soft, potato-y center, Air Fryer Hash Browns are a neat little trick to have up your sleeve. They’re the kind of breakfast side that quietly gets the job done without fuss. No splattering pan. No hovering over the stove. Just shredded potatoes, a bit of seasoning, and the air fryer doing its thing. The result feels diner-ish, in the best way, yet lighter and easy enough for any weekday morning. I make these when the kitchen is still quiet and the coffee’s just starting to smell good. A few simple steps, then you get that warm crunch that makes eggs and toast feel complete.

Ingredients for this Air Fryer Hash Browns

2 large russet potatoes, peeled or scrubbed
1 small onion, finely grated or minced, optional but lovely
1 tablespoon neutral oil, plus a little more for spraying
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional for color and warmth
1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional for extra crisp edges
Chives or green onions, finely sliced, for serving

Notes: Russets are your best bet here. They crisp beautifully. If you only have Yukon Golds, they’ll still work, just a touch more tender. And if you prefer patties over loose shreds, that cornstarch gives them a nice hold without turning gummy.

Instructions

Prep the potatoes. Shred the potatoes on the large holes of a box grater or with a food processor. Pop the shreds into a big bowl of cold water. Swish. The water will turn cloudy from starch. Drain, then repeat with fresh cold water. This quick rinse helps the hash browns crisp instead of steam.
Dry thoroughly. Spread the shreds on a clean kitchen towel and roll it up, then twist to squeeze out as much water as you can. This step matters. Damp potatoes fight browning.
Season the mixture. In a large bowl, toss the dried shreds with the onion, oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cornstarch if using. It should look lightly glossy, not wet, and the seasonings should be evenly speckled throughout.
Preheat the air fryer. Heat to 380°F, about 193°C, for 3 to 5 minutes. While it warms up, decide your format. Loose shreds cook faster and get extra lacy edges. Patties are neater and good for stacking on breakfast sandwiches.
Shape if making patties. Scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture per patty and press gently into thin rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Not too compact. You still want some air in there for crisping.
Load the basket. Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Add the hash browns in a single layer. Avoid crowding. If you’re making a full batch, plan on two rounds. It’s worth it.
Air fry, then flip. Cook at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully flip with a thin spatula, then cook 6 to 8 minutes more until deep golden and crisp at the edges. If you want them even darker, give it 2 more minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end. Each air fryer runs a bit differently.
Season and serve. Sprinkle with a pinch more salt while hot. Add chives. Serve with eggs, avocado, or a little hot sauce. They’ll stay crisp for a few minutes as they cool, so no rush, but they’re best right away.

Tip: If your first batch didn’t crisp as much as you hoped, it’s usually moisture or crowding. Try one of these tweaks next time: squeeze the shreds a smidge more, spread them thinner, or bump the heat to 390°F for the last couple of minutes.

I like to do a small tester patty first. It’s a tiny dress rehearsal. You can adjust salt, add a touch more garlic, or dial up the paprika before committing the whole batch.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 16 to 20 minutes per batch, depending on thickness and air fryer model
Total time: 35 to 40 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings as a side, or 6 small patties

Make ahead: You can shred and rinse the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store submerged in cold water in the fridge, then drain and dry well before cooking. Patties can also be formed and chilled on a parchment-lined sheet for a few hours. Just air fry straight from the fridge.

Nutritional information

Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings and using 1 tablespoon oil total:

Calories: 190
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Sodium: 420 mg

These numbers will shift a bit based on your oil, salt, and whether you add onion or extras. If you brush on more oil for extra crunch, plan on about 40 additional calories per teaspoon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen shredded potatoes or frozen hash brown patties?

Yes, and it’s very convenient. For frozen shredded potatoes, no need to thaw. Toss with oil and seasoning while still frozen, then air fry at 380°F, stirring or flipping halfway, until crisp. They might take a couple of minutes longer. For frozen patties, spray lightly with oil and air fry at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and sizzling at the edges. Since frozen products are usually par-cooked, they brown fast.

Why are my Air Fryer Hash Browns soggy?

It’s almost always moisture or crowding. Try these fixes: rinse the shreds to remove surface starch, then squeeze them very dry. Spread in a single thin layer, no overlapping. Preheat the air fryer so the potatoes start cooking hot right away. If your model runs cooler, bump to 390°F for the final 3 to 4 minutes. Also, avoid adding too much onion or oil. A light gloss is perfect, a puddle is not.

Any fun add-ins or variations?

Plenty. Stir in a handful of grated cheddar toward the end of mixing for melty pockets. Add finely diced bell pepper and a pinch of cumin for a breakfast taco vibe. Swap paprika for chili powder, or mix in chopped cooked bacon. For a herbier twist, try dill and lemon zest, then serve with a spoon of sour cream. If you like a hint of heat, a dash of hot sauce in the mix works well. Just keep add-ins modest so the potatoes still crisp.

Before you go, a tiny reminder: every air fryer has a personality. First time you make these, keep an eye on the color. After that, you’ll know your sweet spot. And once you find it, you’ll have a crispy, low-effort staple you can make almost on autopilot.