Best Ever Hash Browns Recipe (Air Fryer Option)

These are the BEST hash browns I have ever had! So crispy and FULL of flavor that you would never believe they were actually healthy. I use ingredients like nutritional yeast and cassava flour to make these hash browns gluten and dairy-free. I fry them in RSPO palm oil to keep them healthy without sacrificing the traditional texture. I also included an air fryer option for those who prefer to use less oil.

I am serious when I say you will become ADDICTED to these hash browns. The seasoning is full of flavor. They kind of remind me of Jack-in-the-Box curly fries. Oh, how many nights I scarfed down a few monster tacos and a load of curly fries dipped in Frank’s Red Hot. Excuse me as I reminisce on the days that fast food didn’t make me feel like I got hit by a dump truck.

Okay, for real now, you need to make these like tomorrow morning. Your spouse, kids, roommate, grandma, or whoever you live with will thank you BIG time. You may have to hide one in that super-secret spot in your fridge though. Not that I have one of those or anything.

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What makes these hash browns healthy

I would definitely say that traditional hash browns are not a health food. Often made with GMO potatoes and fried in inflammatory oils like canola oil. Potatoes are one of those produce items I prioritize buying organic. They are known for having high pesticide residues and being genetically modified.

I also never use inflammatory oils in my kitchen. I stick to oils like avocado, olive, coconut, and RSPO palm shortening. For frying foods, my favorite is palm shortening. It fries food to golden perfection, has a high smoke point, and doesn’t impart any odd flavors on the food. For my air fryer version, I use just a bit of avocado oil.

I can also go on and on defending my lovely potato and all of its health benefits, which I already did in a previous recipe post. Long story short, potatoes are full of wonderful nutrients like potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate.

Another way I have incorporated nutrients is with nutritional yeast and pasture-raised eggs. Nutritional yeast is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It gives off a “cheesy” flavor without any dairy. My favorite is this one because it is non-fortified. Pasture-raised eggs tend to have way more nutrients than your average egg. You can even see the difference in how orange the yolk is. Most conventional eggs are from chickens who have been raised on GMO feed.

I also love to dip these hash browns in primal kitchen ketchup. They use organic ingredients and no added sugars. I love to get all of my healthy foods on Thrive Market so I can save some extra money and get them delivered straight to my door. You can read all about Thrive Market HERE and figure out if it would be worth it for you.

How to make these best ever hash browns

I begin making the hash browns by washing, peeling, and shredding the potatoes. Once shredded, I rinse them under cold water for about 1 minute or until the water runs clear. Then I use either a clean cloth or cheesecloth to squeeze all of the liquid out of the potato shreds. This step is very important for crispy hash browns.

Next, I add all of the seasonings and cassava flour to the shreds. I chose cassava flour because it is grain-free and I like the crispy texture it gives when fried. I’m sure you can substitute it for your preferred flour and it will be just fine. Then I whisk the eggs separately and add them into the potato mixture.

Once everything is combined, I heat my cast iron skillet to medium-high and add in a cup of palm shortening. Once the shortening has come to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, I make small patties using about 1/4 cup of the potato mixture. I try to make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid with my hands before forming the patties. Gently place the hash browns into the oil. I flatten them slightly with a spatula and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

How to make them in the air fryer

I tested this recipe out in the air fryer and it was very delicious, but not as crispy all the way through. The edges were still very crispy, but they didn’t have quite the same texture as the fried ones.

For the air fryer version, I follow all the same directions except for the cooking method. I preheat my air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and thoroughly coat the airy fryer pan with avocado oil. Then I stick my hash browns in and let them cook for about 25 minutes until crisp and golden. The cook time may change depending on your air fryer model.

Listen, I just got an air fryer last Christmas and I’ve been having fun experimenting with all types of goodies. Please let me know your favorite air fryer recipes in the comments below. The air fryer I have is the Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer Oven. So it is a convection oven, air fryer, and has all kinds of other features. I’m also interested in knowing what YOUR favorite air fryer model is.

If you decide to make my recipe, I would love it if you share a photo and tag me on Instagram @amandajolopez . Also, please comment down below telling me how it turned out.