How to Cook Hash Brown Patties in the Air Fryer?

If you’re a fan of crispy, golden hash brown patties but dread the mess and oil of stovetop frying, you’re in for a treat. The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen staple for a reason—it delivers that irresistible crunch with less oil, less hassle, and in less time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to cook frozen hash brown patties in the air fryer, step by step.

Ingredients & Tools Needed

Frozen Hash Brown Patties

The star of the show is, of course, the hash brown patties. These are typically found in the frozen food aisle of most grocery stores. They come pre-cooked and shaped into flat, oval or rectangular patties. Popular brands include Ore-Ida, Great Value, and Trader Joe’s, but any brand will work as long as the patties are frozen and not overly thick.

When choosing hash brown patties, make sure they are not broken or stuck together in the package. You’ll want them intact so they cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.

Cooking Spray or Oil (Optional)

While most air fryers don’t require much oil, using a light cooking spray can help your hash browns develop a crispier, golden texture. Spraying a small amount of avocado oil, olive oil, or a neutral cooking spray directly on the patties (or in the air fryer basket) can enhance the results, especially if your air fryer has a tendency to dry foods out.

Avoid aerosol sprays that contain propellants, as they can damage the non-stick coating inside the air fryer. Instead, opt for an oil mister or pump spray bottle filled with your oil of choice.

Air Fryer

The most essential tool is the air fryer itself. Whether you have a basket-style or oven-style air fryer, both types work well for cooking hash brown patties. Basket-style air fryers are ideal for quick cooking and even browning, while oven-style models may allow you to cook more patties at once if you’re feeding a family.

If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it for best results. Also, consider the size of your air fryer basket when planning how many patties to cook. It’s important not to overcrowd them, as air circulation is key to getting that signature crispy exterior.

Optional Tools

Tongs can be helpful for flipping the patties halfway through the cooking process without damaging them. A small silicone brush might also be useful if you want to apply oil more evenly. While these aren’t strictly necessary, they can make the cooking experience smoother and more precise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (If Needed)

Not all air fryers require preheating, but if your model does, it’s a good idea to do so. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and a crispy finish. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 3–5 minutes. If your air fryer skips the preheat function or heats up quickly, you can move on to the next step.

Preheating can also prevent sogginess, as starting the patties in a hot environment immediately begins the crisping process.

Step 2: Arrange the Patties in a Single Layer

Remove the frozen hash brown patties from the packaging and place them directly into the air fryer basket or tray. Be sure to arrange them in a single, flat layer with a bit of space in between each patty. This allows the hot air to circulate fully around each one, promoting even browning and crunch.

Avoid stacking or overlapping the patties. If you’re cooking for a group, it’s better to work in batches than to crowd the basket and risk soggy results.

Step 3: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 Minutes

Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and the timer for 8 to 10 minutes. Most hash brown patties will be ready in this window, depending on their thickness and your air fryer model.

You may notice the patties start to brown around the edges around the 5-minute mark. That’s a good sign—it means they’re crisping up properly. If they’re still pale by minute 8, you can add an extra minute or two.

Step 4: Flip Halfway Through Cooking

At about the 4–5 minute mark, pause the air fryer and use tongs to carefully flip each patty. This step ensures both sides cook evenly and achieve the same golden, crispy texture.

Flipping is especially important if your air fryer has a single heating element at the top. If your model has heating elements on both the top and bottom, flipping is optional but still recommended for the most consistent texture.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust if Needed

Once the timer goes off, check the patties. They should be a rich golden brown on the outside and feel firm to the touch. If they still feel soft or look undercooked, give them another 1–2 minutes, checking closely to avoid burning.

Some air fryers run hotter than others, so don’t worry if you need to adjust your time slightly. When done, carefully remove the patties with tongs and place them on a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Tips for Best Results

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

One of the most common mistakes when using an air fryer is trying to cook too many items at once. When you place hash brown patties too close together or stack them, the hot air can’t circulate properly. This leads to uneven cooking, with some patties turning out soggy or undercooked while others are overdone.

To get the best results, always cook the patties in a single layer with a little space in between. If you’re cooking for more than one person, consider doing multiple batches. The extra few minutes will be worth it for evenly crispy hash browns.

Use a Light Spray of Oil for Extra Crispiness

Hash brown patties already contain some oil, but adding a light mist of oil can take them to the next level. A small amount sprayed directly onto the surface of the patties before cooking can help enhance the golden-brown color and crunch.

Be sure to use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or light olive oil. Avoid traditional aerosol sprays that contain propellants, as these can damage your air fryer’s non-stick coating. Instead, use an oil mister or brush to lightly coat the patties.

Flip for Even Browning

Flipping the hash browns halfway through the cooking time helps ensure that both sides of the patty cook evenly. This is especially important if your air fryer has a single heating element, as the side facing up will brown more quickly than the side facing down.

Use silicone-tipped tongs to gently flip the patties without breaking them apart. If your air fryer cooks very evenly, you might get away without flipping—but doing it will usually give a more consistent, restaurant-style texture.

Adjust Time Based on Your Air Fryer Model

Air fryer brands and models can vary in terms of heating speed and intensity. While 400°F for 8–10 minutes is a reliable starting point, you may need to make small adjustments. If your patties come out too dark or cook too quickly, try lowering the temperature slightly. If they’re too soft, add a minute or two.

It’s a good idea to check on the patties the first time you make them in your air fryer so you can learn how it behaves. Once you know your settings, it becomes easy to repeat the perfect result every time.

Season After Cooking

Hash brown patties are often already seasoned, but you can add an extra kick of flavor after they’re done cooking. A sprinkle of salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne can elevate the taste.

Add seasonings immediately after removing the patties from the air fryer, while they’re still hot. This helps the spices stick to the surface better, giving you an extra burst of flavor in every bite.

Check out our other kitchen gear review below.