I love starting my mornings with something crispy, golden, and full of flavor, but I don’t always want to spend forever in the kitchen. That’s why these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Hash Browns have become my go-to breakfast hack. They cook in minutes, give me that satisfying crunch, and still keep things light and wholesome. Plus, the air fryer makes it so easy to get perfectly crisp edges without drowning the sweet potatoes in oil.
Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these hash browns extra special. From squeezing out excess moisture to seasoning just right, each step transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a breakfast treat that tastes like it came from a diner. And the best part? You can pair them with eggs, avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an easy, delicious start to your day.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this recipe, sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue. Their firm texture holds up well in the air fryer, giving you crispy edges and a soft interior when shredded and cooked properly.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the hash browns crisp up beautifully. It also adds a subtle richness without overpowering the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes. A pinch helps balance flavors and makes every bite perfectly seasoned.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle kick to the hash browns, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes and rounding out the flavor profile.
Optional Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): These optional spices bring depth and complexity to your hash browns. Paprika adds a smoky note, garlic powder provides a savory punch, and onion powder gives a subtle sweetness.
Cornstarch (Optional): Using a little cornstarch can help the hash browns bind slightly and achieve an extra crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and shred your sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Once shredded, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Removing excess water ensures the hash browns get crispy instead of soggy.
Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices or cornstarch. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and helps the hash browns crisp up nicely.
Cook the Hash Browns
Place the sweet potato mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer, pressing down gently. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. For extra crispiness, cook an additional 2–3 minutes if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Once golden brown and crispy, transfer the hash browns to a plate. Serve immediately with your favorite breakfast sides, dipping sauces, or even enjoy them on their own for a quick, tasty bite.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the sweet potatoes; this is key for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin for different flavor variations.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Let the hash browns rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking; this helps them firm up a little more.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I need to soak the sweet potatoes in water?
It’s optional. Soaking can remove extra starch, but squeezing out moisture works just as well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the shredded potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook fresh when ready for the best crispiness.
How do I reheat leftover hash browns?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I freeze sweet potato hash browns?
Yes! Flash freeze in a single layer, then store in an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer.