Quick Answer: What Are The Best Ways To Cook Frozen Hash Browns?

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Frozen hash browns are a great go-to for a snack or even as a side dish for a meal. When it comes to cooking frozen hash browns, you can prepare these tasty treats in a variety of ways, including in a skillet on the stove, in the griddle, air fryer, oven and, for an extra quick cooking time, in the microwave. Crave the delicious crispy bite of a hash brown without all the mess of making them from scratch and know about how to cook frozen hash browns.

Hash browns are a classic breakfast item that can be found on menus in the States as early as the 1890s.

With their golden, crispy exteriors and soft and creamy centers, there’s no wonder hash browns have been a hit for decades.

There’s no question that these crispy potatoes of joy are delicious, but when it comes to actually preparing them, what exactly is involved?

Luckily for us, since their first appearance in the 19th century, cooking hash browns has become significantly easier (shout out to electricity).

In fact, with the onset of supermarkets and freezers, we can avoid all of the fuss of making them from scratch and simply grab them from the store and heat them up!

That’s right. If you have not yet experienced the marvel that is a frozen hash brown, you are seriously missing out.

Frozen hash browns come pre-made, usually in the form of tiny potato cubes or shredded. They can be heated up fast and, if desired, cooked extra crispy.

There are many approaches you can follow when preparing your hash browns, but we are here to provide you with our top 5 favorite methods that are both super easy to complete and will give you perfectly cooked hash browns every time.

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In A Skillet?

Frying your hash browns in a skillet is super easy and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. It’s important to note that depending on whether you have purchased shredded or regular hash browns will slightly alter how you cook them.

Here is everything you need to know:

Pro Tips:

It’s important that when you place the shredded hash browns in the skillet, they are not piled on top of each other too high. We recommend a maximum height of approximately ½ inch thick. Stacking them too high will cause a longer cooking time and isn’t as effective.

The same rule applies to the regular hash browns. Do not overlap them in the pan.

Your shredded hash browns can be cooked this way from thawed or frozen. Frozen hash browns will simply take longer.

For the best results, we recommend using a large cast iron skillet (the larger the better, as you will be able to spread the shredded pieces out more effectively).

When it comes to the regular hash browns, you may need to flip them several times to ensure optimal browning and crispiness.

For the utmost crisp factor, allow your hash browns to thaw before cooking and remove any excess liquid with a paper towel.

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Griddle?

If you don’t have a skillet on hand, but you do have a griddle, you’re in luck because hash browns cook wonderfully this way too!

The steps involved in this method are similar to the skillet approach, with the only difference being that a griddle will provide you with slightly more flavor.

Pro Tips:

Remember not to forget to add oil prior to adding the hash browns, as this is what will really make them crispy.

Don’t forget that with both shredded and whole hash browns, you want to avoid any overlapping.

For extra flavor, try melting cheese on top! (This works best when you place the cheese onto the hash browns and then put a lid on top for a minute or so).

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Oven?

If you’re planning on having guests over and want to serve them hash browns, this is definitely the best method.

Cooking your hash browns in the oven will give you a result very similar to what you would experience at a restaurant, straight from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Here’s how to do it:

Pro Tips:

For this method, you can use as many hash browns as you like, as long as they don’t exceed a height of ½-inch. It’s important to note that the more hash browns you cook, the more time it may take to be heated through fully.

Don’t skip out on the oil! This will make your hash browns extra crispy.

All ovens are different, so the cooking time may vary slightly depending on what kind of model you have. A good way to know your hash browns are done is when they are golden and crispy on the outside and soft and warm on the interior.

Add some cheese a few minutes before the timeframe is up for extra deliciousness!

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Air Fryer?

The air fryer is always a great go-to for when you want a dish that can be whipped up quickly and with minimal effort.

Plus, cooking your hash browns this way will make them super crispy.

What are you waiting for? Get fryin’! (Well, sit back, relax and watch the frying happen by itself, hehe).

Pro Tips:

The air fryer approach works with all types of hash browns, including shredded and patties.

If your air fryer has a tendency to stick, add a little oil to it prior to putting in the hash browns.

Remember not to stack your shredded hash browns too much! If using the patty version, make sure they don’t touch each other in the basket.

Make sure to allow your hash browns to sit and cool off for a couple of minutes after removing them from the air fryer, as they will be very hot.

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Microwave?

When time is of the essence, the microwave method is your best bet.

Cooking your hash browns this way won’t get them as crispy as some of the other approaches, but when it comes to efficiency, preparing your hash browns in the microwave is definitely the fastest.

Say goodbye to stressful mornings and say hello to 3-minute breakfasts!

Pro Tips:

Depending on the power level of your microwave, the cooking times might vary slightly. If your hash browns are very frozen, it could also take a bit longer.

If you’re not sure about the time, simply place your hand on the hash browns and, if it feels sufficiently warm, they’re done.

To ensure they are cooked all the way through, you may have to flip them several times.

Add some cheese to your hash browns for extra flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Hash Browns Taste Like?

Hash browns are made from potatoes, so this is their central flavor palette. Hash browns should also be a little salty and, if cooked properly, a little crunchy on the outside and soft and warm on the inside.

Hash browns can also be a little greasy but not too oily.

Do Frozen Hash Browns Have To Be Thawed Before Cooking?

No, thawing your hash browns before cooking them is not necessary, however, it will give you a crispier end result.

Thawing your hash browns will eliminate some of the added moisture, making it cook faster as well as providing it with a greater crunch factor.

How Do You Make Frozen Hash Browns Crispy?

Achieving extra crispy hash browns is most effectively done by cooking them in a skillet on the stove on medium heat.

For the best results, allow your hash browns to thaw first and remove any excess moisture with a paper towel before placing them in the pan.

Adding a couple of tablespoons of oil will also aid in creating a greater crunch.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Hash Browns?

Hash browns pair well with a variety of toppings and side dishes, including:

Cheese
Bacon
Eggs
Sausages
Corned beef
Ham
Salmon
Grilled veggies
Beans

Essentially, just think *breakfast foods*.

Are Hash Browns Healthy?

Although simple, hash browns are surprisingly healthy and will provide you with a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamins A and C, iron, zinc, and fiber.

Hash browns also contain a lot of carbohydrates, which will give you lots of energy throughout the day.

Can You Use A Waffle Maker To Cook Frozen Hash Browns?

Yes! This works best with shredded hash browns. All you have to do is place approximately ½ cup of shredded hash brown in each waffle section and close the lid to allow them to cook for 2 minutes. Then compress the lid down further and cook for another 5 minutes.

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In A Skillet: Shredded Hash Browns?

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Shredded hash browns are placed in hot oil on the stove and cooked for 5 minutes on each side on medium heat.

Materials

Shredded frozen hash browns
Oil

Tools

Skillet
Spatula

Instructions

Set your stove to medium heat
Place a couple tablespoons of oil in a skillet
Remove hash browns from box and place in the hot oil, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other
Cook on one side for approx. 5 minutes
Flip hash browns and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the ice has melted and they are golden brown in color
Remove from the element and enjoy!

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In A Skillet: Regular Hash Browns?

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Regular hash browns are placed in hot oil in a single file and cooked for approx 5 minutes on each side on medium heat.

Materials

Regular hash browns
Oil

Tools

Skillet
Spatula

Instructions

Set your stove to medium heat
Place a couple tablespoons of oil in a skillet
Remove hash browns from box and place in the hot oil, making sure they do not overlap
Cook on one side for approx. 5 minutes
Flip hash browns and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the ice has melted and they are golden brown in color
Remove from the element and enjoy!

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Griddle?

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Hash browns are placed onto a greased griddle and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.

Materials

Hash browns
Oil

Tools

Griddle
Spatula

Instructions

Set your griddle to medium-high heat, or if using an electric griddle, 375 degrees Fahrenheit
Put a couple tablespoons of oil onto the griddle
Place either shredded or whole hash browns onto hot oil (not stacked too high, and not overlapping)
Cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown
Remove and enjoy!

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Oven?

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Hash browns are put in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes, ensuring to flip them halfway through.

Materials

Hash browns
Oil

Tools

Oven
Baking sheet
Spatula

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Remove hash browns from the freezer
Put a couple tablespoons of oil onto a baking sheet
Put either shredded or regular hash browns onto baking sheet, ensuring they are not stacked too high or overlapping
Bake for 10 minutes
Flip hash browns and bake for another 10 minutes
Once they are golden brown, remove from the oven and enjoy!

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Air Fryer?

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Air fryer is set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and hash browns are placed inside for 8-10 minutes, being flipped halfway through and resting for an additional 2 minutes to cool off prior to eating.

Materials

Hash browns

Tools

Air fryer
Spatula

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Remove shredded or regular hash browns from the freezer and place in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in single file
Cook for 4-5 minutes
Flip hash browns
Cook for another 4-5 minutes
Remove from the air fryer and allow hash browns to rest for 2 minutes before eating
Serve on its own or with your favorite toppings/ side dishes!

How To Cook Frozen Hash Browns In The Microwave?

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Hash browns are cooked in the microwave for 2-4 minutes, depending on the level of power of the microwave, flipping them halfway through.

Materials

Frozen hash browns

Tools

Microwave
Spatula
Microwave-safe dish

Instructions

Set your microwave to full power
Place your hash browns in a microwave-safe dish
Cook for 1-2 minutes
Flip hash browns
Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until hash browns are heated all the way through

Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!