How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns

Hash browns aren’t just for breakfast anymore. Here’s how to cook frozen hash browns, 5 plus ways!

Easy Air Fryer Recipe for Frozen Hash Browns

For crispy hash browns using minimal about of oil, we recommend using an air fryer. 

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 frozen waffle patties
• spray oil (olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
• garlic powder (optional)
• salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). 
2. Spray your air fryer basket with a little bit of oil. 
3. Spread the frozen hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. 
4. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

More Ways to Cook Frozen Hash Browns

How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns in the MicrowaveWhile 

Microwaving frozen hash browns is not the best way if you’re looking for a crispy hash brown. But it is possible to cook them this way if you’re in a hurry. Here’s how:

1. Place the frozen hash browns on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
2. Cover the hash browns with a microwave-safe lid or another microwave-safe plate to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the hash browns.
4. Carefully remove the lid or plate (watch out for steam) and flip the hash browns.
5. Microwave for another 1-2 minutes or until they are heated through and tender.

How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns in a Frying Pan

Heat oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen hash brown patties, spreading them evenly across the pan. Cook until crispy and golden brown, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns in the Oven

(Aka Sheet pan hash browns!) Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen hash browns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

How to Cook Frozen Hash Browns a Waffle Iron 

If you’re looking for extra crispy hash browns, using a waffle iron is your best bet. Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Add a layer of frozen hash browns to the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until crispy and golden brown, usually 5-8 minutes.

How to Grill Frozen Waffles

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the frozen hash browns on a sheet of aluminum foil, and fold the edges to create a sealed packet. Place the packet on the grill, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the hash browns are crispy and cooked through.

Creative Ways to Cook Frozen Hash Browns

As we mentioned above, hash browns aren’t just for breakfast anymore. They go with tons of protein dishes and make a great side dish for nearly any brunch. Add some protein and cheese to shredded hash browns and they can even work as a main course!

How to Cook Frozen Shredded Hash Browns

In a casserole: You can use frozen hash browns as a base for various casseroles. Mix the hash browns with your choice of proteins, vegetables, and seasonings, then bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.

In a large skillet: Combine the shredded potatoes with your favorite breakfast ingredients, such as eggs, bacon, cheese, sausage, or vegetables, and cook in a skillet until everything is cooked through and the hash browns are crispy. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Frozen Hash Browns FAQs

Should I thaw my frozen hash browns before cooking?

You don’t need to thaw frozen hash browns before cooking them. They can be cooked straight from the freezer. With that said, you can thaw them for a more uniform texture and potentially faster cooking time.

How do you make frozen hash browns not mushy?

To make sure that your frozen hash browns don’t turn out mushy, take a look at our below tips and tricks:

1. Cook straight from frozen: You don’t need to thaw your frozen hash browns before cooking. Cooking them straight from frozen helps maintain their shape and texture.
2. Use the right cooking method: Pan-frying, baking, and air frying are the best methods for achieving crispy hash browns. Microwaving is not recommended, as it tends to make them mushy.
3. Preheat your cooking surface: Make sure your skillet, oven, or air fryer is preheated before adding the hash browns. This helps achieve a crispy texture immediately upon contact.
4. Use oil or butter: When pan-frying or baking, use an appropriate amount of oil or butter to help create a crispy exterior. For air frying, lightly spray the hash browns with cooking oil.
5. Don’t overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the pan, baking sheet, or air fryer basket, as this can cause the hash browns to steam instead of crisp up. Leave enough space between them for proper heat circulation.
6. Flip carefully: Turn the hash browns occasionally to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides. Be gentle when flipping to avoid breaking them apart.
7. Cook until golden brown: Be patient and cook the hash browns until they are golden brown and crispy. This may take 8-10 minutes for pan-frying or 20-25 minutes for baking, depending on the thickness of the hash browns.

How do you store frozen hash browns once they’re cooked?

Once you’ve cooked your frozen hash browns, you can store any leftovers to enjoy later. To properly store cooked hash browns, follow these steps:

1. Let them cool: Allow the cooked hash browns to cool to room temperature. It’s essential to let them cool completely to prevent the growth of bacteria and avoid condensation when storing, which can lead to sogginess.
2. Choose the right container: Place the cooked hash browns in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain their texture and freshness. If stacking hash browns, separate them with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Refrigerate/freeze: If you plan to consume the cooked hash browns within 3-4 days, you can store them in the refrigerator. However, if you want to keep them for an extended period (1-2 months), you should store them in the freezer.

How do I heat up frozen hash browns?

To reheat frozen hash browns that you’ve already cooked, you’ll want to choose one of the same methods listed above. Since the hash browns, however, won’t be frozen, you’ll only want to cook them for a few minutes. The best way to reheat them is in an air fryer or in the oven. 

Are frozen hash browns already cooked?

Frozen hashbrowns are typically made from raw, grated potatoes that have been blanched (briefly boiled) to deactivate enzymes and remove excess starch. Although they are not fully cooked, the blanching process helps preserve their texture, color, and flavor during freezing. 

Before you eat frozen hash browns, you should definitely cook them (using one of the methods mentioned above). Try pan-frying, baking, or using an air fryer. 

How do you cook Ore Ida frozen hash browns?

Ore-Ida frozen hash browns, since they aren’t produced in a uniform shape, are a bit different than cooking hash brown patties. Below are a few suggestions:

Pan-frying:

• Heat 3-4 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the desired amount of frozen hash browns to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. The hash browns should be crispy and golden brown when done.

Baking:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Spread the frozen hash browns in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Air frying:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the frozen hash browns in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until the hash browns are crispy and golden brown.

Always follow the specific instructions on the Ore-Ida packaging, as cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the product and your appliances.

More Breakfast and Potato Recipes

Ranch Potatoes

McDonald’s Parfait

Krusteaz Waffle Recipe

22 Russet Potato Recipes

Have questions or suggestions about how to cook frozen hash browns? Leave them in the comments below.