These delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns cook up crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Made effortlessly in your air fryer, they're not just easy to make but also low in calories, making them the perfect guilt-free morning delight. Say goodbye to classic hash browns and hello to a healthier, more delicious alternative! Options for Low Carb, Keto, and Gluten-free diets.
Table of Contents
- Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
- Homemade Cauliflower Hash Browns - Fresh, Crispy, and Air-Fried
- Why You'll Love This Cauliflower Hash Browns Air Fryer Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make Cauliflower Hash Browns in an Air Fryer
- Recipe Tips
- Recipe Variations
- How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers
- Popular Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes
Making breakfast in the morning doesn’t have to be a hassle. The air fryer helps you start your mornings with a burst of flavor in a quick and easy way. It cooks a variety of food quickly, with crispy, flavorful results all while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
From crunchy Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos, to sweet Air Fryer Donut Holes, to decadent Air Fryer Stuffed French Toast, the air fryer makes busy morning breakfasts delicious and stress-free!
Homemade Cauliflower Hash Browns - Fresh, Crispy, and Air-Fried
Bursting with cheesy goodness and savory seasonings, these cauliflower hash browns deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite, all while being baked to perfection in the air fryer.
Whether you're seeking healthy options for breakfast, a tasty side dish, or a flavorful snack, this cauliflower hash browns recipe promises to satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor or texture.
Why You'll Love This Cauliflower Hash Browns Air Fryer Recipe
Guilt Free: When you want that irresistible comfort food known as hash browns, you don't have to derail your diet. This air fryer hash browns recipe replaces traditional potatoes for nutrient-rich cauliflower, offering a healthier option on the classic.
Gluten-free/Keto: With a quick substitution this is a great recipe for the keto diet as well as an easy gluten-free and low-carb recipe.
Nutritious Twist: This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional potato hash browns by using cauliflower as the main ingredient. Cauliflower is low in calories and carbohydrates, and is a great way to reduce carbs or increase vegetable intake.
Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious cauliflower hash browns ready to enjoy. From ricing the cauliflower to mixing in flavorful ingredients, the prep is easy and hassle-free.
Versatile: While this recipe includes classic ingredients like cheddar cheese, onion, and spices, it's easy to customize to suit your taste. Add in extras or swap out the cheeses to create a dish that's uniquely yours.
Crispy Texture: Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, these cauliflower hash browns come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, by squeezing out excess moisture from the cauliflower before cooking, you'll achieve an even crispier texture that will remind you of your favorite traditional hash browns.
Air Fryer Convenience: Cooking these hash browns in the air fryer ensures they cook evenly and helps cut down on added oils and fats compared to traditional frying. Plus, the air fryer preheats quickly, meaning you can have breakfast on the table in no time.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters won't be able to resist these flavorful cauliflower hash browns. Whether you're serving them up for a family breakfast or brunch with friends, they're sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these cheesy cauliflower hash browns. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Cauliflower - either a fresh cauliflower head or, for a quick option, frozen pre-riced cauliflower
- All Purpose Flour - absorbs some of the excess moisture helping them hold together (almond flour can be subbed as a keto/gluten-free option)
- Egg - aids in holding the hash browns together
- Cheddar Cheese - adds the cheesy to hash browns
- Parmesan Cheese - adds a sharpness and salty tang to the end result
- Onion - a true pairing for hash browns
- Red Bell Pepper (optional) - adds more crunch and sweetness
- Salt - enhances all the flavors
- Black pepper
- Garlic Powder - add depth of flavor
- Cayenne Pepper - gives a little hint of heat without overpowering
How to Make Cauliflower Hash Browns in an Air Fryer
Here is a step-by-step guide and some photos of making cauliflower rice hash browns in an air fryer. I hope they help you make them!
How to rice cauliflower:
- First remove the leaves and the hard center stalk of the cauliflower head. Cut the cauliflower into smaller florets.
- Place the florets into a food processor or chopper and process with pulses until it looks like rice. You can also use a box grater using the medium-sized holes. (For faster results use frozen riced cauliflower and let thaw before proceeding.) Place riced cauliflower in a large bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes then let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the cauliflower between paper towels and squeeze all the excess water. This will make for extra crispy hash browns.
- Return the riced cauliflower to the mixing bowl
Making the cauliflower patties:
- Add egg, cheeses, red bell pepper, onion, flour, and seasonings to the riced cauliflower.
- Stir well.
- Shape into 8 equally-sized patties about ½" thick.
Air frying the cauliflower hash browns:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Lay 4 patties into the bottom of the air fryer basket. Spray the tops of the patties with a little bit of oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Spray the tops again after flipping.
- Hash browns are done when they are golden brown and crispy on top. Repeat with remaining cauliflower rice hash browns.
To serve, place on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley. Serve with ketchup and additional green onions.
Now cut it open and check out the soft and tasty interior perfectly contrasting with the crispy exterior. It's great with breakfast, burgers or as an appetizer dipped in your favorite sauce. The family will never know you're feeding them something so healthy! Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
A few simple tips and tricks will have you making the perfect cauliflower hash browns in the air fryer in no time. From the beloved crispy texture to infusing your hash browns with flavor-packed ingredients, these recipe tips will help you create the perfect breakfast side.
- Consistent Sizing: When shaping the cauliflower mixture into hash brown patties, try to make them all the same size. They'll cook more evenly and will hold together better.
- Preheat for Crispiness: Preheat the air fryer to achieve that crispy exterior. Allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding the hash browns to the basket.
- Don't Skip Squeezing: Taking the time to squeeze out excess moisture from the riced cauliflower may seem like an extra step, but it's important for achieving crispy hash browns. Use paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as you can before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryer models can vary in terms of temperature and airflow, so keep an eye on your hash browns as they cook. If they're browning too quickly on the outside but still raw on the inside, lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking until done.
- Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even browning, flip the hash browns halfway through the cooking time. This allows both sides to crisp up evenly.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to get creative with different seasonings and mix-ins! Add your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies to customize the flavor of your hash browns.
- Serve Immediately: While these cauliflower hash browns can be stored and reheated later, they're best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they're at their crispiest.
- Double Batch: If you have a larger air fryer or need to feed a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. Simply cook the hash browns in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Recipe Variations
Unleash your creativity with these recipe variations for cauliflower hash browns. From loaded versions to inventive flavor twists, these variations offer endless possibilities to customize your hash browns to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Combo: Switch up the flavor and texture by blending broccoli and cauliflower into your hash browns mixture. The combination of these two vegetables adds complexity to the dish while boosting its nutritional value.
- Cheesy Spin: Experiment with different cheese varieties to customize the flavor of your hash browns to your personal taste. Swap out the cheddar for tangy feta, creamy mozzarella, or sharp Swiss cheese for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Loaded Hash Browns: Kick up your hash browns by adding in some irresistible toppings. Crumbled bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage bring savory goodness to your hash browns, while chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of freshness.
- Spicy Southwest Twist: Add a kick of flavor to your hash browns by mixing in some diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder. Top with a dollop of creamy avocado or a drizzle of spicy sriracha for an extra punch of heat.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Give your hash browns a Tex-Mex flair by mixing in some diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels. Season with taco seasoning or a blend of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for a zesty flavor profile. Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- Vegan Delight: To make vegan cauliflower hash browns, substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using it.
Whether you're craving something spicy, cheesy, or loaded with veggies, there's a hash browns variation to satisfy every craving.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers
Storing leftover cauliflower hash browns is a breeze. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, they can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing leftover cauliflower hash browns is a convenient way to preserve them for future enjoyment. After allowing them to cool completely, arrange the hash browns in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the hash browns are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen hash browns can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When it comes to reheating leftover cauliflower hash browns, there are a couple of options to choose from. For best results, avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this can result in soggy hash browns. Instead, preheat your air fryer or oven to 350°F and cook the hash browns until they are heated through and crispy on the outside. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Popular Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Find lots of easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
Ingredients
- 3 cups cauliflower, riced (about ½ head) or use thawed frozen cauliflower
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose or almond flour
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup onion chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Garnish: chopped parsley or sliced green onion
Instructions
- To rice cauliflower, take off the leaves and the hard center stalk. Cut it into smaller florets. Place in a food processor or chopper and process with pulses until it resembles small grains of rice. You can also do this with a cheese grater using the medium-sized holes, although it is a bit more time-consuming. (If using frozen riced cauliflower, let thaw before proceeding.)
- Place riced cauliflower in a large bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes. Let cool for several minutes.
- Place the cauliflower between some paper towels and squeeze any moisture out. This will make for crisper hash browns.
- Return to bowl and add egg, flour, cheeses, red bell pepper, onion, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Shape into 8 equal patties about ½" thick.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Spray basket and lay 4 patties into bottom of basket. Spray tops of patties with an oil cooking spray.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Spray tops again after flipping.
- Hash browns are done when nicely browned and crispy on top. Remove and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley.
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