These Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns are golden, crispy, and taste just like the ones from the drive-thru—only better! Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for a quick breakfast or weekend brunch in your air fryer.
Craving that iconic McDonald’s breakfast crunch? These Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns bring all the golden, crispy goodness you love—right from your own kitchen! Made with just a handful of ingredients, they’re crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and taste just like the real deal (maybe even better).
Whether you air fry, pan-fry, or bake them, these copycat hash browns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a nostalgic anytime snack.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
✅ Crispy Perfection – Golden brown and crunchy just like the drive-thru classic!
⏱️ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and ready in minutes.
🍽️ Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for busy mornings.
💰 Budget-Friendly – Cheaper (and tastier) than takeout!
🌱 Customizable – Make it gluten-free or season it just how you like.
Ingredients Needed For Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns
- Russet potatoes – Starchy texture ideal for crispy hash browns
- Salt – Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor
- Pepper – Adds a mild kick and flavor balance
- Olive oil – For air frying to golden, crispy perfection
How To Make Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns
Step One: Peel the potatoes and shred them with a box grater or a food processor. Transfer the shredded potatoes to a clean towel or cheesecloth and wring out all excess moisture. Removing the water is key to getting those perfectly crispy hash browns!
Step Two: Place the drained shredded potatoes into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly combined throughout the mixture.
Step Three: Scoop a handful of the seasoned grated potatoes and firmly press them into a patty shape with your hands. Adjust the size and thickness based on how crispy or soft you like your hash browns.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of the hash brown patties with oil for extra crispiness. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Step Five: Once the hash brown patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them as a delicious side dish for breakfast or any meal of your choice.
Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns Recipe Tips
✅ Drain well: Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated potatoes. Excess moisture prevents crispiness.
✅ Chill the patties: Letting the formed patties chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes helps them hold their shape while cooking.
✅ Use a light spray of oil: A quick mist on both sides gives that golden fast-food crunch without deep frying.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in a single layer so each hash brown crisps up evenly.
✅ Flip halfway: Turn them over midway for uniform browning and texture on both sides.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Storing 🧊 Place cooled hash browns in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. 🧽 Keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing ❄️Flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. 📦 They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating 🔥Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes until hot and crispy. 🔄 No thawing needed—straight from the fridge or freezer works great!
Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns Recipe Faqs
❓ Can I use frozen shredded potatoes instead of fresh? Yes! 🥶 You can use frozen shredded hash browns—just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture.
❓ Why are my hash browns not crispy? Too much moisture is usually the culprit! 💧 Be sure to squeeze out all the water from the grated potatoes before air frying.
❓ Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! ⏲️ Form the patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking.
❓ What oil spray should I use? Use a neutral oil like avocado or canola oil 🧴 to help them crisp up without overpowering the flavor.
❓ Can I add onions or spices? Yes! 🧅 Feel free to mix in finely chopped onions, garlic powder, or paprika for extra flavor.
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Homemade McDonald’s Hash Browns
Description
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized Russet , Or Yukon Gold potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This will help achieve crispy hash brown patties.
- Transfer the squeezed grated potatoes to a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the seasonings.
- Take a handful of the seasoned grated potatoes and press them firmly together to form a patty shape. The size and thickness of the patties are up to your preference.
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees F (190°C) for a few minutes. Lightly spray the hash brown patties with oil on both sides to promote crispiness. Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- After the initial cooking time, check the hash brown patties for a golden brown and crispy exterior. If needed, cook for a few additional minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the hash brown patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them as a delicious side dish for breakfast or any meal of your choice.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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