why make this recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional hash browns. They are low in carbs, gluten-free, and packed with flavor thanks to the combination of cheese and spices. Using cauliflower instead of potatoes gives you a lighter alternative. Plus, making them in the air fryer means you can enjoy a crispy texture without deep frying.
how to make Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cauliflower, riced (about 1/2 head) (or use thawed frozen cauliflower)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose or almond flour
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Garnish: chopped parsley or sliced green onion
Directions:
To rice the cauliflower, remove the leaves and the hard center stalk. Cut the cauliflower into smaller florets. Place them in a food processor or chopper and pulse until you get small rice-sized pieces. You can also use a cheese grater with medium holes if you prefer, although that takes longer. If you are using frozen riced cauliflower, be sure to thaw it first.
Place the riced cauliflower in a large bowl and microwave it uncovered on high for 2 minutes. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Squeeze out any moisture from the cauliflower using paper towels. This step helps make your hash browns crispy.
Return the dried cauliflower to the bowl. Add the egg, flour, cheeses, red bell pepper, onion, and seasonings. Mix everything together well.
Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay 4 patties in the bottom. Spray the tops of the patties with oil.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the tops again after flipping.
The hash browns are done when they are nicely browned and crispy on top. Remove them from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley.
how to serve Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
These hash browns are perfect for breakfast, served alongside eggs and bacon, or as a tasty snack any time of the day. You can also top them with avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
how to store Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
Let the hash browns cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the hash browns back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed and crispy.
tips to make Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
- Make sure to squeeze out all the moisture from the cauliflower for extra crispiness.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor.
- If you have leftovers, try chopping them up and adding them to a salad for a crunchy addition.
variation
You can customize these hash browns by adding different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You could also skip the cheese for a dairy-free version or swap in different spices to suit your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. How do I know when the hash browns are done?
They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on top.
3. Can I make these hash browns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just shape and cook them when you’re ready to eat!
Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cauliflower, riced (about 1/2 head) (or use thawed frozen cauliflower) Make sure to squeeze out moisture for extra crispiness.
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose or almond flour
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) You can experiment with different types of cheese.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper (optional) Can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Garnish
- chopped parsley or sliced green onion For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- To rice the cauliflower, remove the leaves and the hard center stalk. Cut the cauliflower into smaller florets. Place them in a food processor and pulse until you get small rice-sized pieces.
- If using frozen riced cauliflower, be sure to thaw it first.
- Place the riced cauliflower in a large bowl and microwave it uncovered on high for 2 minutes. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Squeeze out any moisture from the cauliflower using paper towels.
Mixing
- Return the dried cauliflower to the bowl. Add the egg, flour, cheeses, red bell pepper, onion, and spices. Mix everything together well.
- Shape the mixture into 8 equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay 4 patties in the bottom. Spray the tops of the patties with oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray the tops again after flipping.
- The hash browns are done when they are nicely browned and crispy on top. Remove them from the air fryer and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley.