Owning a microwave gives you the opportunity to make quick and easy meals. If you have frozen hash browns in your kitchen here is a guide on how you can cook them in the microwave. Other cooking methods will also be discussed in the article below.
Contents
How To Microwave Frozen Hash Browns
NB: this is actually the fastest way of cooking or reheating frozen hash browns.
Step 1
When using the microwave to cook frozen hash browns the first thing you need to do is to remove the hash browns from their original packaging and place them on a microwave safe plate. Make sure that the hash browns are not overcrowded or overlapping from the plate as this makes it harder for them to heat up evenly.
Step 2
Add a little bit of oil or water to the frozen hash browns. This will help to prevent them from drying out.
Step 3
Cover the plate with a lid so that during the cooking process they do not loose most of their moisture.
Step 4
Place the hash browns in the microwave and let them cook for 1 ½ minutes on high heat.
Step 5
After the estimated time frame, flip them and let them cook for another 1 ½ minutes on the other side.
Step 6
When the hash browns are ready, remove them from the microwave and let them cool down before serving.
Advantages Of Microwaving Frozen Hash Browns
- No need to thaw the frozen hash browns.
- It’s an easy way of cooking hash browns.
- It is also one of the fastest methods of cooking hash browns.
- It is a messy free method.
- Preserves the taste of hash browns when the method is followed correctly.
Disadvantages Of Microwaving Frozen Hash Browns
- There is a risk that the frozen hash browns will become dry because the microwave produces an intense amount of heat.
- There is a chance that the frozen hash brown will not have a crispy outside.
Other Methods For Cooking Frozen Hash Browns
Oven Method
NB: this method allows you to cook a large number of frozen hash browns.
Step 1
When making frozen hash browns in the oven the first thing you need to do is to preheat the oven to 400F.
Step 2
Take a baking pan and add a layer of parchment paper. Spray a bit of oil in order to prevent the hash browns from sticking to the pan. Place the frozen hash browns on top but make sure they are not overcrowded.
Step 3
Place the frozen hash browns into the oven and let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes but, make sure you turn them when they are half way through so that they can cook evenly on both sides.
Step 4
When the hash browns are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool down before serving.
Advantages Of Oven Method
- Hash browns cooked in the oven are usually crispy on the outside but soft and moist on the inside.
- Zero need to thaw frozen hash browns.
- You can cook a large amount of hash browns in one go.
Disadvantages Of Oven Method
- When left unattended, there is a risk that the hash brown will burn.
- This method is a bit time consuming as compared to the microwave method.
Air Fryer Method
NB: this is also another method that will give you good textured frozen hash browns.
Step 1
When using the air fryer to cook frozen hash browns, the first thing you need to do is to preheat the air fryer to 400F.
Step 2
Whilst the air fryer reheats, take your frozen hash browns and place them inside the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding them as they will not cook evenly.
Step 3
Close the air fryer basket and let the frozen hash browns cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, you should flip them when they are halfway through cooking so that they can cook on both sides.
Step 4
When the hash browns are ready, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down before serving.
Advantages Of Using Air Fryer Method
- It is a faster method when compared to the oven method.
- It is a mess free method.
- Hash browns cooked in an air fryer have a good texture.
Stove Method
NB: this is also another quick method of cooking frozen hash browns.
Step 1
When using the stove to cook frozen hash browns, the first thing you need to do is to switch on the stove to medium heat.
Step 2
Place a large skillet onto the stove top and spray it with a bit of oil. This will help to prevent the hash browns from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 3
Once the oil gets hot, add the frozen hash browns one by one making sure that they do not touch each other.
Step 4
Cook the hash browns for 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5
When they are ready, remove them from the stove and let them cool down before serving.
Advantages Of Using The Stove Method
- It’s a faster method as compared to the oven method.
- Hash browns achieve a crispy outside.
Disadvantages Of The Stove Method
- One needs to babysit the frozen hash browns as they cook or else they will burn.
Is It Safe To Microwave Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, it is safe to microwave frozen hash browns. All you have to do is to remove the hash browns from their original packaging and place them in a microwave safe plate. You can add oil or water in order to prevent the hash browns from turning dry. You should microwave hash browns for like 3 minutes and check whether they are ready.
Conclusion
Microwaving frozen hash browns is an easy task when you follow the guide above. The article has also highlighted other methods of cooking frozen hash browns which you can try out.
