Vegan Garlic Parmesan Hash Browns (Crispy & Easy)

Close up of vegan hash browns with potatoes in background

Hash browns are always an instant favourite that are comforting and delicious - crispy edges, fluffy centre, and that nostalgic café-style crunch. Hash browns are one of those foods that work just as well for a slow weekend breakfast as they do tucked alongside a quick midweek dinner.

These air fryer vegan garlic parmesan hash browns have become a regular in our house. They’re easy to whip up, budget-friendly compared to store-purchased hash browns (better for you too), and made with ingredients most households should have readily available at home. Best of all, they’re crispy without deep frying, which makes them a win for busy families who still want that golden crunch.

If you’ve ever wondered are hash browns vegan, or whether it’s possible to make easy vegan hash browns at home that ACTUALLY taste good, then this recipe is a great place to start.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Hash Browns

Here’s the low-down on why you need to make these vegan hash browns, and why they’ll quickly become a fan-favourite:

They are crispy without needing to deep fry, thanks to the air fryer
Kid-approved and perfect for family meals
Made with simple pantry staples
Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a side

These are also a great option if you’re easing into plant-based meals. They don’t feel like a “vegan version”, they are just a really, really good hash brown!

Are Hash Browns Vegan?

This is one of the most common questions people ask when switching to a vegan diet: “Are hash browns vegan?”

The short answer is: sometimes.

Homemade hash browns like these are naturally vegan when made with potatoes, oil, and seasoning. However, many store-bought or takeaway hash browns contain hidden animal products such as milk solids, butter flavouring, cooking oils used, or are cooked in shared fryers with meat products.

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always so straightforward.

Are McDonald’s Hash Browns Vegan?

In Australia, McDonald’s hash browns are vegan, unlike in the US where the hash browns contain dairy and are not vegan friendly.

Maccas hash browns are vegan in Australia due to the ingredients used, as well as being cooked in the restaurant’s fryers using vegetable oil.

While this convenient option is available for vegans in Australia, there’s nothing quite like making your own hash browns at home.

Ingredient Highlights & Why They Matter

Potatoes

Starchy potatoes like brushed or sebago work best here. Sebago potatoes are a popular, versatile all-purpose potato in Australia, which are known for their white skin and flesh, fluffy texture when cooked, and are suitable for boiling, mashing, roasting, baking, and making chips or hash browns. They crisp up beautifully once the moisture is removed.

Cornflour

Cornflour is the secret to binding and crispiness. It helps absorb remaining moisture and gives that golden crunch without the use of eggs.

Nutritional Yeast + Vegan Parmesan

This combination of nutritional yeast and vegan parmesan delivers that savoury, cheesy flavour people expect from hash browns. If you’re new to nutritional yeast, this is one of the easiest ways to use it.

If you’ve already made my vegan parmesan, this recipe is a great way to use it up.

Freezing these Hash Browns

One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is how freezer-friendly it is.

These vegan garlic parmesan hash browns are perfect for batch cooking, especially for busy school mornings or quick weekend breakfasts. You can freeze them either before or after cooking, but freezing them uncooked gives the best results.

Simply shape the hash browns, freeze them in a single layer until firm, then store them in an airtight container for up to three months.

When you’re ready to cook, they go straight from freezer to air fryer. No thawing needed, and still come out golden and crispy every time!

Easy Variations to Try

The great thing about these homemade hash browns is that they are completely versatile in the way you prepare and flavour them. Here’s a few ideas to try yourself:

Cheesy hash browns: Add extra vegan parmesan on top before serving
Herb-loaded: Mix chopped chives or rosemary into the mixture
Spicy: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chilli flakes
Lunchbox-friendly: Shape smaller patties for kids

Serving Ideas for Hash Browns:

Let’s be honest, these vegan garlic parmesan hash browns are pretty darn delicious just by themselves, but they also pair so well with the below ideas:

Scrambled tofu and baked beans
Avocado toast
Grilled mushrooms or tomatoes
As a side with veggie burgers
Or, highly underrated, in a toasted English muffin

Hash Browns at Cafés vs Homemade

If you’ve ever ordered hash browns from cafés and wondered how they get them so crispy, the answer is usually deep frying. Many vegan cafés in Melbourne offer fantastic hash browns, and they act as a great treat when eating out.

At home though, these vegan hash browns in the air fryer give you that café-style result with far less oil and you know exactly what’s going into them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make vegan hash browns crispy?

Removing moisture is the most important step. Squeeze the potatoes well and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Can I bake these instead?

Absolutely. Bake at 200°C on a lined tray for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can you freeze these vegan hash browns?

Yes. These hash browns freeze really well. Freeze them uncooked for best results and air fry straight from frozen until crispy. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Are frozen hash browns vegan?

Some are, some aren’t. Milk solids, whey, or butter flavouring are often common ingredients that unfortunately pop up.

These air fryer vegan garlic parmesan hash browns are proof that simple food can still feel fancy. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights, but impressive enough for brunch with friends.

PRINT RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

Vegan Garlic Parmesan Hash Browns

3 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
2 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp vegan parmesan (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Squeeze of lemon juice for serving

METHOD

Grate the potatoes and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean tea towel or paper towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
In a bowl, combine grated potato, cornflour, nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add olive oil and mix until evenly coated. It should stick together lightly when pressed.
Form small rounds or classic oblong shapes (around 1cm thick).
Place hash browns in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Sprinkle extra vegan parmesan and parsley on top while hot. Add a little squeeze of lemon juice or serve with vegan aioli or ketchup.

Storage Tip: These are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer to crisp them back up.

Freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months.

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