Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps get a crisp crust faster.
Arrange the hash browns in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd. For patties, line them up with a little space. For shredded or diced, spread evenly. Work in batches if needed.
Lightly spray with oil on the top side. This encourages browning. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any seasonings you like.
Air fry: Patties: 10–12 minutes, flipping at the 6–7 minute mark. Shredded: 8–12 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through. Diced/cubed: 12–15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes for even crisping.
Check for doneness. They should be golden brown with crisp edges. If not, add 2–3 more minutes.
Season and serve. Taste and adjust salt. Add optional toppings like cheese (let it melt for 1 minute in the warm basket), chives, or a dash of hot sauce.