Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water and set it aside. This will be used to soak the shredded potatoes and remove excess starch.
2. Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave the skins on, but this may affect crispiness.
3. Shred the potatoes using a box grater or the shredding attachment of a food processor. The finer the shred, the crispier your hash browns will be.

Step 2: Soak and Drain the Potatoes

4. Place the shredded potatoes in the bowl of cold water and let them soak for 20 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, which prevents the hash browns from becoming gummy.
5. Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining starch.
6. Wipe out the bowl with a paper towel, then transfer the potatoes back into the clean bowl.

Step 3: Pre-Cook the Potatoes

7. Microwave the potatoes for 3 minutes. This helps soften them slightly and ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.
8. Transfer the potatoes to a clean paper towel or tea towel. Cover them with another paper towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess moisture can lead to soggy hash browns.

Step 4: Season and Shape the Hash Browns

9. Return the shredded potatoes to the bowl and mix in:
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 finely chopped red onion
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
10. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
11. Shape the mixture into small disc-shaped patties. Press them firmly so they hold their shape during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Hash Browns

12. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
13. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
14. Place the hash brown patties in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
15. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through for even browning.