I have some store brand frozen hash brown patties that only show to cook them in the oven.  They have to cook at 450 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes, and it is 80 degrees outside.  Can they be cooked in a frying pan on the stove top without ruining them? 
Microwave is on the blink so had to improvise. Added a whole bunch of grapeseed oil to the bottom of a frying pan and put it on medium-high heat. Wasn't quite "deep fat fry" level of oil. But, it was a small lake in a 10" fry pan covering the whole bottom. Once the oil swashes around like water, and is obviously hot, place the frozen hash browns in gently. The oil will start to crackle immediately because of the ice in the patties. Cook for four minutes on the first side, then flip to the second side, and cook for another four. Check if you've reached the desired crispiness. If not, flip again and cook for a couple minutes; and then repeat on the second side. It should definitely be up to tater top crispiness by now! Either that, or your oil wasn't hot enough. Place on a layer of paper towel, and then pat the top with another paper towel to remove excess grease, as there will be some. I also cooked a sweet Italian sausage patty with the hash browns, and they both turned out well using the above method. 