Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Potato Wedges, Anytime!

Potato wedges are a delicious snack or side dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare them. You can use frozen wedges, which saves time on washing, peeling, and chopping, and they'll come out crispy and golden brown. You can also season them however you like, such as with salt and pepper, Cajun seasoning, or garlic parmesan. The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures even cooking, and you don't need to flip the wedges individually. Plus, there's no messy oil clean-up afterward!

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut potatoes into wedges, start by giving the potatoes a good rinse and scrubbing them under cool running water to remove any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but this is optional. If you do choose to peel them, use a vegetable peeler and run it back and forth along the length of the potato to remove the skin. Once they're peeled (or not), dry the potatoes with a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels.

Next, cut the potato in half lengthwise. Place one half of the potato cut-side down on a cutting board and cut it in half again lengthwise. You should now have four pieces. With the skin side down, cut each quarter into thirds lengthwise. You can cut them into halves or thirds, depending on how large you want your wedges to be. Repeat this process with the other half of the potato.

Finally, cut each of the eight pieces in half again lengthwise to create the wedge shape. You can also cut a few millimetres off each end of the potato before cutting it into wedges to prevent burning. Try to cut the wedges into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning options

There are many seasoning options to choose from when cooking frozen potato wedges in an air fryer. You can use a single herb or spice, such as paprika, parsley, rosemary, cayenne pepper, cumin, or chili powder. Alternatively, you can mix a few spices together, such as paprika, parsley, chili, salt, and pepper. You can also add some olive oil or cooking spray to the wedges before seasoning to help them crisp up.

If you want to keep things simple, just use salt and pepper. You could also try something more exotic, like spicy Cajun seasoning, or even garlic parmesan. If you're feeling creative, experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favorite flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Some people like to add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley for a fancy appetizer. For a healthier option, you can also leave out the oil altogether. The hot air in the air fryer will still produce crispy edges without the need for a lot of oil.

Don't forget to prepare your potatoes correctly before seasoning. If you have the time, soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry them with a kitchen towel. This will help to remove excess starch and make your wedges even crispier. You can also par-bake or air fry the wedges before freezing them, which will help them crisp up when you cook them properly.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen potato wedges in an air fryer depend on the brand of air fryer you are using and your desired level of crispiness. Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 200°C (390-400°F) for about 2-5 minutes. However, some sources suggest a lower temperature of 180°C (360°F) or a higher temperature of 375°F (190°C).

Once preheated, place the frozen potato wedges in the air fryer basket. It is recommended to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking, although some sources say it is fine to pile them up if necessary. Lightly spray the wedges with cooking spray or drizzle them with oil to achieve a crispier texture and a golden-brown exterior. You can also season the wedges with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.

The cooking time for frozen potato wedges in an air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 25 minutes. It is important to shake or turn the wedges every five minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking. The wedges are cooked when they are golden brown, crispy, and tender. Depending on your air fryer and desired level of crispiness, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Some sources recommend cooking for 10-15 minutes, while others suggest 20-25 minutes. It's important to keep an eye on your wedges to avoid overcooking, especially if your air fryer automatically preheats.

Oil or no oil?

Using oil is entirely optional when cooking frozen potato wedges in an air fryer. The purpose of oil is to make the wedges crispier and to allow seasonings to stick to the wedges. If you want to use oil, you can either spray the wedges with cooking spray or rub them with olive oil. You can also use a spray oil such as Pam to make the wedges crispier and save on calories.

If you don't want to use oil, you can simply season the wedges with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or any other seasonings of your choice. The circulating hot air in the air fryer will ensure even cooking, resulting in crispy and golden-brown wedges.

It's worth noting that using an air fryer instead of deep-frying reduces the amount of oil and calories in your potato wedges without compromising on flavour or texture. Air-fried wedges are healthier and have fewer calories and less saturated fat compared to wedges that have been deep-fried.

Storing and reheating

Storing cooked potato wedges:

To store leftover cooked potato wedges, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag lined with paper towels. Refrigerate for up to three to five days. If you want to freeze cooked wedges, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out the excess air, seal, and label with the date. Frozen wedges will keep for up to three months.

Storing raw potato wedges:

Some sources advise against refrigerating raw potato wedges, as the potatoes can turn brown and release moisture, resulting in a less-than-ideal texture and flavour. However, if you need to store raw wedges in the fridge, you can do so for up to 24 hours by keeping them in a container of water before seasoning. Alternatively, you can par-cook the wedges and then store them in the fridge for up to five days.

Reheating potato wedges:

To reheat leftover potato wedges, you can use a microwave, an air fryer, or an oven. If using an air fryer, spritz the wedges with a little oil and reheat at 375–400 °F for a few minutes until recrisped.

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