Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make potato wedges that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The key to achieving this is to soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch before cooking, which ensures a crispy texture. You can then season the wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley. The air fryer should be preheated to 200°C/400°F and the wedges cooked for 15-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. This method yields delicious, crispy potato wedges that are healthier and lower in calories compared to regular fries.

Potato varieties and how to cut them

While any potato variety will work well for wedges, starchy potatoes like Russet potatoes, King Edward, Maris Piper, and Yukon Golds are preferred by some. Sweet potatoes also work well. Avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up as well during cooking.

When cutting your potatoes, use a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by slicing the potato in half lengthwise. Then, place the cut side of the potato onto the cutting board and cut it in half again to create quarters. Repeat this process with the other half of the potato. Now, position each potato quarter with the cut side up and cut down the center of each quarter to create a wedge. Repeat this process with the remaining quarters until the entire potato is cut into wedges. You can also cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces that are about 1-inch thick.

If you want to prevent your potatoes from browning, you can cut them into water. It is also recommended to soak the wedges in water before cooking.

Soaking potatoes for crispiness

Soaking potatoes before air frying them is a great way to ensure they come out crispy. The technique helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which can otherwise make them stick together and affect their texture.

To soak potatoes for air frying, start by peeling and slicing them into wedges, cubes, or fries. Then, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. You can soak them for as little as 10 minutes, but for best results, leave them for 30 minutes or even up to 24 hours in the fridge. Soaking them overnight is a great way to prepare them if you want to cook them the next day.

Once they've soaked for long enough, remove the potatoes from the bowl and lay them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. It's important to dry them thoroughly before cooking, so give them a good pat down.

Now your potatoes are ready for seasoning and air frying!

Seasoning and spices

The seasoning and spices you use for your potato wedges can make or break the dish. The right combination of spices can take your potato wedges from bland to mouth-watering. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning and spices to elevate your air-fried potato wedges.

Firstly, it is essential to choose the right type of potato. Opt for a starchy or floury potato variety, such as Russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, King Edward, or Maris Piper. These types of potatoes will give you that desired fluffy texture on the inside. Avoid waxy or salad potatoes, as they won't hold up as well during the cooking process.

Once you've selected the right potatoes, it's time to cut them into wedges. Cut each potato lengthwise into halves, and then cut each half into four wedges. Place the wedges in a bowl of cold water to soak. This step is crucial if you want crispy wedges, as it helps remove excess starch, preventing a gummy texture and overbrowning. Soak the wedges for at least 10 minutes, but for even crispier results, you can soak them for up to 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.

Now, let's talk about the spices and seasonings. The key to delicious potato wedges is ensuring that each wedge is evenly coated with your chosen spices and oil. You can use a variety of spices and herbs, both dried and fresh, to create your perfect potato wedge. Here are some popular options:

• Smoked paprika: This spice adds a deep, smoky flavour to your wedges and is a popular choice for potato wedges.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper will add a sharp, pungent kick to your wedges.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a savoury, garlicky flavour without the texture of fresh garlic.
• Chilli flakes or chilli powder: For those who like it spicy, chilli flakes or powder will bring the heat.
• Dried herbs: Oregano, thyme, or parsley can add a delightful herbal note to your wedges.
• Onion powder: Onion powder will give your wedges a savoury, onion-y flavour without the moisture of fresh onions.
• Salt: A generous amount of salt will enhance the natural flavours of the potatoes and bring out their sweetness.
• Fresh herbs: Chives or parsley can be used as a garnish, adding a fresh herbal note to your wedges.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect blend. You can also try other seasonings like Cajun seasoning or Parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Once you've tossed your wedges in the spice mixture, it's time to cook them. Place the wedges in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each wedge for optimal crispiness. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your chosen recipe, typically cooking at 200°C/400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through.

And that's it! With the right type of potato, a good combination of spices, and the magic of your air fryer, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy and fluffy potato wedges that will impress your taste buds.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for potato wedges in an air fryer depend on the type of potato used and the desired crispiness. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.

For crispier potato wedges, it is suggested to soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 10 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch before placing them in the air fryer. This helps prevent a gummy texture and browning. After soaking, the potatoes should be dried thoroughly with paper towels or a similar alternative.

Once the potatoes are prepared and seasoned, they are ready for the air fryer. It is important to note that the air fryer basket should not be overcrowded, and the potatoes should be cooked in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of the air fryer, cooking may need to be done in batches.

The cooking time for potato wedges in an air fryer can range from 10 to 25 minutes. For smaller batches or thinner wedges, 10 to 15 minutes may be sufficient, while thicker wedges or larger batches may require up to 20 or 25 minutes. It is recommended to toss or flip the wedges halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

If the potato wedges are browning too quickly, the temperature can be lowered to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius. The ideal cooking time and temperature will result in potato wedges that are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and fluffy and tender on the inside.

Storing and reheating

When reheating, you can use a microwave, oven, or air fryer. If using a microwave, note that the wedges will lose their crispy texture and may become soggy. For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about five to six minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. If reheating from frozen, there is no need to thaw the wedges first.

Frequently asked questions