Air Fryer Cooking: Perfect Wedges, Easy And Quick!

Potato wedges are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as well as being quicker than using a traditional oven. Air fryers are smaller than ovens and grills, so you're heating up a smaller appliance, which saves energy. You can also make delicious wedges from scratch in under 30 minutes. There are a few things to keep in mind, such as ensuring there's enough space between each slice of potato so they cook evenly, and that your air fryer is hot enough – at least 400 degrees. You can also add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder for some extra flavour.

Potato varieties and preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, give them a good wash. There's no need to peel them unless you want to. When it comes to cutting, aim for wedges that are about 1/2" thick at the bottom. This ensures they cook evenly. To cut a potato into eight evenly sized wedges, first, cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into half again lengthwise. Finally, cut each piece in half lengthwise once more.

Some people recommend soaking your potato wedges in water before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier result. If you have the time, you can try soaking them for 30 minutes, then draining and drying them before cooking. However, others have found that this step doesn't make a noticeable difference, so it may be worth trying both methods to see which works best for you.

After cutting your wedges, it's time to season. Toss them with olive oil or another neutral-flavoured oil, and a generous amount of your favourite seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, or chilli powder for some heat. If you're feeling fancy, try tossing your cooked wedges in Parmesan cheese and garnishing with fresh parsley.

Now you're ready to cook your wedges! Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F and grease the basket. Make sure to cook your wedges in a single layer with space around each one so they cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, cook for 10–15 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as every air fryer is different, and you don't want burnt wedges!

Your wedges are ready to be served as a tasty side dish or a centerpiece. They go well with sour cream, sweet chilli sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Oil and seasoning

To make potato wedges in an air fryer, you'll need to use oil and seasoning. The type of oil and seasoning you use is up to you, but here are some options and instructions to help you get started.

Firstly, choose your oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you could also use avocado oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil. Light or flavourless oils are best. You won't need much oil, as air-fried wedges require very little oil to cook.

Next, choose your seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper is always a good option, but you can also get creative with other spices and herbs. Some popular choices include paprika (smoked or sweet), parsley, chilli, oregano, onion powder, garlic (granules or powder), rosemary, and cayenne pepper. You can also try Cajun or fajita seasoning, dried herbs, or chilli powder.

Once you have your oil and seasonings, it's time to prepare the wedges. Cut your potatoes into wedges, then place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the oil over the wedges, then add your chosen seasonings. Toss the wedges until they are evenly coated in the oil and seasoning.

Finally, place the wedges in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to soggy wedges.

Air fryer settings

To cook potato wedges in an air fryer, you should first rinse and then soak the cut wedges in cold water for 10 to 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, leading to a crispier finish. After soaking, dry the wedges thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Then, season the wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices or herbs of your choice. You can also use a cooking spray or toss the wedges in a bowl with just enough oil to coat them lightly.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for effective air circulation. Cook the wedges for 15 to 20 minutes, checking on them halfway through and shaking the basket or turning the wedges for even cooking. The wedges are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. After cooking, allow the wedges to cool for a few minutes in the basket to maintain their crispy texture.

It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wedges and your air fryer model. For thicker wedges or if you are using a convection/air fryer oven, you may need to increase the cooking time. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of wedges, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Cooking time and process

The cooking time for potato wedges in an air fryer varies depending on the air fryer model and the wattage. The average cooking time is estimated to be between 15 and 20 minutes. For example, a 1500-watt air fryer will cook potato wedges in 15 minutes, while a 1300-watt air fryer will take longer, and a 1700-watt air fryer will take less time. If your air fryer is warm, food is likely to cook a few minutes faster.

Before cooking, wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into wedges. Each potato should yield 6 to 12 wedges, depending on its size. The wedges should be about 1/2" thick at the bottom to ensure even cooking. Soaking the wedges in water for at least 30 minutes is optional but can help remove excess starch for crispier results. After soaking, dry the wedges and season them with oil and spices.

When cooking, place the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them to allow for even browning and crisping. Avoid overloading the basket, as this can affect the cooking time and evenness. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to preheat it before adding the wedges. Cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then use tongs to turn over each wedge and cook for another 5 minutes at the same temperature. If you prefer crispier wedges, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

It is important to keep an eye on the wedges during cooking, as air fryers can vary in cooking time and some cook faster than others. You can serve the wedges plain or with various toppings and dips, such as cheese, bacon, sour cream, sweet chilli sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Serving suggestions

Potato wedges are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. They go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, tzatziki sauce, or a yogurt-based dip. For a French bistro experience, serve them with an air fryer steak, or for something lighter, try a steak salad or sandwich. They also pair well with pork chops, burgers, or chicken nuggets.

If you're looking for something more creative, you can top your wedges with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions to create loaded potato wedges. You can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour. For example, a Cajun seasoning blend will give them a spicy kick, or you could try a taco seasoning mix with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano.

If you have any leftover wedges, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, place the wedges in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes or until they're warm and crispy.

Frequently asked questions