Air Fryer Potato Wedges: The Perfect Crispy Treat

Yes, you can make potato wedges in an air fryer! They're a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried wedges as they require less oil and no mess from a deep fryer. They're also faster to make than baking them in the oven. You can season them with a variety of herbs and spices, such as paprika, parsley, chilli powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Russet potatoes are a good option as their higher starch content makes for extra-fluffy interiors, but you can also use Yukon gold potatoes for a denser texture.

How to make potato wedges in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium or small russet potatoes (starchy potatoes are best)
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, to serve

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 200C.
• Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters, so you are left with eight wedges per potato.
• Place the wedges in a large bowl and fill with cold water. Swill the potatoes around, then drain the water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. This step will remove the excess starch from the potatoes, helping them to crisp up.
• Pour very hot water over the potatoes so that they are covered, and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the potatoes and ensure they cook evenly.
• Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper.
• Place the wedges back in the bowl and add the oil, salt, garlic powder, and chilli powder. Toss the wedges until they are fully coated.
• Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's fine if they overlap a little.
• Air fry the wedges for 10 minutes, then use tongs to gently toss and redistribute them.
• Air fry for another 5 minutes, then toss the wedges again.
• Increase the temperature of the air fryer to 400C and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, tossing the wedges every 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

Tips

• For extra crispy wedges, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking.
• You can get creative with the seasoning! Try adding cayenne pepper, rosemary, onion powder, cumin, or truffle salt.
• For a fancy appetizer, toss the wedges in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve with ketchup, BBQ sauce, spicy mayo, or Greek yogurt ranch dip.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer.

The best potatoes for potato wedges

When making potato wedges, it's important to consider the type of potato you use. The best potatoes for potato wedges will be fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their higher starch content, which makes for extra-fluffy interiors, and they crisp up beautifully. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option, but they will result in a denser wedge. Red potatoes are another great choice, as they are super tender on the inside and have a thin skin that crisps easily. Smaller potatoes, around 5 inches or less in length, are recommended as longer wedges tend to break apart when tossed in the air fryer.

It is also important to note that you should avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up well during cooking.

To ensure crispy potato wedges, it is recommended to rinse and soak the potatoes prior to cooking. This helps to remove excess starch. After rinsing, you can pour very hot water over the potatoes and let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften them and ensure even cooking. Once they are dry, you can proceed to season and cook your wedges to perfection!

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut potatoes into wedges, start by cutting 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 step with the other half of the potato.

Next, position each potato quarter with the cut side up and cut down the centre of each quarter to create a wedge. You can cut each quarter into thirds, which will give you 12 wedges per potato. Repeat this step with the remaining potato quarters until the entire potato is cut into wedges.

It is important to note that potatoes that are 5 inches or less in length work best for wedges. Longer potato wedges tend to break apart when tossed in the air fryer.

How long to cook potato wedges in an air fryer

Air fryer potato wedges are a quick and easy snack, appetiser, or side dish. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried wedges, as they require less oil.

The cooking time for potato wedges in an air fryer depends on how crispy you like your potatoes. The cooking time can range from 15 minutes to 40 minutes.

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
• Place the seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the wedges for 10 minutes.
• Flip the wedges with tongs and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• For maximum crispiness, cook the wedges for a further 5–15 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Tips for Crispy Potato Wedges

• Soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve crispier results.
• Use starchy potatoes such as russet potatoes or Yukon Golds.
• Toss the wedges periodically during cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
• For extra crispiness, spray the wedges with cooking oil halfway through the cooking process.
• If you are cooking a large batch, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to soggy wedges.

Seasoning Ideas

You can season your potato wedges with a variety of spices and herbs. Here are some ideas:

• Paprika
• Parsley
• Chilli powder
• Salt and pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Rosemary
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Onion powder

How to store potato wedges

To store potato wedges, you'll first need to let them cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. If you're using a bag, it's a good idea to line it with paper towels. Store your wedges in the fridge, where they'll last for up to five days.

You can also freeze potato wedges. Again, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag, labelling it with the date. Frozen wedges will last for up to three months. You can reheat wedges from frozen in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

Frequently asked questions