Air Fryer Wedges: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make potato wedges, and they're healthier than deep-fried wedges as they use less oil. You can make delicious, crispy, golden wedges with a fluffy centre in an air fryer in around 30 minutes. First, cut your potatoes into wedges, then soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to make them crispier. Drain and dry the potatoes, then season with oil, salt, and spices such as paprika, parsley, chilli, garlic powder, and pepper. Heat your air fryer to 200°C and cook for 30-40 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes.

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut a potato into wedges, start by giving the potato a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. Dry the potato with kitchen paper or a clean tea towel.

Next, place the potato on a wooden or plastic cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise. Then, place the potato halves cut-side down and cut them in half again to create quarters. With the skin side down, cut each quarter into three equal parts. Repeat this process with the remaining quarters until you have 12 wedges.

For eight wedges, simply cut each quarter in half instead of three equal parts. For six wedges, cut each potato half into three equal parts, rather than cutting the potato into quarters.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can make delicious wedges in an air fryer. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer:

Healthier Frying Option

Air fryers use little to no oil, reducing the amount of oil absorbed into food. This leads to fewer calories and less inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease.

Taste and Texture

Air fryers deliver on taste and texture, creating crispy, chewy foods without the excess fat and calories of deep-frying. The circulating hot air cooks the outside of foods first, resulting in a crispy brown exterior and a soft, moist interior.

Reduced Oil Retention

Air fryers decrease oil retention in food, reducing the intake of inflammatory compounds and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. This is especially beneficial for starchy foods like potatoes, as air frying increases the levels of slowly digestible starch, which may have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.

Versatility

Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, from chicken and onion rings to brownies and roasted chicken, depending on the model. They are also suitable for various diets, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Convenience and Speed

Air fryers are convenient countertop appliances that can speed up cooking times compared to traditional ovens. They are perfect for quickly preparing restaurant-quality, healthy, and tasty dishes at home.

How to season potato wedges

Preparation

Before seasoning your potato wedges, you will need to cut your potatoes into wedges. To do this, cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half lengthwise again to make quarters. Then, cut each quarter lengthwise to create a wedge. You can also cut each quarter into thirds to create smaller wedges. Repeat this process with all of your potatoes.

It is also recommended to rinse and soak your potatoes before seasoning and cooking them. Rinse your potato wedges by placing them in a large bowl and filling it with cool water. Swish the potatoes around, then pour off the water. Repeat this process once or twice more, or until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch so that your wedges will be crisp.

After rinsing, pour very hot water over the potatoes and let them soak for about 10-30 minutes. This softens the potatoes and helps them to cook evenly. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Seasoning Ideas

Now that your potatoes are prepared, it's time to season them! Here are some seasoning ideas:

• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• Seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
• Parmesan cheese, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and cilantro
• Parsley, chili powder, salt, and pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Taco seasoning: chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano
• Seasoned salt (e.g. Lawry's)
• Truffle salt, Parmesan cheese, and parsley
• Ranch seasoning: onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill
• Rosemary

Simply choose your desired seasoning and toss the potatoes in a large bowl with oil and your chosen seasoning until they are evenly coated.

Cooking

Once your potatoes are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked! You can cook them in an air fryer or in the oven. For oven instructions, see the sections below on "Baked Potato Wedges". For air fryer instructions, see the section "Air Fryer Potato Wedges".

Baked Potato Wedges

Preheat your oven to between 400-450˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread your seasoned potato wedges evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each wedge to allow hot air to circulate. Bake for 35-55 minutes, or until the wedges are golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F. Place your seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the wedges with tongs and cook for an additional 5 minutes. If desired, you can cook the wedges for a bit longer on each side to make them crispier, but be careful not to burn them.

Serving

Serve your crispy potato wedges hot with your favorite dipping sauce! Some popular options include ketchup, BBQ sauce, yogurt, ranch, aioli, sour cream, and sweet chili sauce. Enjoy!

How to store and reheat wedges

To store your wedges, allow them to cool, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag lined with paper towels. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days.

If you want to freeze your wedges, make sure they are completely cool, then place them in an airtight freezer bag and squeeze out the excess air before sealing. Label the bag with the date, and freeze for up to three months.

To reheat your wedges, you can use a microwave, an air fryer, or an oven. If you are using an air fryer, reheat at 375°F for a few minutes.

What to serve with potato wedges

Potato wedges are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas on what to serve with potato wedges:

For the meat eaters

If you're serving a crowd of meat eaters, you could try pairing your wedges with something like:

• Steak – for a French bistro-style meal
• Pork chops – from simple air fryer pork chops to more elevated smothered or stuffed chops
• Burgers – a classic combination that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser
• Chicken – try a one-pan honey, mustard and rosemary chicken dish, or some buffalo wings
• Pulled pork – pile it high on a brioche bun, or serve with a side of mac and cheese or pasta salad
• Bangers and mash – a hearty British staple, featuring sausages and onion gravy
• Lamb roast – a traditional, hearty option that takes time to cook but is worth the wait

For the vegetarians

For the vegetarians, or those looking for a lighter option, you could try serving your wedges with:

• Stuffed bell peppers – a lighter choice that's great for summer or snacking
• Caesar salad with grilled shrimp – a light and savory option that's perfect for summer
• Stuffed portobello mushrooms – a hearty, vegetarian option that's packed with flavour
• Eggplant parmesan – a classic, comforting dish that takes a little extra time to prepare
• Tofu stir-fry – a simple, light, and flavorful dish that's packed with protein and nutrients

For the adventurous

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try something a little more unique, like:

• Falafel – serve in wraps with a creamy tahini sauce, or integrate them into a rice bowl or salad
• Lebanese stuffed bell peppers – serve with a dollop of mint yogurt sauce, Lebanese pita bread, or Za'atar bread
• Caprese skewers – thread the classic combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil onto a skewer, and drizzle with balsamic glaze
• Pan-seared salmon – a fancy-feeling dish that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside
• Bean chilli – a satisfying, flavorful, and accidentally vegan option

For the kids

If you're cooking for kids, you might want to try something a little more fun, like a:

• Taco bar – cook the wedges and serve with a variety of toppings like taco-seasoned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream
• Nachos – use potato wedges instead of chips, and serve with all the usual toppings
• Sloppy Joes – a fun and messy option that kids are sure to enjoy

Frequently asked questions