Air Fryer Potato Wedges: How Long To Fry?

Air fryer potato wedges are a quick and easy snack, appetiser, or side dish. They are healthier than regular fries as they use less oil and are also a great gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 option. The cooking time depends on how crispy you like your wedges, but they should be ready in around 30 minutes.

How to cut potato wedges

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Potatoes

First, scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you wish, but leaving the skin on will give your wedges a rustic texture and flavour, and the skin crisps up nicely when cooked. If you do decide to keep the skin on, use a potato brush or kitchen sponge to ensure you get off any remaining dirt. Rinse again with warm water, then dry the potatoes with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes in Half

Place the potatoes on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice them in half lengthwise. You should now have two long halves.

Step 3: Cut the Halves into Quarters

Place the cut side of each half face down on the cutting board and slice lengthwise again, creating quarters.

Step 4: Cut the Quarters into Wedges

With the cut side of each quarter facing up, slice down the middle of the potato to create eight wedges. Depending on the size of the potato, you can either stop here or slice each wedge in half to create 16 wedges. For smaller wedges, you can cut the potato into thirds lengthwise on a 60-degree angle, from the outside of the potato to the centre line.

Tips:

• For the crispiest wedges, soak the raw potato wedges in salted hot water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps release some of the starch from the potatoes.
• If you want to cut your potatoes ahead of time, keep them in a bowl of water to prevent them from turning brown. Rinse with cold water and pat them dry before cooking.
• For soft potatoes, cut the potatoes into thick wedges, toss them in oil, and crowd the pan so the potatoes steam.

How long to cook them for

The cooking time for potato wedges in an air fryer depends on the consistency you want to achieve. For wedges that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, it is recommended that you cook the wedges for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, if you prefer your wedges to be extra crispy, you can cook them for up to 20 or even 25 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

To achieve the perfect consistency, it is suggested that you start checking the wedges at the 15-minute mark and adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is also important to note that different air fryer models may cook at different rates, so you may need to adjust the cooking time based on your specific air fryer.

Additionally, the size of the potato wedges can impact the cooking time. For example, longer wedges may require a longer cooking time compared to smaller wedges. It is recommended to use potatoes that are 5 inches or less in length to prevent them from breaking apart when tossed in the air fryer.

When cooking, it is advised to cook the wedges in a single layer to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy or non-crispy wedges. If you need to cook a large batch, it is best to work in batches or cook them in multiple layers, ensuring that you shake the basket halfway through for better results.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer before adding the potato wedges, while others mention that preheating is not necessary. It is recommended to refer to your air fryer's user manual to determine if preheating is required for your specific model.

The best potatoes to use

For the perfect potato wedges, it is recommended to use starchy potatoes such as russet potatoes or Yukon Golds. Russet potatoes are best for air fryer potato wedges because their higher starch content makes for extra-fluffy interiors. They crisp up beautifully. Yukon gold potatoes, on the other hand, would result in denser wedges.

It is best to avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up as well during cooking.

When selecting your potatoes, it is also important to consider the length. Potatoes that are 5 inches or less in length work best. Longer potato wedges tend to break apart when tossed in the air fryer.

Should you pre-soak them?

Should You Pre-Soak Your Potato Wedges?

Pre-soaking your potato wedges in cold water is a crucial step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness. While it may seem like an unnecessary step that prolongs the cooking process, it is actually a clever hack that ensures your wedges are fluffy on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside.

When you cut a potato, you break open its cells, releasing its inner components, including starch. Pre-soaking your potato wedges helps to remove this excess starch, which, if left on the potatoes, can cause them to stick together. The process of pre-soaking also prevents your potatoes from burning and turning black during the cooking process.

Most recipes recommend pre-soaking your potato wedges for around 10 minutes. However, if you are short on time, a quick rinse and soak in cold water will also do the trick. On the other hand, if you want to go the extra mile, you can soak your potatoes for up to 30 minutes.

The Science Behind Pre-Soaking

The process of pre-soaking and rinsing potatoes is based on the science of starch removal. Starch is a large carbohydrate composed of long chains of sugar molecules. When you fry potatoes, the water within them evaporates, and the starch cooks and swells up. By pre-soaking, you are removing some of this starch, which helps to reduce the risk of your potatoes sticking together and ensures a crispier end result.

Other Tips for Crispy Wedges

In addition to pre-soaking, there are a few other tricks you can use to ensure your wedges are crispy. Firstly, make sure to dry your potatoes thoroughly after soaking, as any excess water will impact the crispiness. Secondly, consider using a starchy potato variety, such as russet potatoes or Yukon Golds, as these tend to yield better results. Finally, don't be afraid to use oil when cooking your wedges, as this will also contribute to that desired crispy texture.

How to store and reheat

Allow the potato wedges to cool before storing them. Place the leftover wedges in an airtight container or zip-top bag lined with paper towels. Store in the fridge for four to five days. You can also freeze cooked potato wedges for up to three months. Place the completely cooled wedges in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date and freeze.

When it comes to reheating, the best way is to use an air fryer, as it retains the crispiness and removes moisture. You can also use a skillet or the oven. The microwave is not recommended as it can make the wedges mushy.

Air Fryer:

• Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil.
• Place the wedges in the basket.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and switch it on for 10 minutes. If the wedges are frozen, keep them in for 15 minutes.
• Remove the wedges from the air fryer and serve hot.

Skillet:

• Preheat the skillet.
• Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it heat up.
• Add the frozen or cold wedges to the skillet. Do not overcrowd the skillet or cover it.
• Keep flipping the wedges until both sides are golden.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan.
• Hold them up to drain any excess oil.
• Line a tray with paper towels and place the wedges on it to absorb any remaining excess oil.

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• Place aluminium foil on a baking sheet and spray it with some oil.
• Arrange the wedges on the baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the sheet or they won't heat evenly.
• Let the wedges sit in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Check one of the wedges to see if it has reached the right temperature.
• Turn on the broiler for a minute or two to give the wedges a golden crisp.

Microwave:

• Place the wedges in a microwave-safe dish.
• Pour some oil over the wedges and toss them to form a light coat.
• Switch on the microwave and choose the reheat option. If there is no reheat option, choose the low heat setting and heat for three minutes.
• Check the wedges and extend the time if they are not hot enough.

Frequently asked questions