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

Air fryer potato wedges are a delicious, quick, and easy snack or side dish. They are healthier than deep-fried wedges as they use less oil and are ready in just over 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and design of your air fryer, but on average, they take about 15 minutes to cook. You can also experiment with different seasonings to add a little spice or heat to your wedges.

How to cut potato wedges

Cutting potato wedges is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut perfect potato wedges:

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Potatoes

Start by rinsing the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a potato brush or a kitchen sponge to scrub them thoroughly. If there are any bruised areas or dark spots, use a paring knife to cut them off. Once they are clean, dry the potatoes with a kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes in Half

Place the potato on a cutting board and use a sharp chef's knife to cut it in half lengthwise. It is important to use a sharp knife to ensure a clean cut. Repeat this step for all the potatoes you are preparing.

Step 3: Cut the Potatoes into Quarters

With the cut side of each potato half facing down on the cutting board, cut them in half lengthwise again, creating quarters. For smaller wedges, you can cut the potatoes into thirds lengthwise instead.

Step 4: Create the Wedge Shape

Place each quarter with the cut side facing up. Cut down the middle lengthwise to create a wedge shape. Depending on the size of the potato, you may want to cut each quarter into smaller wedges. For example, you can cut each quarter into halves or thirds, depending on your desired wedge size.

Step 5: Soak the Potato Wedges (Optional)

For extra crispy potato wedges, you can soak the raw wedges in salted hot water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps release some of the starch and results in a crispier texture.

Step 6: Season and Cook

At this point, you can season the potato wedges with your desired herbs and spices. You can then cook them in an air fryer, oven, or fryer, following your preferred recipe.

Remember to use a sharp knife and cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Enjoy your homemade potato wedges!

How long to cook them for

The cooking time for potato wedges in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. However, a general guideline is to cook the wedges for around 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For crispier wedges, it is recommended to cook them for an additional 5 minutes or so. This can be done at the same temperature or, for optimal crispiness, the temperature can be increased to 400 degrees F for the final 15 minutes of cooking time.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the wedges and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, some air fryer models may require preheating, while others do not, so be sure to refer to the user manual for specific instructions.

For the best results, it is recommended to soak the potato wedges in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to remove excess starch and results in crispier wedges. After soaking, the potatoes should be dried thoroughly before being seasoned and placed in the air fryer.

What temperature to cook them at

The optimal temperature for cooking potato wedges in an air fryer depends on the stage of cooking.

Some recipes suggest a two-stage cooking process, where the potato wedges are initially cooked at a lower temperature to ensure the insides are cooked without burning the outsides. For example, one source recommends cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a further 15 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

Other recipes suggest a single temperature for cooking. For example, one source recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, and another suggests cooking at 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15-20 minutes.

It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer being used.

How to make them extra crispy

There are a few tricks to making extra crispy potato wedges in your air fryer. Firstly, it is recommended to use starchy potatoes, such as russet potatoes, as they will give you the crispiest results. You should also avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up as well during cooking.

Soaking the Potatoes

One of the most important steps to achieving maximum crispiness is to soak the potatoes in cold water before cooking. This helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent your wedges from getting crispy. Place the wedges in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, or until the water runs clear. You can also add ice cubes to the water. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels before adding any seasoning or oil.

Seasoning

While you can season your wedges however you like, using a combination of olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is a great way to add flavour and crispiness. You can also add cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. Make sure to toss the wedges until they are well coated in the seasoning.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wedges in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip the wedges and cook for an additional 5 minutes. You can also spray the wedges with cooking oil at this point for extra crispiness. Finally, cook the wedges for another 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Serving

For an extra crispy texture and some extra flavour, you can toss the cooked wedges with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, sour cream, ranch, or aioli.

Storage

Allow the wedges to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze cooked wedges for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.

How to store and reheat them

How to Store and Reheat Potato Wedges

Storing

Once your potato wedges have cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag lined with paper towels. You can store them in the fridge for up to four or five days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled wedges in an airtight freezer bag, squeeze out the excess air, seal, and label with the date. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

The best way to reheat potato wedges is to use an air fryer, as this retains crispiness and removes moisture. You can also use an oven or a skillet. The microwave is not recommended as it can make the wedges soggy.

If you are reheating wedges in an air fryer, spray the air fryer basket with a little oil, place the wedges in the basket, and set the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if frozen).

To reheat wedges in an oven, preheat the oven to 450°F. Place aluminum foil on a baking sheet and spray with oil. Arrange the wedges on the sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and let them sit in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Check if they have reached the right temperature, then turn on the broiler for a minute or two to give them a golden crisp.

To reheat wedges in a skillet, preheat the skillet and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add your frozen or cold wedges to the skillet, ensuring it is not overcrowded. Keep flipping the wedges until both sides are golden. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and place them on a tray lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

Frequently asked questions