Air Fryer Potato Wedges: The Perfect Timing For Crunchy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to cook potato wedges, yielding a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The cooking time varies depending on the desired crispiness, but generally, it takes around 15-25 minutes at temperatures between 350-400°F (180-200°C). The key to achieving maximum crispiness is to soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch, season them generously, and ensure they are coated in oil before placing them in the air fryer.

How to cut potato wedges

What You'll Need:

• A potato
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• A vegetable peeler (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Start by scrubbing the potato under running water to remove any dirt. You can use a sponge, brush, or your hands for this step. Once cleaned, dry the potato with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
• Place the potato on the cutting board and use your knife to slice it in half lengthwise. You should now have two long pieces.
• Take one of the halves and place it cut-side down on the cutting board. Cut it in half lengthwise again, creating quarters. Repeat this step with the other half.
• Now, take each quarter and position it with the cut side facing up. Cut down the center of each quarter to create a wedge shape.
• Depending on the size of your potato and your desired wedge thickness, you can either stop here or continue cutting each wedge in half lengthwise to create smaller wedges.
• Repeat these steps with the remaining potato halves until you have the desired number of wedges.

Tips:

• For more uniform wedges, try to use potatoes that are similar in size.
• If you prefer peeled potatoes, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin before cutting.
• For crispy potato wedges, consider soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and promotes crispiness.

How long to cook potato wedges

The length of time it takes to cook potato wedges in an air fryer depends on how crispy you like them. The cooking time can range from 15 minutes to 40 minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking the wedges for 10 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for a further 5 minutes. This method takes 15 minutes in total.

Other recipes suggest cooking the wedges for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through. This method takes between 20 and 25 minutes in total.

If you like your wedges extra crispy, you can cook them for 10 minutes, flip them, cook for another 5 minutes, and then cook for a further 15 minutes. This method takes 30 minutes in total.

For even crispier wedges, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch, which can make the wedges gummy and prevent them from crisping up.

It's also important to note that the cooking time may depend on the type of potato you use. Russet potatoes and Yukon Golds are good options for wedges because they get soft and fluffy in the centre. However, avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up well during cooking.

Additionally, make sure that your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature, usually between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wedges in a single layer, and toss or shake them periodically to ensure even cooking.

Best potatoes for potato wedges

There are several types of potatoes that can be used to make potato wedges, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the best options:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for making potato wedges due to their high starch content, which results in fluffy and soft interiors. They crisp up beautifully and are widely available at affordable prices. Their soft and fluffy texture makes them ideal for air fryer potato wedges.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are another option, but they tend to be denser than Russets. They have a mix of starchy and waxy properties, so they can still work well for wedges, especially if you give them a quick soak before cooking to enhance their crispness.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are waxy and less starchy, so they may not need an ice water bath or soaking step. However, they can still be used to make delicious potato wedges.

When choosing potatoes for wedges, it's important to consider the size and shape. Potatoes that are 5 inches or less in length work best, as longer wedges tend to break apart when tossed or flipped during cooking.

Additionally, it's worth noting that leaving the peels on the potatoes can add a nice rustic texture and flavour, as well as providing additional fibre, vitamin C, B vitamins, and iron.

Overall, Russet potatoes are the top choice for making potato wedges, especially in an air fryer, due to their high starch content and ability to create fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. However, other types such as Yukon Gold and Red potatoes can also be used with slight adjustments to the preparation process.

Potato wedges seasoning

The seasoning is the secret to delicious, crispy potato wedges. While you can get creative and use your favourite spices, a typical seasoning mix includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For extra flavour, you can add parsley, chilli, cumin, oregano, or truffle salt.

How to Season Potato Wedges

First, cut your potatoes into wedges. Then, in a large bowl, add olive oil and your chosen spices. Toss the potato wedges in the bowl until they are evenly coated in the seasoning.

Dipping Sauces

While your potato wedges will taste great on their own, you can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular options include ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, aioli, sour cream, and sweet chilli sauce.

How to store potato wedges

To store potato wedges, you'll first need to let them cool down completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag lined with paper towels. You can store them in the fridge for up to five days.

When you're ready to eat them again, you can reheat the wedges in the microwave, an air fryer, or an oven.

You can also freeze cooked potato wedges. To do this, place the cooled wedges in an airtight freezer bag, squeeze out the excess air, seal, and label with the date. They'll keep in the freezer for up to three months. You don't need to thaw the wedges before reheating—simply pop them in the microwave, air fryer, or oven and heat until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions