Air Fryer Wedges: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to make potato wedges, and they're a healthier alternative to deep-fried wedges as they use less oil. The cooking time will depend on the size and design of your air fryer, but generally, they will take around 15-20 minutes to cook. If you want crispier wedges, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch. You can also toss the wedges in parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley for a fancier appetizer.

How to cut potatoes into wedges

What You'll Need:

• A potato or potatoes of your choice. For potato wedges, it is recommended to use starchy potatoes such as Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds.
• A sharp knife, preferably a chef's knife.
• A cutting board.
• A potato brush or kitchen sponge (optional).
• Paper towels or a kitchen towel.
• A large bowl of cold water (optional).

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Start by scrubbing the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a potato brush or a kitchen sponge for this step.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
• Place the potato on a cutting board. Cut the potato in half lengthwise, so you have two long halves.
• With the cut side down, cut each half in half again lengthwise, creating four quarters.
• Place each quarter with the cut side up. Cut down the middle of each quarter lengthwise to create a wedge shape. You should now have eight wedges.
• Depending on the size of the potato and your desired wedge size, you can cut each wedge in half again to create 16 wedges in total.
• If you want to remove some of the starch for crispier wedges, place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
• Dry the potatoes again with paper towels if you soaked them.
• Your potatoes are now cut into wedges and ready for the next step in your recipe!

Tips:

• For even cooking, try to cut the wedges into similar sizes as best as you can.
• If you want to leave the skin on your potato wedges (which is recommended for a crispy texture), make sure to clean the potatoes well before cutting.
• If there are any bruised areas or dark spots on the potatoes, remove them with a paring knife.
• For safety and efficiency, use a sharp, large chef's knife rather than a small paring knife.
• If you're not cooking the wedges immediately, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.

How long to cook wedges for

Preparation

Before cooking, it is important to prepare your wedges. First, cut your potatoes into wedges. You can do this by cutting each potato in half lengthwise, and then cutting each half into four long wedges. You can leave the peel on for a more rustic texture and flavour, or peel them if you prefer.

Next, rinse your potatoes in cold water, repeating this process until the water runs clear. This will remove the excess starch and help your wedges to crisp up. Then, soak your potatoes in very hot water for 10 minutes. This will soften them and help them to cook evenly. After this, dry your potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Cooking

Now, it's time to cook your wedges! First, preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F. You should also grease the air fryer basket.

Next, add your olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other spices or seasonings you wish to use to a large bowl. Add your potato wedges and toss until they are seasoned.

Then, place a single layer of potato wedges into the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If your wedges are not crispy enough after this, you can air fry them for a little longer on each side.

Serving

Once cooked, your wedges should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fluffy and tender on the inside. Sprinkle with a little salt and serve immediately. You can also add toppings such as grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, or until they are warm and crisp.

You can also freeze wedges for up to two months. To do this, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.

How to store wedges

Once you've cooked your wedges, it's important to let them cool before storing them. Place the wedges 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.

If you want to freeze your wedges, make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight freezer bag. Squeeze out the excess air, seal the bag, and label it with the date. Frozen wedges can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen wedges, you don't need to thaw them first. Simply reheat them from frozen in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

Reheating Tips

If you're reheating your wedges in the air fryer, it's best to recrisp them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This will help them regain their delicious, crispy texture.

However, if you're short on time or don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat them in the microwave or oven. Just keep in mind that they may lose their crispy texture when warmed up in the microwave.

How to reheat wedges

If you're looking to reheat potato wedges, an air fryer is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Wedges

First, take your leftover wedges out of the fridge. It's best to use an airtight container for storage, and they will last for up to five days. You can also freeze wedges for up to three months. If you're freezing, place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the wedges back into the air fryer. There's no need to defrost them first if they're frozen. Set the air fryer to 350–400°F (180–200°C) and heat for a few minutes until they are warm and crisp. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they may lose their crispy texture.

Serving

These wedges go well with a variety of dips and sauces. Try ketchup, ranch, aioli, barbecue sauce, or even spicy mayo. For a fancier option, try truffle salt and fresh parsley, or sprinkle on some parmesan cheese.

Customisation

If you want to switch up the spices, you can try onion powder, ranch seasoning, or chili powder for a spicy kick. For a different kind of spicy flavor, sprinkle on some Cajun seasoning, but be aware that it already contains salt.

Tips

If your wedges are browning too fast, turn the temperature down to 350°F (180°C). Always cook in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can make the wedges soggy.

There you have it! A quick and easy way to reheat potato wedges using an air fryer. Enjoy your delicious, crispy wedges!

How to freeze wedges

There are several ways to freeze potato wedges, and the method you choose will depend on your preferences and how much time you have. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze wedges, with some helpful tips along the way!

First, you'll need to wash and cut your potatoes into wedges. Try to keep the thickness of the wedges consistent so that they cook evenly. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the peels on adds a nice rustic texture and flavour, as well as extra fibre and vitamins.

One method to ensure your wedges stay fresh-tasting after freezing is to blanch the potatoes. This involves adding the cut wedges to a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. This will partially cook the potatoes, and you can then add them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they're cool, drain the wedges and place them on a baking dish in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the wedges to a freezer bag. Blanching can also reduce the baking time when you come to cook the wedges.

If you don't want to blanch your wedges, you can simply freeze them raw. To do this, toss the wedges in olive oil and your chosen seasoning. Then, spread the wedges out on a flat pan or tray and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the wedges to a freezer bag.

When you're ready to cook your frozen wedges, preheat your oven to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the wedges on a baking sheet and cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on their thickness. You can also reheat frozen wedges in an air fryer or microwave.

Some people prefer to parboil or partially bake their wedges before freezing. This gives you a head start when it comes to cooking and can make the wedges more functional as a grab-and-go food item. If you choose to parboil, simply cook the wedges in boiling salted water until they start to soften, then drain the water and toss the wedges in oil and seasoning. Allow the wedges to cool, then spread them out on a tray and freeze.

Freezing wedges is a great way to save time and have a quick and easy side dish on hand. With a little preparation, you can enjoy delicious, crispy wedges whenever you like!

Frequently asked questions