Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Perfect Timing For Crispy Treats

Air fryers are a great way to cook potato wedges, yielding a crispy, crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. The cooking time depends on the size of the wedges and the air fryer being used, but generally, they are ready in around 20-25 minutes. The potatoes should be cut into wedges, soaked in water, seasoned, and tossed periodically during cooking to ensure even cooking. They are a versatile side dish or snack and can be served with various dipping sauces.

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut potatoes into wedges, start by giving them a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt and grime. You can peel the potatoes if you like, but this is optional. If you want to keep the skin on, pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This will help the skin to crisp up nicely when cooked.

Next, use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place one half of the potato cut-side down on a cutting board and cut it in half again. Do the same with the other half, so you have four pieces. With the skin side down, cut each quarter into thirds. You should now have 12 pieces.

For very large wedges, cut the potato into halves and then into quarters. For slightly smaller wedges, cut the potato into thirds on a 60-degree angle from the outside to the centre line. For even smaller wedges, cut each piece in half again after the second cut. You can also trim a few millimetres off each end to prevent burning.

Once you have cut your potatoes into wedges, you can soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch and help create a crispier texture when cooked. After soaking, dry the potatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also get creative with other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or cayenne pepper.

Finally, place the seasoned potato wedges in an air fryer basket and cook for 15-25 minutes, tossing or flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Enjoy your crispy, golden-brown potato wedges as a delicious side dish or snack!

The best potatoes for air fryer wedges

When it comes to making potato wedges in an air fryer, the type of potato you use can make a difference in the final result. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the best potatoes for air fryer wedges:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer wedges because of their high starch content. This higher starch content results in extra-fluffy interiors, and they crisp up beautifully. When selecting Russet potatoes, look for those that are 5 inches or less in length, as longer wedges tend to break apart more easily when tossed in the air fryer.

Maris Piper Potatoes

Maris Piper potatoes are also a good option for air fryer wedges, especially if you're looking for a floury variety. They tend to have a lower starch content compared to Russets, but they still make delicious, fluffy wedges.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are denser than Russets, so they will give you a different texture. They have a creamier texture and a slightly sweeter flavour. If you prefer a denser, creamier wedge, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good choice.

Potato Wedge Size

Regardless of the type of potato you choose, it's important to cut your wedges into similar sizes. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent smaller pieces from burning or larger pieces from being undercooked. Aim for wedges that are roughly half an inch in thickness.

Soaking Potatoes

Before cooking your potato wedges in the air fryer, consider soaking them in cold water for about 10 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier wedges. Some recipes recommend soaking for up to 30 minutes if you have the time, as it can further enhance the crispiness.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of potato and the size of your wedges. For most potatoes, cooking at 200°C/400°F for 20-30 minutes should be sufficient. Be sure to shake the basket or toss the wedges halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

In summary, the best potatoes for air fryer wedges are those with higher starch content, such as Russet or Maris Piper potatoes. Cut them into uniform sizes, soak them in water for crispiness, and cook at a high temperature for a delicious, crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

How to season potato wedges

To make potato wedges in an air fryer, you'll need to cut, season, and then air-fry your potatoes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to season your potato wedges:

• Scrub and Soak the Potatoes: Start by scrubbing the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. You can leave the peels on for extra crunch and nutrition. Then, cut the potatoes into wedges. A standard potato should yield about 12-16 wedges. Place the wedges in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10-30 minutes. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which can interfere with crisping, and makes for crunchier wedges.
• Dry and Season: Once the wedges are done soaking, dry them thoroughly using paper towels. Place the wedges in a large, clean bowl and toss them with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, rosemary, chilli powder, or cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or truffle salt.
• Toss and Air Fry: After seasoning, toss the wedges to ensure they are evenly coated. Then, place them in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 15-25 minutes at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, tossing the wedges every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Cool, Store, and Reheat: Allow the wedges to cool completely before storing. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave, oven, or air fryer. For extra crispy wedges, reheat them in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Feel free to get creative with your seasonings and dips! You can serve these potato wedges as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Enjoy!

How long to boil wedges before air frying

Boiling potatoes before air frying is not recommended, as it can make them soggy. However, soaking the potato wedges in cold water for about 10 to 30 minutes before cooking them in the air fryer is a crucial step to achieving crispy results.

To prepare potato wedges for air frying, start by scrubbing the potatoes. Then, slice them into wedges using a sharp knife and a cutting board. Place the potato wedges into a large mixing bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure even cooking.

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes using paper towels. Place the wedges in another clean bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or rosemary for an earthy flavor.

Once the potatoes are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wedges in batches. Air fry the wedges at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 25 minutes, tossing them every 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.

With this method, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and fluffy potato wedges without the need for boiling.

How to reheat potato wedges

To reheat potato wedges in an air fryer, first let them thaw if they are frozen. Then, spread the wedges out evenly in the air fryer basket and cook them at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. The amount of time it takes to reheat the wedges will depend on their size and how cold they are. If they are coming straight from the refrigerator, they will need about a minute longer. Check on the wedges after a few minutes and decide if they need more time. If they do, put them back in for another minute and check again. There is no need to add any extra oil to the wedges when reheating them in the air fryer.

If you are reheating wedges in the microwave, they will lose their crispy texture.

If you are making potato wedges from scratch, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. You can also freeze them for up to two to three months.

Frequently asked questions