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

Air fryer potato wedges are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried wedges. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer also saves you calories compared to traditional deep frying and makes them crispier than baking them in the oven. This guide will take you through the steps and tips to make the perfect potato wedges.

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut potatoes into wedges, start by scrubbing and washing the potatoes. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Place the cut side down onto the cutting board and cut in half again to make quarters.

Next, place each potato quarter cut side up, then slice down the centre of the quarter to create wedges. The number of wedges you get will depend on the size of the potato. The thick end should be about 0.5 inches thick. You will likely be cutting each quarter into thirds, giving you 12 wedges per potato.

The best potatoes for wedges

When making potato wedges, the type of potato you use can make a big difference to the final result. While you can use any type of potato, some varieties will give you a crispier, fluffier, or waxier wedge.

Russet potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for making wedges due to their higher starch content, which results in extra-fluffy interiors. They crisp up beautifully and cook faster than other types of potatoes. Their higher starch content also means they are great for soaking up the flavours of any seasonings or spices you use.

Yukon Gold potatoes

If you're looking for a denser, waxier wedge, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option. They have a more buttery texture and a slightly lower starch content, so they won't crisp up as much as Russets. However, they still taste great and are a good choice if you prefer a denser wedge.

Red potatoes

Red potatoes, also known as new potatoes or red bliss potatoes, are small, reddish-brown potatoes with a thin skin that crisps easily. They are super tender on the inside and cut down into the perfect size for wedges, usually about eight wedges per potato.

Other varieties

While Russets, Yukon Golds, and Reds are the most commonly recommended potatoes for wedges, you can also use White, Yellow, or even Sweet potatoes. These varieties may not yield the same level of crispiness, but they will still make tasty wedges.

Tips for the perfect wedges

• Cut your potatoes into even-sized wedges so they cook evenly.
• Soak your potatoes in cold or hot water before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
• Pat your potatoes dry after soaking to remove any moisture that could make them soggy.
• Use a light dusting of seasoning to add flavour and extra crunch.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer or baking tray to ensure even cooking.

How long to air fry potato wedges for

The cooking time for potato wedges in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific model of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes around 15 to 30 minutes to cook potato wedges in an air fryer.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (180-200 degrees Celsius). Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking the potato wedges.

Step 2: Cook the Potato Wedges

Place the seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook the wedges at the preheated temperature for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Flip and Continue Cooking

After 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the potato wedges. This ensures even cooking on both sides. Continue cooking the wedges for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 4: Increase Temperature (Optional)

For extra crispy wedges, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the wedges during this step to ensure they don't burn.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the wedges have reached your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and toss them with your chosen seasonings or toppings. Serve the potato wedges immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

• Soaking the potato wedges in cold water for 10-30 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch and result in crispier wedges.
• Pat the potato wedges dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels after soaking and before placing them in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the wedges in batches if needed.
• Toss or shake the wedges in the air fryer basket periodically, especially towards the end of the cooking process, to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• For frozen potato wedges, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. There is no need to thaw frozen wedges before air frying.

How to season potato wedges

There are many ways to season potato wedges, and the right seasoning can make or break your dish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most flavour out of your wedges.

Preparation

Before you season your wedges, it is important to prepare the potatoes. First, cut the potatoes into wedges of roughly equal size. Then, rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. This will ensure your wedges are crispy. You can also soak the wedges in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour to enhance the crispiness. After rinsing or soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly.

Oils

Once your potatoes are prepared, you can toss them in oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use vegetable, avocado, or coconut oil. For a smoky flavour, you can even use leftover bacon grease!

Seasoning

Now for the fun part – seasoning! The most important seasoning for your wedges is salt. You can use regular salt or seasoned salt. If you want to get creative, try using a mix of salt, garlic powder, and chilli powder. You can also experiment with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, black pepper, cumin, onion powder, and dried dill. For a fancy twist, try truffle salt and grated Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh parsley.

Dips

If you want to serve your wedges with a dip, there are plenty of options. Ketchup, sour cream, tartar sauce, Greek yogurt ranch dip, or barbecue sauce are all great choices.

Cooking

When cooking your wedges, make sure to cook them in a single layer with space around each wedge for maximum crispiness. Shake the basket periodically to prevent burning.

Now you're ready to make delicious, seasoned potato wedges!

How to store leftover potato wedges

To store leftover air fryer potato wedges, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To reheat the wedges, cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until they are crispy again.

You can also freeze leftover potato wedges. First, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen wedges to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions