Air Fryer Wedges: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Air fryer wedges are a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are easy to make and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The key to getting them crispy is to cut the potatoes into wedges of a similar size and to preheat the air fryer. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water before seasoning to make them even crispier.

Choosing the right potato

Russet potatoes are often recommended as the ideal choice due to their starchiness and structure, which make them perfect for wedges and fries. They cook faster and yield a crispier texture compared to other varieties. This is why they are commonly used in air fryer recipes. Their high starch content also helps achieve that irresistible fluffy interior and golden exterior.

However, other types of potatoes can also be used successfully. For example, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative if you're looking for a waxier texture. They will still turn out delicious, but it's important to note that they may require a slightly longer cooking time and might not achieve the same level of crispiness as russets.

Red and white potatoes can also be used, but the results may vary. These varieties tend to have a denser, waxier texture, which means they might need a few extra minutes in the air fryer to reach the desired level of doneness.

In summary, while russet potatoes are the go-to choice for air fryer wedges, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of potatoes to find the variety that suits your taste preferences. Just keep in mind that cooking times and textures may vary, so adjust your air fryer settings accordingly.

Cutting the potato into wedges

Cutting the potatoes into wedges is a simple process. First, slice the potato in half lengthwise. Then, place the cut side of the potato down on the cutting board and slice it in half again to make quarters. Place each potato quarter cut side up, then slice down the centre of the quarter to create wedges. You can also cut each quarter into thirds to make thinner wedges. The number of wedges you get will depend on the size of the potato. The thick end of each wedge should be about 0.5 inches thick.

You can leave the peel on your potatoes. It adds texture and there is no easy way to remove it. However, if you don't like the peel, it's perfectly fine to peel them.

Seasoning the wedges

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose can impact the final texture and crispiness of your wedges. Russet potatoes are often recommended for wedges due to their higher starch content, which contributes to a fluffier interior and crispier exterior. However, other varieties such as Yukon Gold, red, or white potatoes can also be used, although they may result in a slightly less crispy texture.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before seasoning, it is essential to cut the potatoes into uniform wedges. This ensures even cooking and browning. Cut each potato lengthwise into halves, and then cut each half into three or four long wedges. Try to make the wedges similar in size for consistent cooking.

Some recipes suggest soaking the potato wedges in cold water for 20-30 minutes before seasoning. This step helps remove excess starch, which can lead to a crispier final product. However, others argue that skipping the soaking step doesn't make a significant difference in crispiness. After cutting and optional soaking, make sure to pat the wedges dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.

Creating the Seasoning Blend

For a classic seasoning blend, combine olive oil or avocado oil with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to your taste preferences. This blend provides a savoury and slightly spicy kick to your wedges. If you want to add some heat, include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Additionally, you can experiment with other spices like rosemary, Italian seasoning, cumin, nutmeg, or cinnamon to create unique flavour profiles.

Coating the Wedges

Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with the seasoning blend. Toss the wedges until they are evenly coated. Make sure to use enough seasoning to cover all surfaces of the wedges. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure an even coating.

Adding Cheese (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavour and crispiness, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoned wedges. After the initial air frying, transfer the wedges back to the mixing bowl and toss them with an additional drizzle of oil and the grated Parmesan. This step ensures that the cheese adheres to the wedges and creates a delicious, savoury coating.

Final Thoughts

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends and spices to find your perfect flavour combination. You can also try serving your air fryer wedges with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup, sour cream, aioli, or pesto, to enhance the overall taste experience.

Cooking the wedges

Now that you've got your potato wedges seasoned and ready to go, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 380-400°F. This step is important for getting those crispy results.
• Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Arrange the Wedges: Place the wedges in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. They should be in a single layer with space between them for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wedges in batches.
• Cooking Time: For most air fryers, the cooking time will be around 15-20 minutes. However, the exact time may vary, so keep an eye on them. You can flip the wedges halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Add Cheese (Optional): If you want to add grated Parmesan cheese to your wedges, as suggested in some recipes, do so after the initial cooking. Toss the partially cooked wedges with the cheese and an additional drizzle of oil before returning them to the air fryer.
• Final Cook: Place the wedges back in the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of crispiness.
• Garnish and Serve: Your wedges are now ready to be served! Garnish them with some freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, sour cream, or sriracha mayo.

Tips for Crispy Wedges:

• Soaking the Potatoes: While not mandatory, some recipes suggest soaking the potato wedges in cold water for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps draw out excess starch, potentially resulting in crispier wedges. After soaking, be sure to pat the wedges dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture.
• Oil Choice: Use oils with high smoke points, such as canola oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays.
• Single Layer: Always arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Flip Midway: For even cooking and browning, flip the wedges halfway through the initial cooking time.
• Don't Overcrowd: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wedges in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer wedges are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, snack, or appetiser. They can be served with a variety of dips and sauces, such as:

• Ketchup
• Fry sauce
• Pesto
• Aioli
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Sugar-free BBQ sauce
• Big Mac sauce
• Spicy mayo
• Chick-fil-A sauce

They also pair well with a variety of mains, including:

• Steak
• Pork chops
• Burgers
• Chicken
• Salmon
• Pork

For a fancier appetiser, you can toss the wedges in parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions