Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Crispy, Golden Perfection

If you're craving a delicious snack or an easy side dish, look no further than crispy air-fried potato wedges. This recipe is a game-changer, yielding potato wedges that are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a fluffy and tender inside. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve the perfect texture without the need for excess oil or a long cooking time. With just a few simple ingredients and a few steps, you can make these potato wedges at home.

Choosing the right potato

The type of potato you use is crucial to achieving the perfect potato wedges. The best potatoes for this purpose are starchy varieties such as russet potatoes or Yukon Golds. These potatoes will give you the desired fluffy texture on the inside and a crispy exterior. Russet potatoes, in particular, are known to cook faster and crisp up better than other types.

On the other hand, it is recommended to avoid waxy potatoes such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up well during the cooking process.

If you opt for Yukon Gold potatoes, you can expect a denser texture and a slightly less crispy result. However, they will still be tasty! Other potatoes that can be used include Yellow, Red, and White potatoes, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

When selecting your potatoes, look for those that are 5 inches or less in length. Longer potato wedges tend to break apart when tossed in the air fryer, so choosing smaller potatoes will help ensure your wedges stay intact during cooking.

Additionally, organic potatoes are a good choice, as they tend to have lower pesticide residue.

Soaking the potatoes

Firstly, place your raw potato wedges in a bowl and fill it with cold water. You can also add a few ice cubes to the water, which some recipes suggest. Swish the potatoes around in the water, then drain the bowl and repeat this process once or twice more until the water you pour off is clear. This step is crucial as it helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which will ensure they become nice and crispy when cooked.

Once you've rinsed the potatoes, it's time to soak them. Pour very hot water over the potatoes, covering them by at least an inch. Leave them to soak for around 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps to soften the potatoes, ensuring they cook evenly later on.

After soaking, spread the potato wedges out on a clean towel or some paper towels and pat them dry. It's important to make sure they are thoroughly dried before moving on to the next step.

Now your potatoes are ready for seasoning and air frying!

Drying the potatoes

First, after cutting your potatoes into wedges, place them in a large bowl and cover them with cool or cold water. Swish the potatoes around in the water, then drain the water. Repeat this rinsing process once or twice more until the water you pour off runs clear. This crucial step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which is key to achieving crispiness.

Next, after rinsing, pour very hot tap water over the potatoes, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the potatoes to sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes. This step helps to soften the potatoes, ensuring they cook evenly without the need for parboiling.

Finally, spread the potato wedges on a clean kitchen or paper towel and pat them thoroughly dry. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before adding any seasoning or placing them in the air fryer. Any remaining water on the potatoes can cause them to steam instead of crisp up during cooking.

By following these steps, you will effectively dry your potatoes and set yourself up for making crispy, golden-brown potato wedges with a fluffy interior.

Seasoning the potatoes

The key to making delicious potato wedges is in the seasoning. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of spices. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potato wedges to perfection:

Choose the right potatoes:

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice for wedges because they get soft and fluffy in the centre, while still crisping up nicely on the outside. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option, especially if you want a buttery taste and a crispy, crackly exterior.

Soaking the potatoes:

Before seasoning and cooking your potatoes, it's a good idea to soak them in water to remove excess starch. This step will help ensure your wedges come out crispy. Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and cover them with cool water. Swish them around, then drain the water and repeat this process until the water runs clear. This can take up to three rinses.

Drying the potatoes:

After rinsing, pour very hot tap water over the potatoes and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps to soften the potatoes so they cook evenly. Then, spread the potato wedges on a clean towel and pat them dry. It's important to make sure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before adding any seasoning or oil.

Creating the seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings with olive oil or vegetable oil. This will create a sort of "sauce" that will help the flavours stick to the potatoes. You can also add cornstarch to the mixture, which will give your wedges an extra crispy texture without using too much oil.

For the seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try a combination of spices like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, parsley, rosemary, cumin, oregano, or Italian seasoning. You can also try a seasoning blend like Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or ranch seasoning.

Coating the potatoes:

Once your potatoes are dry, place them back in the large bowl and pour the seasoning sauce on top. Toss the potatoes until they are fully coated with the seasoning. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated so they will cook and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Air frying the potatoes:

Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C (390°F to 400°F). Place the seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy, and perfectly seasoned potato wedges in your air fryer. Enjoy experimenting with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles.

Reheating and storage

Refrigeration

Leftover potato wedges can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.

Freezing

You can also freeze cooked potato wedges. Place the cooled wedges into an airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and seal. Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to two months to three months.

Reheating

Reheat the wedges from frozen in the microwave, air fryer, or oven until warm and crisp. You don't need to defrost them first.

Tips

• If you are reheating in an air fryer, heat the wedges at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes or until warm and crisp.
• If you want to add extra crispness, spray the wedges with a light coating of cooking oil before reheating.

Frequently asked questions