Air Fryer Wedges: Crispy, Golden Perfection

If you're looking for a quick and easy snack or side dish, air fryer potato wedges are a great option. They're healthier than deep-fried wedges, as they require less oil, and they're also faster to make than oven-baked wedges. Plus, with an air fryer, you get the perfect texture – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

To make delicious, crispy wedges, start by cutting your potatoes into wedges. You can use any type of potato, but russet potatoes are recommended for that extra fluffiness. Soak the wedges in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure maximum crispiness. Pat the wedges dry, then season with your choice of spices – some popular options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. You can also add olive oil or another type of oil to enhance the flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the wedges inside in a single layer. Cook for 15–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut potatoes into wedges, start by slicing the potato in half lengthwise. Then, place the cut side of the potato onto the cutting board and cut it in half again to create quarters. Repeat this process with the other half of the potato.

Next, position each potato quarter with the cut side facing up and cut down the centre of each quarter to create a wedge. You can cut each quarter into two or three wedges, depending on the size of the potato. Repeat this process with the remaining potato quarters until you have the desired number of wedges.

It's important to try and make the wedges a similar thickness and size. This will help ensure even cooking. If the wedges vary in size, the smaller ones may cook faster than the larger ones.

Once you've cut all the potatoes into wedges, you can proceed to soak them in water (optional) and then season and cook them as desired.

The best potatoes for wedges

The best type of potato for making crispy wedges in an air fryer is the Russet potato. This is because they cook faster, crisp up better, and have a fluffier interior than other types of potatoes. They also have a higher starch content, which makes for extra-fluffy interiors.

Other types of potatoes that can be used include Yukon Gold, Red, and White potatoes, but the result will not be as crispy, the interior texture will be waxier, and they will take a few minutes longer to cook.

How long to cook wedges for

The cooking time for your wedges will depend on how crispy you like them, and the size of your air fryer. For crispy wedges, you should air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then toss the wedges and cook for another 5 minutes. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 15 minutes, tossing the wedges every 5 minutes. This will give you a total cooking time of 30 minutes.

If you want your wedges to be extra crispy, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to remove excess starch and make the wedges crispier. You can also spray them with cooking oil halfway through cooking for extra crunch.

If you are short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but your wedges may not be as crispy. Make sure you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent your wedges from crisping up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wedges in batches.

How to store wedges

Now that you've made your crispy potato wedges, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your wedges before and after cooking:

Storing Raw Potato Wedges:

• Soak the potato wedges in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier wedges during cooking. You can also experiment with skipping this step, as some people have had varying results.
• After soaking, drain the water completely and pat the wedges dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Place the wedges in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store them in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to one day before cooking.

Storing Cooked Potato Wedges:

• Place the leftover wedges in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Make sure they are completely cooled down before storing.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• To reheat, you can use an air fryer or oven. Reheat at a temperature of around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they are warm and crisp.
• If you want to freeze the wedges, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two to three months.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your crispy potato wedges for several days and even freeze them for future enjoyment!

How to make wedges extra crispy

There are a few key steps to follow when making potato wedges in an air fryer to ensure they turn out extra crispy. Firstly, choose the right type of potatoes—russet potatoes are recommended by several sources for their ability to get soft and fluffy on the inside while crisping up nicely on the outside.

Next, cut the potatoes into evenly sized wedges. The exact size is up to you, but it's important that the wedges are similar in size so they cook at the same rate. Leave the skin on for added nutrients and a rustic texture.

Now, here comes an important step to achieve maximum crispiness: soaking the potatoes. Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of cold water with ice cubes and let them soak for around 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch, which will make the potatoes crisp up better during cooking. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.

Once the potatoes are dry, it's time to season them. Toss the wedges in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings. Recommended seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and black pepper. You can also try adding some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley after cooking for extra flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/400°F and grease the basket. Place the seasoned wedges into the air fryer basket in a single layer—you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You should now have a batch of extra crispy, golden brown potato wedges that are perfect as a side dish or snack. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions