Air Fryer Jojo's: Crispy, Golden, And Delicious

If you're a fan of KFC's potato wedges, then you'll love jojos – potato wedges that are lightly battered and fried to a perfect crisp in the air fryer. The term 'jojos' is highly local to Oregon and Washington, and these wedges are usually well seasoned. They are not crispy, but they do have structure, a defined skin, and creamy, steamy insides.

To make jojos in an air fryer, start by cutting your potatoes into wedges. You can do this by slicing the potatoes in half lengthwise, then slicing those halves into quarters. Combine the flour and spices in a separate dish. Dry the potato wedges and dredge them in the flour mixture before dipping them in an egg mixture and dredging them in flour again. Place the wedges in the air fryer in a single layer, spray them with oil, and cook at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Potato varieties to use

When making jojo's in the air fryer, it is best to use starchy potato varieties such as russet potatoes or Yukon Golds. These types of potatoes will yield perfect results and hold up well during the cooking process. It is important to avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they are not suitable for this cooking method.

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for jojo's due to their fluffy texture and thick skin. They are easily available and provide a good base for the seasonings. If you opt for Yukon Golds, you'll get a similar outcome with a slightly different texture. These potatoes have a waxier feel and a thinner skin, but they will still work well for this recipe.

The key is to choose potatoes that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Look for potatoes that are medium to large, and try to cut them into wedges of uniform thickness. This will ensure that your jojo's cook evenly and give them a consistent texture.

Some recipes also call for leaving the skin on the potatoes, as it adds nutrients and flavour to the dish. However, you can always peel the potatoes if you prefer.

So, to summarise, the best potato varieties to use for jojo's in the air fryer are russet potatoes or Yukon Golds. These potatoes will give you the desired texture and taste, and by following the tips mentioned above, you'll be on your way to making delicious jojo's!

How to slice the potatoes

To make jojo's in the air fryer, you'll need to start by slicing your potatoes into wedges. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

First, select the right type of potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes are ideal, as you want a potato that is fluffy, waxy, and has thick skin.

Next, wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.

Now, you're ready to start slicing. Here's a step-by-step process:

• Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Place the potato cut-side down on a cutting board.
• Cut each half into halves or quarters lengthwise. You should now have long wedge-shaped pieces.
• For each wedge, position it with the cut side up and cut down the center to create a thinner wedge.
• Repeat this process for all the potato quarters until you have a uniform size and thickness for your wedges.

It's important to try to keep the wedges similar in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from overcooking or burning.

Once you've sliced all your potatoes, you can optionally soak them in cold water for 20-30 minutes. Soaking helps remove excess starch and will make your wedges crispier. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but it's recommended for the best results.

After soaking, simply dry the potatoes with paper towels or a clean cloth, and they're ready for the next step in your jojo's recipe!

How to make potato wedges in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2-4 medium-large russet potatoes
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Arrowroot powder/cornstarch/flour (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Parsley (optional)
• Chili powder (optional)

Method:

• Wash and scrub the potatoes.
• Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4-5 wedges. Try to make sure they are similar in size and thickness.
• (Optional) Soak the potato wedges in cold water for at least 20 minutes to make them crispier. This step helps to remove excess starch.
• Dry the wedges with a paper towel.
• Place the wedges in a large bowl and add the oil, spices, and any additional coatings (like arrowroot powder). Toss until the wedges are evenly coated.
• Place the wedges into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook at 375-400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips:

• Russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes work best for wedges as they are fluffy, waxy, and have thick skin.
• If you want crispier wedges, you can spritz them with a little oil before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space in the basket is needed for air to circulate, ensuring the wedges cook evenly.
• For extra crispy wedges, line the bottom of the basket with air fryer parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent sticking.

How long to cook/cook time

The cooking time for jojo potato wedges in the air fryer will depend on the crispiness you want to achieve, the size of your wedges, and the size of your air fryer. For example, thicker wedges will need to cook for longer, and if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the wedges in batches.

Most recipes recommend cooking the wedges for 15-20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. However, some recipes suggest cooking for 10 minutes on one side and then 5 minutes on the other, for a total of 15 minutes. If you want your wedges to be crispier, you can air fry them for a few minutes longer on each side, but be careful not to burn them.

The cooking time will also depend on the temperature of your air fryer. Most recipes suggest cooking the wedges at 375°F to 400°F. If you are cooking frozen wedges, they will need a longer cooking time of 25-30 minutes.

It is also worth noting that some recipes recommend pre-soaking the potato wedges in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and create a crispier texture. This step can add 20-30 minutes to your overall preparation time.

How to store potato wedges

To store potato wedges, you'll first want to let them cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, which you can line with paper towels. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four or five days.

You can also freeze wedges, but it's recommended to do this only if they're completely cool. Place them in an airtight freezer bag, removing as much excess air as possible, and they'll keep for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat your wedges, you can reheat them from frozen in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

Frequently asked questions