Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Perfectly Crispy Seasoning

Air fryers are a great way to make potato wedges, giving them a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They are healthier than deep-fried wedges as they require less oil and are faster than baking them in the oven. You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour the wedges, such as paprika, parsley, chilli, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Russet potatoes are the best type of potato to use as they get beautifully crisp, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes. You should cut the potatoes into wedges, soak them in water to remove the excess starch, dry them, add oil and seasonings, and then cook them in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

Potato varieties and how to cut them

When it comes to making potato wedges in an air fryer, the type of potato you use is important. It's best to opt for a starchy variety, such as russet potatoes or Yukon Golds. These types of potatoes will give you perfect results as they have a higher starch content, which makes for extra-fluffy interiors, and they crisp up beautifully. On the other hand, it's best to avoid waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, as they won't hold up as well during cooking.

Now, let's get into the cutting technique. The goal is to create evenly sized wedges so that they cook uniformly in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by selecting potatoes that are 5 inches or less in length. Longer wedges tend to break apart when tossed in the air fryer.
• Place a potato on a cutting board and slice it in half lengthwise.
• Take one half and place it cut-side down. Cut it lengthwise again, creating two long halves.
• Repeat the previous step with the remaining half. You should now have four long pieces.
• Take one of the long pieces and place it cut-side up. Cut it lengthwise again, but this time, make slightly thicker cuts to create wedges. You can cut it into thirds or halves, depending on your desired wedge size.
• Repeat the cutting process with the remaining long pieces. Each potato should yield around 12 wedges.
• Repeat the entire process with the remaining potatoes.

Once you've cut your potatoes into wedges, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch and results in crispier wedges. After soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before seasoning and placing them in the air fryer.

Seasoning options

The great thing about making potato wedges in an air fryer is that you can get creative with the seasonings. You can stick to a simple, classic seasoning of sea salt and black pepper, or you can experiment with different herbs and spices. Here are some seasoning options to try:

Classic Seasoning

For a classic take on potato wedges, stick to a simple seasoning of sea salt and black pepper. This combination will give your wedges a timeless flavour that everyone will enjoy.

Savoury Seasoning

For a savoury twist, season your wedges with a mixture of paprika, parsley, chilli, salt, and pepper. This combination will add a kick of heat and a depth of flavour to your wedges. If you want to spice things up even more, you can add cayenne pepper to the mix.

Earthy Seasoning

For an earthy, herbal flavour, try adding some rosemary to your potato wedges. Rosemary pairs well with potatoes and will give your wedges a unique, sophisticated flavour.

Spicy Seasoning

If you like your food with a kick, try a spicy seasoning blend such as Cajun seasoning or taco seasoning. These blends typically include spices like chilli powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper. Just be sure to reduce the amount of salt you add, as these blends usually already contain salt.

Smoky Seasoning

For a smoky flavour, try using smoked paprika and garlic powder as your seasonings. This combination will give your wedges a deep, savoury taste that is perfect for those who enjoy a more intense flavour.

Cheesy Seasoning

If you want to add some cheesiness to your wedges, try tossing them in Parmesan cheese and garnishing with fresh parsley. This combination will make your wedges taste creamy and decadent.

Ranch Seasoning

For a cool and creamy flavour, season your wedges with a ranch blend. You can make your own ranch seasoning by mixing onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill. This combination will give your wedges a unique, tangy taste.

Italian Seasoning

For an Italian-inspired twist, try using Italian seasoning on your wedges. This blend typically includes a mix of herbs and spices like basil, oregano, and thyme. It will give your wedges a flavour that is both familiar and delicious.

Basic Seasoning

If you prefer your wedges with a classic fry flavour, stick to a basic seasoning of salt and pepper. You can also use seasoned salt, which adds a bit of extra flavour. This combination is perfect for those who want a simple, no-fuss option.

Custom Seasoning

Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own custom seasoning blends. You can mix and match different herbs and spices to find a combination that you love. Get creative and let your taste buds be your guide!

Air fryer settings

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The specific temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and preferences. This step ensures the appliance is ready to go when you place the seasoned potato wedges inside.

Air Frying Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature settings depend on the desired crispiness of your potato wedges. For a basic setting, cook the wedges at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 15 minutes. This two-step process ensures the wedges are cooked through without burning the exterior.

Shaking and Tossing the Wedges

To ensure even cooking and maximize crispiness, it's important to shake or toss the potato wedges during the cooking process. After the initial 10 minutes of cooking, use tongs or a spatula to gently flip and toss the wedges. Repeat this step every 5 minutes during the remaining cooking time. This helps prevent the wedges from sticking to the air fryer basket and promotes even browning.

Batch Cooking

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potato wedges in batches. If your air fryer basket is overcrowded, the hot air may not circulate properly, resulting in uneven cooking. To ensure all wedges are cooked evenly, cook them in batches if necessary. Once all batches are cooked, you can place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to heat them through together.

Reheating and Storage

To reheat leftover potato wedges, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they regain their crispiness. You can store leftover wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Now you're equipped with the air fryer settings and techniques to make perfect potato wedges every time!

Soaking and drying potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in cold water before air frying is an optional step, but it can help to remove excess starch and make your wedges even crispier. If you have the time, it is recommended that you soak the potatoes for around 30 minutes. After rinsing, you should pour hot water over the potatoes and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will soften the potatoes and ensure they cook evenly.

Once you have soaked the potatoes, it is important to dry them thoroughly. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the potatoes until they are completely dry. This is a crucial step as it will ensure that your wedges crisp up in the air fryer instead of steaming.

Dipping sauces

Classic Condiments

The most classic condiment to serve with potato wedges is ketchup. Other popular options include barbecue sauce, ranch dip, and malt vinegar.

Spicy Sauces

If you like your food with a kick, try spicy mayo, hot sauce, or chili-based sauces such as curry, peppercorn sauce, or ground mustard sauce. For a Mexican twist, you could also try a spicy salsa or guacamole.

Herb-Based Sauces

For a more herbaceous dip, try a sauce based on pesto, sour cream with herbs, or aioli with garlic and herbs.

Cheese-Based Sauces

For cheese lovers, a cheese sauce, cheese fries, or garlic Parmesan dip would be a perfect pairing with potato wedges.

Frequently asked questions