Air Fryer Wedges: Crispy, Golden, And Perfectly Cooked

Air fryers are a great way to make potato wedges, which are a tasty snack or side dish. They can be served with a variety of dips, such as ketchup or spicy mayo, and are a healthier alternative to deep-fried wedges as they can be made without oil. The key to crispy wedges is to rinse and soak the potatoes before air frying to remove excess starch.

How to cut potatoes into wedges

To cut potatoes into wedges, start by slicing a potato in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into quarters by placing the cut side down and cutting lengthwise again. You can also cut each quarter into thirds if you want smaller wedges. Repeat this process with the remaining potato halves until you have the desired number of wedges.

It is important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized wedges to ensure consistent cooking. Try to keep the wedges between 1/2-inch and 1-inch thick for the best results.

Once you have cut all the potatoes, you can place them in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the spices. You can also add olive oil or another cooking oil to the bowl to help the seasonings stick to the potatoes and promote crispiness.

After the potatoes are seasoned, you can transfer them to the air fryer basket and cook according to your desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy wedges, you can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning and cooking them.

How long to cook wedges for

The cooking time for your wedges will depend on how crispy you like them. The cooking time will also vary depending on the type of potato you use, and whether you have soaked them beforehand.

If you want to make your wedges extra crispy, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them and ensure they cook evenly.

Once you are ready to cook your wedges, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with room around each wedge for ultimate crispiness.

Cooking times vary from 15 to 20 minutes for wedges that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you like your wedges very crispy, you can cook them for up to 30-40 minutes. It is recommended to toss or shake the wedges every 5 to 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.

If you are using a recipe that requires you to flip the wedges, cook them for 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

If you are cooking your wedges in batches, make sure to preheat your air fryer in between batches to ensure the best results.

Potato varieties to use

When making potato wedges in an air fryer, it is best to use a starchy or floury potato variety. Waxy potatoes, such as fingerlings, should be avoided as they do not hold up well during cooking.

Some recommended potato varieties for air fryer wedges include:

• Russet potatoes
• Yukon Golds
• King Edward
• Maris Piper

These potato varieties will result in wedges that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

You can also use sweet potatoes to make wedges in an air fryer. The same preparation and cooking methods can be applied to sweet potatoes, resulting in a delicious and healthy alternative.

How to season wedges

There are many ways to season potato wedges for your air fryer, and you can get as creative as you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spices and Herbs

• Smoked paprika
• Parsley
• Chilli powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili flakes/red pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Salt

Seasoning Blends

• Cajun seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Seasoned salt
• Truffle salt
• Ranch seasoning

Other

• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese

Steps

• First, prepare your potato wedges as per your chosen recipe.
• Choose your seasonings. You can use a single spice or herb, or mix and match to create your own unique blend.
• Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings.
• Toss the wedges until they are evenly coated in the spices and oil.
• Transfer the wedges to the air fryer basket and cook according to your recipe instructions.
• If desired, sprinkle over some fresh herbs after cooking for an extra burst of flavour.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

How to store wedges

Storing wedges is a simple process, but it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure they stay fresh and maintain their texture and flavour. Here's a detailed guide on how to store wedges, specifically potato wedges, to keep them in optimal condition.

Firstly, it's crucial to let the wedges cool down before storing them. Place them on a plate or a wire rack to cool, but don't leave them out for too long. Potatoes can spoil quickly at room temperature, so it's best to move them into storage once they're no longer hot.

The next step is choosing the right storage container. For wedges, an airtight container or a zip-top bag is ideal. Airtight containers ensure that the wedges remain fresh and don't dry out. If using a zip-top bag, consider lining it with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.

When placing the wedges in the container, it's best to store them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together or becoming soggy. If you have multiple layers, you can separate them with parchment paper or additional paper towels.

Now, let's talk about the storage location. Potato wedges should be stored in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature range is between 4°C and 8°C (39°F to 46°F). This temperature range will keep the wedges fresh and help inhibit bacterial growth. You can expect your wedges to last for up to four to five days in the fridge.

If you don't plan on eating the wedges within a few days, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled wedges in an airtight freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and label it with the date. Frozen wedges can be stored for up to three months. There's no need to thaw them before reheating; simply pop them into the air fryer, oven, or microwave directly from frozen.

To maintain the quality of your stored wedges, it's important to practise good food hygiene. Always use clean containers and utensils, and ensure your hands are washed before handling the wedges. Additionally, if you're storing seasoned wedges, choose an airtight container with a secure lid to prevent the flavours from escaping.

Frequently asked questions