Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
The crispiest, air-fried wedges you will make in 20 minutes! You can get that crispy exterior you love without the extra oil and deep-frying. Perfectly seasoned, you can serve this as an appetizer or a side dish. Just don’t forget the dip!
I’m going to give you the BEST crispy air fryer potato wedges recipe you’ve ever eaten.
Yup, I’m that confident you’re gonna love these crispy potato wedges. And may I dare say…they might even be better than french fries?
This lovely homemade potato wedges recipe gives you that crispy texture we all love with that soft pillowy interior. And it was all made inside an AIR FRYER.
This is an easy side dish or appetizer you can serve for dinner as part of the main meal or at a party with your favorite dipping sauce. And the best part is you didn’t have to heat up your oven to make these.
My air fryer has saved me so many times (especially when my oven literally DIED and I couldn’t get the replacement part for almost two months!).
Now, I may be a bit much when I say this but as much as I LOVE my air fryer, I seriously LOVE crispy potatoes.
And, I’ve since discovered a little secret to getting the BEST crispy air fried potatoes, and that is to soak your potato wedges in HOT water.
Yup, you read that right.
I have always known to soak my potatoes in cold water, and for a long time, that’s what I’ve done. But when I discovered this little trick, I was IMMEDIATELY hooked. Now I just can’t stop.
Soaking your potatoes in hot water is a bit of a personal preference and an extra step in the process, but trust me here – this is the best way to get your air fryer wedges super crispy with less oil than you would get with a deep fryer.
Did you know that potatoes are packed with so many macronutrients such as fiber, and antioxidants, and have about the same amount of protein as white rice?
As a student studying nutrition, I want to dive fill you in on the health benefits and nutritional information of these Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges with step-by-step instructions that will make you forget about buying frozen potato wedges for good!
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Made with simple ingredients: Once again, I’m coming at you with another recipe that has simple steps and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients to make this taste delicious!
- Super healthy: No more ordering takeout, deep frying, or buying frozen potato wedges! With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a healthier version of potato wedges with minimal ingredients and oil used.
- Easy to customize: Although these potato wedges are super flavorful, you can easily customize this recipe to make it uniquely yours! Add more or less of a spice & you’ve got the perfect side dish or appetizer to serve.
Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Russet potato: In order to get the best outcome for this recipe, I recommend you use a russet potato. Russet potatoes are best for baking or using in the air fryer. Potatoes actually contain a high dose of vitamin C and are one of the best natural sources of starch. If you don’t have russet potatoes, you can substitute them with yukon gold potatoes. You will still get the same flavor results, but your potatoes may not come out as fluffy. Another option is to make sweet potato wedges.
- Olive oil: I’ve spoken a lot about the amazing benefits of olive oil because there just are so many to love about it. Olive oil has been shown to reduce inflammation that has been linked to certain cancer diseases. Alternatively, you can also use avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
- Garlic powder, Onion powder: They build so much flavor to the potato wedges and add depth that I find works so well with potatoes. Onions and garlic – even in its dried form – are beneficial in lowering cholesterol and improving gut health. You can always use fresh garlic and onions but keep note they may burn a bit easier or they may inhibit your potatoes from getting as crispy due to their water content.
- Paprika: Paprika is ground-up dried red peppers that vary in their range of flavors from mild, to sweet, to very hot. Paprika is said to improve immunity and reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. I love adding paprika whenever I’m making air fried potatoes. It gives a subtle mild hint of sweetness and color that I love.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Whenever I make air fried or baked potato wedges, I have to put this seasoning on them! It’s just that good. Old Bay seasoning typically is used for seafood dishes, but I love the smoky, spicy, flavor it provides without being too overpowering. To substitute, you can use seasoning salt or cajun seasoning.
Tips:
- Make sure to soak your potato slices in your hot water before placing them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes! This is an extra step but it does help you to get the best results.
- Depending on the size of the potato you use, the number of wedges you yield per potato may vary and you may have to cut your potato into smaller wedges so they can cook evenly in less time.
- Layer your potato wedges in a single layer (if possible). This will ensure your potatoes cook evenly and get crispy.
- Be sure to flip your potatoes halfway through if you’re unable to place your potatoes in a single layer.
Instructions:
STEP ONE: Boil your water in a kettle; wash & dry your potatoes and set aside.
STEP TWO: Take out your cutting board & cut your potatoes into wedge slices and place them in a heat-proof bowl.
STEP THREE: Once your water has boiled, pour the water over your potatoes and let them sit for 10 minutes.
STEP FOUR: After 10 minutes, drain the water off your potatoes and pat the potato wedges dry with a clean tea towel.
STEP FIVE: To your bowl and potatoes, add in your olive oil & spices and toss until coated, then place your potato wedges in your air-fryer basket in a single layer and bake until golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through to ensure doneness.
STEP SIX: Remove your crispy baked potato wedges from the basket of your air fryer, sprinkle on some sea salt and fresh parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why soak your potatoes in hot water before air frying?
Since I read this article from America’s Test Kitchen, I’ve been obsessed with making my air-fried potatoes this way. Soaking your potatoes in hot water instead of cold water helps to release excess starch that will give you the best crispy exterior we all love, with a soft, fluffy interior. Plus, I find soaking your potatoes in hot water also ‘pre cooks’ your wedges which enables them to cook a bit quicker in the air fryer.
How long should you soak potatoes before air frying?
It’s best to soak your potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes, but I’ve gone as long as 15 minutes before with no issues.
How long does it take to air fry potatoes?
Within 20-25 minutes, you should have the most perfect air fryer potato wedges to enjoy, but this time frame may increase if your potatoes are large, how thick your potato wedge cuts are, to how crowded your air fryer pan may be.
Can you make these potato wedges without an air fryer?
Yes, for sure you can! I still recommend you soak your potatoes in hot water for the same amount of time, but roast your potatoes on a baking sheet in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes until your wedges are deeply golden brown, crispy, and can easily be pierced with a fork or knife.
Storage & Freezing
Storing: You can store this dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days is best.
Reheating: You can always reheat your potato wedges back in your air fryer or for 3-5 minutes until crispy brown and heated through. If using an oven, you can reheat your potatoes in the oven at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze your cooked potato wedges in a freezer bag for up to a month.
So here’s how to make your Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges!
Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 2-3 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Salt to taste (optional)
Optional
- fresh chopped parsley
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Boil your water kettle until hot, and wash and dry your potatoes. Take out a large heat-proof bowl and set it aside.
- Cut your potatoes lengthwise until you have two halves, and then cut your halves lengthwise again until you have equal wedge slices. Each half should yield you about two to four equal wedges. Once you have all your potato wedges, place them in a heat-proof bowl.
- Pour the hot water over your potatoes and let them sit for 10 minutes. Next, mix up your spices of Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ground black pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
- After 10 minutes, drain the water off your potatoes and transfer your potatoes onto a clean tea towel to pat off the excess water from the potatoes. Once the excess water has been absorbed, wipe dry your heat-proof bowl and add the potatoes back in.
- Drizzle in your olive oil and sprinkle on your spice mix & toss to coat. Place your seasoned potato wedges in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes then turn the potato wedges over to bake for another 10 minutes until the wedges are golden brown, crispy and a fork can be easily pierced through.
- Remove from your air fryer, and sprinkle on some sea salt & fresh parsley. Serve right away & enjoy with your favorite dip!
Notes
- Make sure to soak your potato slices in your hot water before placing them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes! This is an extra step but it does help you to get the best results.
- Depending on the size of the potato you use, the number of wedges you yield per potato may vary and you may have to cut your potato into smaller wedges so they can cook evenly in less time.
- Layer your potato wedges in a single layer (if possible). This will ensure your potatoes cook evenly and get crispy.
- Be sure to flip your potatoes halfway through if you’re unable to place your potatoes in a single layer.
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