It is 6pm, you are tired, and everyone is hungry. You need a side dish that everyone loves without the mess. These air fryer potato wedges are the perfect solution for busy nights.
They are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. You can have them ready in about 30 minutes. This recipe delivers that deep-fried taste using much less oil. Your family will be asking for seconds before you even sit down.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Potato Wedges
These wedges use very little oil compared to deep frying. They are a healthier alternative that still tastes indulgent. Kids love the crunch and the fun shape. It is a great recipe for a quick weeknight dinner.
You probably have all the spices in your pantry right now. This is comfort food made simple for your family. It is easy to scale up if you are feeding a crowd. Everyone loves a good potato wedge with their favorite meal.
Simple Method
Making these is much easier than you might think. You just slice the potatoes and give them a quick soak. This step helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer. Then, you toss them in a simple spice blend.
Even if you are new to cooking, you can master these. Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting for you. You do not have to worry about hot oil splatters. It is a stress-free way to get dinner on the table.
What You Need
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe. They have the perfect starch content for a fluffy interior. These are mostly pantry staples you likely have on hand.
- 3 medium Russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-by-Step
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat dry.
- Slice each potato lengthwise into 8 even wedges.
- Place the wedges in a bowl of cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the wedges halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove once the wedges are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm right out of the basket. They are delicious with a side of cool ranch dressing. You can also try them with classic ketchup or spicy mayo. These make a great side for homemade burgers or grilled chicken.
Set them out on a big platter for your next family movie night. They travel well, so they are great for a casual backyard picnic. Pair them with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Just make sure you have plenty of dipping sauces ready.
Keep It Fresh
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To get that crunch back, use your air fryer again. Reheat them at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
This keeps them from getting soggy in the microwave. You can also freeze them after they have cooled completely. Just reheat from frozen for an easy snack later. They are perfect for those days when you need something fast.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the soaking step for maximum crispiness.
- Pat the potatoes very dry before adding the oil.
- Avoid crowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Use a high-quality smoked paprika for a deep flavor.
- For a holiday treat, serve these alongside a festive roast.
- Shake the basket halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Check them early since every air fryer cooks differently.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese right after cooking.
- Swap the paprika for chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a higher smoke point.
- Add dried rosemary and thyme for a fresh herb version.
- Make it dairy-free by using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Common Questions
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skin adds a great texture and extra nutrients. Just make sure to scrub them well before slicing. It makes the recipe even faster to prep.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, but the cooking time might vary slightly. Sweet potatoes tend to soften faster than Russets. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Will my kids really eat these?
Most kids love fries, and these are just a thicker version. They are very kid-friendly and fun to dip. They are always a hit at my house.
I hope these crispy wedges make your next dinner a little easier. There is nothing better than a simple, warm side dish. Give them a try tonight and see how fast they disappear!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 3 medium Russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat dry.
- Slice each potato lengthwise into 8 even wedges.
- Place the wedges in a bowl of cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the wedges halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove once the wedges are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
