The Best Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

I’m a potato addict. There is something about potatoes that makes them so irresistible to me. Maybe it’s the versatility, or maybe it’s the fact that they are incredibly delicious. 

You can do so many things with potatoes. You can roast, fry, boil them, make mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, and so much more. However, when you put potatoes in the air fryer, the results will be highly addicting. 

Air fryer potato wedges are quickly becoming my new favorite. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. 

Trust me when I say you will love these air fryer potato wedges. However, before we get to the recipe, let’s examine the health benefits of potatoes. 

Health Benefits Of Potatoes

Potatoes often get a bad rep for being filled with carbs that make you gain weight. Additionally, they also get labeled as the source of empty calories. However, both of these claims are myths. 

Yes, potatoes contain carbs. However, they also contain nutrients such as protein, riboflavin, vitamin C, niacin, and riboflavin, as well as minerals like phosphorus and potassium. 

Most of the potato’s carb content is starch. Some of this starch is resistant starch. 

Resistant starch is particularly important because it may reduce the risk of chronic cardiometabolic disease. Furthermore, resistant starch is different from ordinary starch as it is processed by the body slowly in the gut. The slow digestion rate allows resistant starch to provide similar benefits to that of dietary fiber. Benefits of resistant starch include improved satiety, gut health, glycemic control, and insulin sensitivity. 

Resistant starch is beneficial to the gut because it is fermented in the large intestine. The fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids can lower the pH of the gut, decrease toxic ammonia levels in the gastrointestinal tract, and serve as a prebiotic by stimulating the growth of healthy colonic bacteria. 

As I mentioned above, potatoes contain protein. Most people assume plant-based proteins are an inferior source of essential amino acids. However, potatoes contain all 9 of the essential amino acids. Therefore they are a complete protein. 

Furthermore, one study evaluated the protein and amino acid profile of plant-based protein isolates. This study found potato protein was superior to other plant-based proteins as potato’s essential amino acid content is similar to that of animal protein.  

How To Cut Potato Wedges

Cutting potato wedges is pretty easy. First, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Next, cut each potato half in half lengthwise. 

Depending on the size of your potatoes, you may be able to cut each potato wedge in half again. Each potato should yield about 6-10 wedges. 

Which Potato Is Best For Wedges

Russet potatoes are hands down the best potato for wedges. Russet potatoes cook faster than other potatoes, and they yield crispier results. 

If you cannot find russet potatoes, red, yellow, white, and Yukon gold potatoes are good options for potato wedges. However, potato wedges will not be as crispy as if they were made with russet potatoes. 

In addition to this, they will have a waxier interior and longer cooking time. Nevertheless, the potato wedges will still be equally delicious. 

What Happens If You Don’t Soak Potatoes Before Air Frying

Potato recipes such as french fries require soaking the potatoes in water before cooking them to decrease starch levels. The same theory applies to potato wedges. 

However, I did not soak my potatoes in water before air frying them. The potato wedges still came out crispy, so soaking the potatoes in water is unnecessary. Yes, I was being lazy, but sometimes laziness pays off. 

Can I Make Potato Wedges The Oven

Yes, you can make these potato wedges in the oven. Simply cut the potatoes into wedges, toss them with oil and seasoning and place them onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. 

Ensure you leave at least 1/2-1 inch of space between each wedge. If the potatoes overlap, they will stick together and steam instead of crisp up. 

Bake the potatoes in an oven for 20-25 minutes. Turn the potatoes over and cook them for another 20-25 minutes. 

How To Reheat Air Fryer Potato Wedges 

You can store the air fryer potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat air fryer potatoes, place them into the air fryer’s basket in an even layer and cook them at 320°F for 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy.