Learn how to make the crispiest potato wedges in the air fryer, much better than the deep-fried version. These air-fried or baked potato wedges are low on the guilt factor, high on crunch, and packed with flavor!
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So I've been on a quest to learn how to make crispy potatoes in the air fryer, because, why let those tubers take a wade in a big vat of oil when an oven or air fryer can achieve the same effect?
You know how much I love making these super simple Air Fryer Baby Potatoes, and Herb Garlic Smashed Potatoes. After some passable attempts at crisping up potatoes in the oven, I came across a genius tip - baked potatoes can be crisped up without any added cornstarch or even egg whites (which a lot of recipes recommend). All you will need is some baking soda - this will give your baked potatoes that extra crunch that you are looking for. How? Read on to know more.
Why this recipe works
- Super easy to make in an air fryer or oven
- Crispy, just like deep-fried potatoes
- Use baking soda to make the crispiest baked potatoes!
List of Ingredients
To make crispy potato wedges, you will need:
- Russet potatoes (8-10)
- Table salt or kosher salt
- Olive oil - Use a good quality olive oil (doesn't have to be extra virgin)
- Garlic - These will be used to both infuse the oilive oil and to use as a seasoning at the end of the recipe.
- Baking soda - baking soda is used to break down the potatoes, which will help them in acheiving the crispiness that we need!
How to make Air Fryer crispy potatoes
Air-fried crispy potato wedges can be made in two steps - 1. Par-boiling potatoes in water with baking soda and salt 2. Air frying until crispy.
Step 1 - Par-boil potatoes
Rinse and chop the potatoes into quarters. In the first step, we par-cook the potatoes in water to which salt and baking soda are added. The baking soda will increase the pH level of the water - causing the pectin in the potatoes to break down. Boil the potatoes in water with baking soda and salt for 5-6 minutes until you can pierce them with a fork.
I like to use my Instant Pot to parboil the potatoes - this is a great option when you want don't want to be reminded of a pot of water that's simmering on the stove. You simply add the water, potatoes baking soda to the Instant Pot, and pressure cook for 3 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is completed, release the steam manually and take out the par-cooked potatoes.
Step 2 - Air fry potatoes
Take out the par-cooked potatoes, and them to a bowl with olive oil. Toss the potatoes in the bowl to 'rough them up' - tossing them will give them a mushy exterior. And that's the secret to the crunch - once air fried, the mushy exterior of the potato crisps up very well.
Air fry the potatoes at 390 F for 20 minutes. The potatoes will turn crispy and golden. Turn the potatoes over to ensure they are evenly air-fried at the 10-minute mark.
Optionally, you can also bake the potatoes at 350 F in the oven for 40 - 45 minutes.
Expert tips for crispy potato wedges
- Toss the parboiled potatoes in garlic-infused oil before air frying or baking. Saute garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil on the stovetop, until aromatic. Then sieve the oil and reserve the sauteed garlic for later. Toss the par-cooked potato wedges in the garlic-infused olive oil and then continue with the recipe instructions.
- To air-fry crispy potatoes, make sure you place them in a single layer in the Air Fryer, do not overcrowd the potatoes else they will not crisp up well.
- Make sure you cook the potatoes in baking soda, this will help the potatoes break down when you toss them. The mushy exterior of the potatoes will help them to crisp up well when air frying or baking.
More easy potato recipes
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Oven
Ingredients
- 6 Russet potatoes
- 6 cups water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the garlic-infused olive oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic chopped
- a few sage leaves optional
- chopped parsley opional
Instructions
- Clean, and pat dry the potatoes. Leave the skins on, and cut them into quarters or six pieces.
Stove-top Method
- In a large pot, add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the salt, the potatoes and the baking soda. Let the potatoes cook for 10 minutes, until a skewer goes into the potato easily. The potatoes should be tender, but not too soft.
- Drain the water and keep the potatoes aside.
Instant Pot Instructions
- Add the potatoes to the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add the salt and the baking soda and mix.
- Put on the lid of the IP, and with the vent in 'sealing' position, switch to 'Pressure Cook' (Manual) mode, in 'High' setting, for 4 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is completed, let the pressure release naturally for 3 minutes. Then, turn the vent to release steam (Quick Release of pressure).
- The potatoes are now par-boiled. Drain the water and keep the potatoes aside.
Prepare garlic-infused oil
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and add the chopped garlic and sage (sage is optional). Saute the garlic until the garlic starts to brown. Turn off the heat.
- Strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer and pour the oil over the potatoes. Reserve the garlic for later.
- Cover the potatoes with a lid, roughly toss the potatoes in the oil, making sure the exterior of the potatoes are coated with layer of mash (see video).
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 390 F for 5 minutes
- Place the roughed up potatoes in a single layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Do not crowd them.
- Air fry the potatoes for 20 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway mark. Once the potatoes are nice and golden brown, take them out.
Oven Instructions
- In a pre-heated oven, bake the wedges for 40-45 minutes on 350 F, flipping them over once halfway through untill the potato wedges are crisp and golden.
To Garnish
- Once air fried or baked, take out the wedges and toss them with the reserved garlic and serve. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley.
Video
Notes
- Toss the parboiled potatoes in garlic-infused oil before air frying or baking.
- To air-fry crispy potatoes, make sure you place them in a single layer in the Air Fryer, do not overcrowd the potatoes else they will not crisp up well.
- Make sure you cook the potatoes in baking soda, this will help the potatoes break down when you toss them. The mushy exterior of the potatoes will help them to crisp up well when air frying or baking.
I haven't had a chance to try the recipe yet but it looks delicious. I love roasted potatoes.
I checked two different sources. 190C is equal to 375F, not 350 as given at the beginning of the recipe instructions.
Looks delicious! I follow you on Instagram too and love all your cooking and pictures!
Aww thank you so much!
These look so yummy, garlic and sage sound great in this recipe! I never thought of using soda to make my chips crispier, I'll try it next time:)
They look delicious, I always say the crispier the better when it comes to potatoes!
I have never tried baking soda, I must try it! The potatoes looks really crispy and delicious! Than you for co hosting 🙂
I love anything potatoes, so I am sure I’d love these! Thanks for sharing!