Perfect Potato Wedges: Crispy, Golden, And Delicious

Potato wedges are a delicious snack or side dish that can be baked, air-fried, or deep-fried. They are easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The key to achieving crispy and crunchy potato wedges is to cut them into uniform wedges, soak or pat them dry to remove excess starch, season generously, and bake or fry until golden brown and crispy.

Choosing the right potato

First, let's talk about the variety of potatoes. Different types of potatoes have distinct characteristics that can affect the final result of your wedges. For example, starchy potatoes like Russets or Idaho potatoes are often recommended for wedges because they have a fluffy texture and can withstand high temperatures without falling apart. On the other hand, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss potatoes have a creamier texture and hold their shape well, making them suitable for boiling or roasting.

When it comes to size, look for potatoes that are medium to large. Smaller potatoes tend to cook faster and may not give you the thick, hearty wedges you're aiming for. Larger potatoes provide a substantial base for creating evenly sized wedges.

Freshness is also key. Choose firm potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted, as this indicates they are past their prime. Also, check the packaging for any signs of moisture, as wet potatoes can be an indication of decay.

Additionally, consider the colour and texture of the potato skin. While not always indicative of quality, a potato with bright, vibrant skin that is taut and smooth is generally a good choice. Avoid potatoes with wrinkled or shrivelled skin, as this may impact the final texture of your wedges.

Lastly, when selecting potatoes, it's a good idea to plan the quantity you'll need. Potatoes are often sold in bags, so calculate how many potatoes you'll need for your recipe to avoid waste.

In summary, choosing the right potato for wedges involves selecting the appropriate variety, aiming for medium to large sizes, ensuring freshness by checking the skin and texture, and planning the quantity needed for your recipe. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy potato wedges.

Preparing the potato wedges

Ingredients

Depending on how many people you are serving, you will need 2-4 pounds of potatoes. For the seasoning, you will need olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some parmesan cheese and parsley.

Method

First, preheat your oven to 400-425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Next, scrub and rinse your potatoes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into 4 wedges. If you have very large potatoes, you may need to cut the wedges in half again.

Place the wedges in a bowl of cold water and leave them to soak for 20-30 minutes. This will help remove excess starch and ensure crispy wedges. After soaking, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel.

Now it's time to season your wedges! In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the wedges are evenly coated.

Arrange the wedges in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space around each one so they can get nice and crispy.

Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each wedge over and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Your potato wedges are now ready to be served! Sprinkle with some parsley and parmesan cheese, if desired, and season with salt to taste.

Seasoning the potato wedges

Now that you've cut your potatoes into wedges, it's time to season them! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices. A simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper is always a good option, but feel free to experiment with other spices like cayenne, parsley, thyme, oregano, or chilli powder. Don't forget to taste-test your seasoning mix!
• Add oil: Place your potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil (or any other oil of your choice). Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Apply seasoning: Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the potatoes. Use your hands to rub the spices into the wedges, ensuring they are well coated.
• Optional step: If the seasoning feels too dry, you can add a bit more oil or even a sprinkle of water to help the spices stick to the potatoes.

Baking the Seasoned Wedges

Once your wedges are seasoned, it's time to bake them! Here's what you need to do:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your oven and the cooking method you choose (baked, air-fried, or deep-fried).
• Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with oil.
• Arrange the wedges: Place the seasoned potato wedges on the baking sheet, making sure to leave some space around each wedge. This ensures that the hot air can circulate and the wedges get crispy. For best results, place the wedges with the skin side down.
• Bake: Bake the wedges for around 30-45 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. For extra crispiness, flip the wedges halfway through the baking time.
• Serve: Your potato wedges are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a side dish or snack, and don't forget to provide some dipping sauces like ketchup, mayo, or ranch!

Cooking the potato wedges

Preparation

Before cooking, it's important to prepare your potatoes. First, scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise, before slicing each half into 4 evenly sized wedges. If you are using red potatoes, cut any larger wedges in half again.

Seasoning

Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and add your chosen seasonings. For a savoury flavour, you could use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. For a spicy kick, add red chilli powder or paprika. Alternatively, for a more subtle flavour, season with salt and pepper, and dried herbs such assection=How to make Potato Wedges (Stepwise Photos) parsley, thyme, oregano, and basil. You can also add corn starch or flour to make the wedges crispier and to prevent the spices from burning.

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook your seasoned potato wedges. You can bake them in the oven, air fry them, or deep fry them.

Baking

Preheat your oven to between 390-450°F (200-220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with oil. Place the wedges on the tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each one so that they roast rather than steam. Bake for around 30-45 minutes, turning the wedges halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the wedges in the air fryer basket and spread them out. Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 16-20 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through.

Deep Frying

First, parboil your wedges. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the wedges. Boil until the wedges are half-cooked (this should take around 2-3 minutes). Drain the wedges and allow them to cool completely before adding the seasonings. Sprinkle with water and spread the seasoning and flour all over them, ensuring the wedges are well-coated. Then, pour oil into a deep pan and heat it. When the oil is hot, carefully add the wedges and fry on a medium-high flame until lightly golden. Remove the wedges from the oil and allow them to cool. Then, refry them in batches on a medium-low heat until crisp and golden.

Serving

Potato wedges are best served hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip such as chilli sauce, garlic yoghurt dip, ketchup, mustard, or mayo.

Serving the potato wedges

Potato wedges are best served hot. They are delicious on their own but also go well with dips like chilli sauce, garlic yoghurt, guacamole, ketchup, mustard, or mayo. For a two-ingredient dip, try mixing mayo and barbecue sauce.

If you're looking for something more substantial, potato wedges make a great side dish. They pair well with veggie burgers, sandwiches, wraps, grilled cheese, falafel, and chilli.

Frequently asked questions