Our Love Affair with Potatoes

Potatoes are truly one of nature’s most versatile and beloved ingredients. From a simple bake to elaborate gratins, there are countless ways to transform this humble spud into something extraordinary. In our household, potatoes grace our table several times a week, a testament to their incredible adaptability and deliciousness.

My husband, Juan, has always been an avid potato enthusiast, and over the years, his passion has rubbed off on me. I’ve become a huge fan myself, always looking for new and exciting ways to prepare them. And honestly, who can resist a perfectly cooked potato?

If you share our love for potatoes, you might also enjoy some of our other favorite potato recipes:

• Crispy Hasselback Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Creamy Potato Soup (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Soft Fluffy Mashed Potato Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Achieving Amazingly Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

While cooking potatoes might seem straightforward, I’ve discovered that not all potato wedges are created equal. The quest for that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior can be elusive if you don’t know the trick.

Here’s the secret to creating truly crispy potato wedges that are cooked through and wonderfully soft inside: you need to par-boil the potato wedges in generously salted water for a few minutes before air frying them. This crucial step begins the cooking process and ensures the inside is tender, while the subsequent air frying achieves that glorious crunch.

Instead of relying on deep-frying, which uses a lot of oil, we’ll be utilizing the air fryer. This method offers a healthier option, drastically reducing the amount of oil needed while still delivering incredible crispiness. Prepare yourself for easy air fryer potato wedges that EVERYONE will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Potato Wedges Recipe:

This recipe isn’t just another way to cook potatoes; it’s a game-changer. Here’s why these homemade air fryer potato wedges will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need fancy components for this recipe. All you require are fresh potatoes, a little oil, and your favorite seasonings. These are pantry staples that are easy to find, making this a convenient dish to whip up anytime.
• Super Easy to Make: The process is incredibly straightforward. After a quick par-boil in salted water, the potato wedges are simply tossed with oil and your chosen seasonings before going into the air fryer. The air fryer does most of the work, cooking them to beautiful golden perfection with minimal fuss. It’s an almost hands-off method that yields impressive results.
• Achieve the Perfect Crispy Texture: This is where this recipe truly shines! The pre-boiling step ensures the potatoes are tender from the inside out, while the air fryer’s circulating hot air creates an incredible, audible crunch on the exterior. Every bite offers that satisfying contrast – crispy shell giving way to a soft, fluffy interior. It’s pure potato perfection!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan: One of the best aspects of these crispy air-fried potato wedges is their inclusive nature. They are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This means they are an excellent option for those with Celiac disease, gluten or lactose intolerances, or anyone following a vegan lifestyle. Everyone can enjoy these delicious wedges without worry!
• Healthier Alternative to Deep Frying: By using an air fryer, you get all the crispiness you love with significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying. This makes them a much healthier option for enjoying your favorite potato snack or side.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need:

Below is a visual overview of the few, simple ingredients required for this irresistible air fried potato wedges recipe. You’ll be amazed at how such a short list can produce such incredible flavor!

(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Easy Substitutions:

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some notes and substitution ideas:

• Potatoes: For this recipe, I opted for red potatoes, which hold their shape well and offer a nice creamy texture. However, feel free to use any type of potato you prefer or have readily available. Russet potatoes tend to get super fluffy inside, while Yukon Gold potatoes offer a buttery flavor. Don’t stress too much about cutting them perfectly evenly; I actually enjoy my potato wedges chunky, thick, and uniquely uneven, as it adds to their rustic charm!
• Condiments & Spices: Potatoes are a blank canvas, so I love to load them with big, bold flavors! Beyond just salt, I’ve used ground paprika (for warmth and color), garlic powder (for aromatic depth), and ground coriander (for a citrusy, earthy note) to make these air fried potato wedges truly shine! But don’t stop there – customize them to your heart’s content. Other fantastic additions include ground turmeric (for color and mild earthiness), curry powder (for an exotic flair), dried parsley flakes, red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, Italian seasoning, or even chili powder for a smoky heat.
• Olive Oil: My go-to is always extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits. However, you can absolutely substitute it with other neutral-flavored vegetable oils that have a high smoke point. Good alternatives include corn oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil (though it might impart a slight flavor), or avocado oil.

How to Cook Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide):

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly crispy air fryer potato wedges every time!

1. Prepare and Cut Your Potatoes

Begin by peeling your potatoes, if desired (you can also leave the skins on for a more rustic look and added fiber). Give them a good wash under cold water. Then, carefully cut each potato into thick, hearty wedges. Don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform – the charm of homemade wedges lies in their unique, chunky shapes!

2. Par-Boil the Potato Wedges

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt at this stage not only seasons the potatoes from the inside out but also helps to create that desirable fluffy interior. Carefully add your potato wedges to the boiling water and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. This par-boiling step is crucial for achieving a tender center. Once tender but still firm, drain the water thoroughly and transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

3. Preheat Your Air Fryer

While your potatoes are par-boiling, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Preheating is key to immediate crisping and even cooking.

4. Season the Boiled Potatoes with Spices and Oil

To the large bowl containing the drained potato wedges, add all your chosen spices and olive oil. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring each potato wedge is thoroughly and evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning and oil. This step is vital for maximum flavor and that beautiful golden-brown crust.

5. Arrange Wedges in the Air Fryer Basket

Carefully transfer the seasoned potato wedges to the preheated air fryer basket. It’s crucial to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each wedge, which is essential for achieving optimal crispiness. If necessary, cook in multiple batches.

6. Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Cook the potato wedges at 360°F (180°C) for approximately 15 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get beautifully golden and crispy. When they’re done, these air-fried potato wedges will boast a stunning golden-brown exterior that crunches with every bite, perfectly contrasting with their tender, soft interior.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked to perfection, transfer the air fryer wedges to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or other fresh herbs for a touch of color and extra flavor. If you like, a sprinkle of dairy-free parmesan cheese can add another layer of deliciousness. Serve these crispy beauties with your favorite dipping sauce – be it classic ketchup, spicy sriracha, creamy garlic aioli, zesty mayonnaise, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or tangy mustard. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Tricks:

Elevate your air fryer potato wedges game with these helpful tips and insights:

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: While I used red potatoes for this recipe, you truly can use any type of potato you have on hand. Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) are excellent for their starchy texture, which yields a very fluffy interior. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a slightly creamier and more buttery profile. Even white potatoes work wonderfully! The key is consistent cutting, though as mentioned, some unevenness adds character.
• The Golden Rule: Do NOT Overcrowd! This is perhaps the single most important tip for achieving truly crispy air fryer potato wedges. Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents proper hot air circulation, leading to steamed (and therefore soggy) potatoes instead of crispy ones. Always arrange the potato wedges in a single layer, ensuring there’s enough space for the hot air to envelop each piece.
• Cook in Batches if Necessary: If you’re making a larger quantity or have a smaller air fryer, you will likely need to cook the wedges in multiple batches. Resist the urge to cram them all in at once! A little patience here will be rewarded with superior crispiness for every single wedge.
• Unleash Your Favorite Condiments: This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to seasoning. While my combination of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and coriander is fantastic, feel free to experiment! You can simplify with just salt and ground black pepper, or go wild with other spices. Consider a smoky flavor with smoked paprika and cumin, a spicy kick with cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, or an herbal blend with Italian seasoning and rosemary. Onion powder, chili powder, or even a dash of Old Bay seasoning can transform your wedges into a completely different culinary experience!
• Pre-Soak for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an extra layer of crispiness, you can soak the cut potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before boiling. This helps remove excess starch, which contributes to a crispier finish. Just be sure to drain and pat them thoroughly dry before boiling.

Perfect Dipping Companions for Your Wedges:

No crispy potato wedge is complete without a fantastic dipping sauce! Here are some of our favorite dips and sauces that pair wonderfully with these air fryer delights:

• Easy Garlic Aioli (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – A creamy, garlicky classic!
• Sriracha Chili Sauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan) – For those who love a bit of heat.
• Basil Walnut Pesto (Gluten-Free, Vegan) – A fresh and herbaceous choice.
• Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Vegan) – A healthy and satisfying dip.
• Baba Ganoush (Gluten-Free, Vegan) – A smoky, Middle Eastern-inspired dip.

Recipe FAQs:

Explore More Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes:

Love the ease and efficiency of air frying? Here are some other fantastic gluten-free air fryer recipes you might enjoy from our kitchen: