Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges Recipe for Perfectly Golden Sides

These air fryer potato wedges are crispy on the outside and tender inside, seasoned simply and ready in about 20 minutes. Made with pantry staples like olive or avocado oil and Italian seasoning, they’re easy to prepare and a versatile side for many meals.

A plate of potato wedges that have been cooked in an air fryer with ketchup beside it.

If you enjoy simple potato dishes, these wedges are a quick, flavorful option that pairs well with a variety of mains and breakfasts.

Why you will love this recipe:

  • Ideal texture and flavor: Extra-crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior. Seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
  • Quick and easy: No boiling or parboiling required; total cook time in the air fryer is about 20 minutes.
  • Great for leftovers: These reheat well and are convenient for meal prep.
  • Customizable: Swap the seasonings to suit your taste—paprika, rosemary, garlic powder or lemon pepper all work well.
  • Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and can fit Whole30. Because they’re air-fried rather than deep-fried, they are a lighter alternative to traditional fries.

Ingredients and substitutions:

  • Russet potatoes: Best for crisp wedges, though Yukon Gold or other starchy potatoes can be used if preferred.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: A small amount helps create a crisp outer skin. The recipe won’t crisp as well without oil.
  • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, sea salt and black pepper are the base. Feel free to experiment with paprika, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, everything bagel seasoning or lemon pepper.

How to make (step-by-step):

Step one:

Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into even wedges on a cutting board.

Chopped potatoes on a cutting board with a knife beside them.

Step two:

Place the wedges in a bowl of ice water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and pat the potatoes dry—this step helps remove excess starch and yields a crispier finish.

Potato wedges soaking in a bowl of ice water.

Step three:

Toss the dried wedges in a large bowl with oil and the spices until evenly coated.

Seasoned potato wedges in a bowl.

Step four:

Arrange the wedges in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on the tray. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 17–20 minutes, checking for desired crispness and turning or shaking halfway through if your model requires it.

Sliced potatoes on an air fryer tray.

Top tips:

  • Adjust for your air fryer: Cooking times vary by model; monitor the first batch to dial in the timing.
  • Uniform wedges: Cut wedges to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary and keep wedges in a single layer for best results.
  • Soak in cold water: This step reduces surface starch and helps the wedges crisp properly—recommended, not optional.
  • Preheating: Preheating isn’t necessary for this method; if you do preheat, reduce the cook time by a few minutes.
  • Shake for basket fryers: If using a basket-style air fryer, shake or turn the wedges halfway through to ensure even browning.

Recipe variations:

  • Change the spice profile: Try dill, cajun seasoning, cayenne, chili spice or a Mediterranean blend for different flavors.

How to serve:

Serve plain or with your favorite dip: ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, hot sauce or honey mustard. These wedges are an excellent side for burgers, turkey or veggie burgers, pork chops, lamb chops, chicken tenders or wings. They also work well with breakfast foods like eggs, bacon or sausages.

How to store:

Keep leftover wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

How to reheat:

To reheat in an air fryer, heat to 370°F (188°C) and cook the wedges for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.

A plate of homemade potato wedges seasoned with fresh parsley .

Frequently asked questions:

Why soak potatoes in water before air frying?

Soaking removes surface starch, resulting in crispier wedges and preventing them from sticking together.

Can I make these without oil?

Omitting oil will reduce crispness. A small amount of oil helps achieve the best texture.

Can I skip soaking?

Skipping soaking is possible, but the wedges won’t be as crispy—soaking is recommended.

Are potatoes paleo?

White potatoes are traditionally not part of strict paleo guidelines. Some programs and practitioners allow them; follow the approach that suits you.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Preheating is not required for this recipe. If you preheat, reduce cook time slightly.

Other air fryer recipes you will love:

  • Air Fryer Salmon Cakes with Lemon and Dill Aioli
  • Hash browns in the air fryer
  • Crispy Fish Sticks
  • Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer

If you try this recipe, consider saving it for later and rating it. Enjoy these wedges as a quick, crowd-pleasing side or a simple snack.

Recipe

A plate of air fryer potato wedges with a side of ketchup and mayonnaise.

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these seasoned wedges are simple to make and ready in under an hour including soak time.
5 from 9 votes
Course: Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 214kcal
Author: Dr. Erin Carter

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 750 grams Russet potatoes (~3–4 potatoes depending on size)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into wedges.
  • Soak the wedges in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes. Drain and dry thoroughly.
  • Toss the wedges with oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
  • Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer and bake at 400°F for 17–20 minutes, turning or shaking halfway through as needed.

Notes

  1. Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
  2. Don’t skip the soaking step if you want the crispiest wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 214 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 35 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Fat: 7 g

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