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20-Minute Air Fryer Potato Wedges (Garlic Herb)

 Say goodbye to soggy oven fries and hello to perfection! These 20-Minute Air Fryer Potato Wedges are the ultimate easy side dish. They boast an incredibly crispy exterior, a fluffy, tender interior, and are coated in a fragrant, savory garlic-herb seasoning. The air fryer works its magic in half the time of an oven, giving you perfectly roasted flavor with minimal oil. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and guaranteed to be the best potato side you make this week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 20-Minute Perfection: Achieves deeply crispy texture in under 20 minutes, much faster than baking.

  • Ultimate Crispy Texture: The air fryer delivers that satisfying crunch every time, without deep frying.

  • Simple Garlic Herb Flavor: A savory coating of garlic, paprika, and dried herbs that pairs well with everything.

  • Healthy Side Dish: Uses minimal oil while maximizing flavor and crispness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Potato Wedges:

  • 2 lbs (about 4 large) Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed clean and cut into wedges

  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil (or avocado oil)

  • 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp (2.5g) smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp (2.5g) dried rosemary or dried Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 tsp (1g) cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cut Potatoes: Cut the potatoes lengthwise into thick wedges (about 8–10 wedges per large potato). Try to keep the size consistent for even cooking.

  2. Soak (Quick Tip): For the absolute crispiest results, place the cut wedges in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and dry them very thoroughly with a kitchen towel.

  3. Season: In a large bowl, toss the dried potato wedges with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary/Italian seasoning, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss until all wedges are evenly coated.

  4. Air Fry: Place the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You will likely need to cook this in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

  5. Cook to Crisp: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes total (depending on thickness). Shake the basket vigorously every 5 minutes to ensure all sides crisp up evenly.

  6. Serve: The wedges are ready when they are deeply golden brown and perfectly crisp. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve immediately, straight out of the air fryer, alongside vegan dipping sauces (like garlic aioli or ketchup) or as a side dish to vegan burgers or chili.

  • Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will lose crispness once cooled.

  • Reheating: For optimal crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 380°F (195°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crunchy again.

Helpful Tips

  1. Don't Overcrowd! The single most important rule for air fryer crispiness is space. Cook in two batches if necessary—it's worth the extra 10 minutes for truly crunchy results.

  2. Dry Thoroughly: If you soak the potatoes, ensure they are 100% dry before adding the oil and seasoning. Moisture prevents crisping.

  3. High Heat is Key: Cooking at 400°F (200°C) is essential to achieve that crisp exterior quickly while keeping the inside fluffy.

  4. Smoked Paprika Depth: Don't skip the smoked paprika! It adds a savory, smoky depth that makes these potatoes taste richer than plain seasoning alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe? A: Yes, you can! Sweet potato wedges will cook slightly faster (around 12-15 minutes) and require a little less oil.

Q: What is the best potato for crisping? A: Russet potatoes work best because their high starch content leads to a fluffy interior, but Yukon Golds are a great second choice for flavor.

Q: Can I make these oil-free? A: Yes. Omit the oil and toss the potatoes with a little vegetable broth instead. They will be slightly less golden but still achieve a good level of crispness.

Q: How do I store and reheat for best crispness? A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and always reheat in the air fryer (never the microwave) for 3-5 minutes at 380°F (195°C).

Conclusion

These 20-Minute Air Fryer Potato Wedges are the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. They deliver irresistible crunch and savory flavor in record time, making them the ultimate easy vegan side dish for any meal. Get ready for a crispy obsession!

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