Every home cook has those go-to recipes — the ones that never fail, always hit the spot, and somehow keep making it onto the weekly meal plan. This perfect crispy air fryer wedges recipe is one of those for me. It was one of my most-loved recipes of 2023, and honestly? I still use it all the time.
Whether you’re new to air fryers or already obsessed (like me!), this is a recipe you’ll want to save. These perfect crispy air fryer wedges come out beautifully crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, and they’re ready in just 25 minutes.
My secret hack: Add Water!
Yep, you read that right. The secret to soft-inside, crispy-outside wedges? A little steam! Here’s what I do:
I add a small splash of water ( 1/3 cup) to the bottom of the air fryer basket before cooking. This creates steam during the first part of the cooking process, which helps cook the inside of the potato faster without drying them out.
As the cooking continues, the water evaporates, and the wedges get beautifully crisp on the outside — just like oven-roasted ones, but in a fraction of the time!
I tested this hack in my Ninja air fryer, and it worked perfectly! Of course, air fryers vary a little, so you might need to adjust the time slightly depending on your model.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Wedges
These aren’t just any potato wedges — they’re the kind you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:
Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside
Thanks to the steam hack (a splash of water in the air fryer basket!), these wedges get that golden, crispy shell while staying perfectly soft in the middle.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 25 Minutes
No need to turn on the oven or wait ages. These wedges go from raw to deliciously crispy in under half an hour — perfect for weeknights or hungry kids.
Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved
They’re simple, customisable, and the perfect summer side dish. Let the kids help out in the kitchen and choose their favourite seasonings and dips!
Healthier Than Deep Frying
Made with just a touch of oil, these wedges are a lighter take on a classic comfort food — no grease, no mess.
Get the Kids Involved!
Cooking isn’t just about the food — it’s about having fun and building life skills. Here’s how to let your little chefs help out:
1. Wash & Scrub the Potatoes
Younger kids can help rinse and scrub the potatoes clean. It’s a great sensory activity and teaches them where their food comes from.
2. Pick the Spices
Let kids choose the seasoning! Lay out a few spice jars (safe, mild ones like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs) and let them create their own “magic blend.”
3. Shake it Up!
Place the wedges and oil/seasoning into a large mixing bowl. Kids stirring it all up to coat the wedges evenly — it’s like a mini mission to get them all coated!
4. Dip Station Designers
Once the wedges are cooking, have the kids set up a “dip station” with bowls of ketchup, yogurt dip, BBQ sauce, or even homemade options like honey mustard. Let them mix and label their own!
Letting kids be part of the process makes them more likely to eat and enjoy the food — and it turns a simple side dish into a family a fun activity and helps build confidence in the kitchen.
How We Eat Our Air Fryer Wedges
1. Classic Dipper Style
We serve them hot with a tray of dips — ketchup for the kids, sriracha mayo or garlic aioli for the grown-ups. They disappear fast!
2. Wedge Nachos (Yes, it’s a thing!)
Layer the wedges on a plate, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and pop them under the grill for a minute to melt. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños for a fun twist on nachos.
3. As a Side Dish
Perfect with my Crispy Chicken Bites and hot honey sauce: A Family Favourite or Crispy Cauliflower “Wings” – A must try for lunch or dinner!!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 650g Rooster Potatoes: These red-skinned potatoes are ideal for wedges — they’re waxy enough to hold their shape and starchy enough to get that fluffy centre. Maris Piper also work beautifully.
- Cooking Oil: Just a light coating helps the spices stick and aids in that golden, crunchy texture.
- 1-2 tsp Paprika: Adds warmth, color, and a subtle smokiness. Feel free to mix it up with smoked paprika or chili powder for extra kick.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t skimp! Seasoning in two stages — before and after shaking — helps to layer in flavour.
Save this recipe and share it with your family and friends — and don’t forget to tag @littleloucooks if you try it out
Crispy Air-Fryer Potato wedges
Ingredients
- 650 g rooster potatoes washed and chopped into wedges
- Cooking oil to coat
- 1-2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the wedges and add them to a mixing bowl, add a small amount of oil and season with salt and toss to coat.
- Add them to the air fryer basket along with a ⅓ of a cup of water (80ml)
- Air fry 200ºC for 12.5 minutes. Then give them a shake, spray with more oil and add the paprika and another pinch of salt and pepper.
- Air fry again 200ºC for another 12.5 minutes.
