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A hand holding a potato wedge close up showing how crispy the outside is and showing off the bold seasoning

Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are one of our most beloved potato side dishes! They're a real crowd pleaser as they deliver crispy golden edges, fluffy centers, bold seasoning, and endless versatility. We've been making and improving on our potato wedges recipe whether baked in the oven, cooked in an air fryer, or deep fried until deeply golden. Here's our expert guide to perfecting them!
Course Appetizer, potatoes, side, Side Dish
Cuisine American, steakhouse
Keyword crispy potatoes, potato wedge recipe, potato wedges
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 273 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

  • 3-4 Russet Potatoes Large potatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive oil

FInish

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 Tablespoons Herbs fresh parsley, oregano or thyme or a blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F

  2. Wash potatoes thoroughly and scrub away any dirt. You can peel the potatoes, however leaving the skin on adds flavor, texture, and nutrients.
  3. Slice potatoes lengthwise into evenly sized wedges. Make sure you have them all at the same size and thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate. A medium potato typically creates 8 wedges.
    Potatoes washed and cut into wedges, laying on a baking sheet
  4. Toss the potatoes wedges with the seasoning blend and olive oil. Make sure every surface is coated.
    Seasoned potato wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer and ready to bake
  5. Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer, this is crucial for the crisp. Place wedges cut side down with space between each piece.
  6. Bake the potatoes for about 20 minutes.

    potato wedges flipped halfway to continue crisping the other side
  7. Take out the baking sheet and flip the wedges to crisp the other side.

  8. Bake for another 20 minutes until the other side is just as crisp and golden brown.

    flipped potato wedges on both sides showing the ultimate crips texture on the outside and golden color with fluffy inside
  9. The centers will be tender and fluffy.
  10. Finish off with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese, some more cracked black pepper and chili flakes if you want.

    side view of perfect air fryer potato wedges
  11. You can serve them as is along ay main dish or serve them alongside a dipping sauce and ENJOY!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

 

Expert Tips for Perfect Potato Wedges

  1. Use Russet potatoes for the crispiest results. Russets have the ideal starch content for creating a fluffy interior and crisp exterior. Yukon Gold potatoes are delicious but naturally produce a creamier, less crispy wedge.
  2. Add a little cornstarch for extra crunch. A light coating of cornstarch after drying helps create an ultra crispy exterior, especially for oven baked wedges.
  3. Use enough oil, but don't drown them. Potatoes need oil to crisp, but too much oil makes them heavy and greasy. A light, even coating is all you need.
  4. Place wedges cut side down first. The flat surface has the most contact with the hot pan, creating a beautifully golden crust before flipping.
  5. Use a metal baking sheet whenever possible. Metal transfers heat efficiently and encourages better browning compared with glass or ceramic dishes.
  6. Don't overcrowd the pan. Give each wedge room. If potatoes are touching too closely, they release steam and become soft instead of crispy.
  7. Season in layers. Season the potatoes before cooking, then add finishing flavors afterward. A sprinkle of flaky salt, fresh herbs, or Parmesan after roasting creates more depth.
  8. Let the oven fully preheat. Starting potatoes in a cold oven changes the cooking process and often results in softer wedges.
  9. Cut wedges with the skin left on. The skin adds texture, helps hold the wedge together, and contributes extra flavor.
  10. Serve immediately after cooking. Potato wedges lose crispness as they sit because steam softens the crust. Serve them hot for the best restaurant style texture.

Potato Wedges Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: A classic combination made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
  • Spicy Potato Wedges: Add spice using chili flakes, or finish with a drizzle of Chili Oil Recipe, Homemade Hot SauceRoasted Poblano Peppers.
  • Cajun Potato Wedges: Season with Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky, slightly spicy version that pairs beautifully with seafood and barbecue.
  • Loaded Potato Wedges: Follow our Loaded Fries guide using these spiced and seasoned potato wedges for a burst of flavor!
  • Mediterranean Potato Wedges: Finish the wedges with lemon zest, feta crumbles, some minced olives and fresh orgenao.
  • Ranch Potato Wedges: Coat wedges with ranch seasoning before roasting and serve with ranch dipping sauce.
  • BBQ Potato Wedges: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, and barbecue seasoning for a smoky side dish perfect with grilled meats.
  • Sweet Potato Wedges: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a naturally sweeter version with a softer texture.
  • Parmesan Truffle Potato Wedges: Follow our Truffle Fries recipe using those crispy seasoned wedges instead of fries and serve with some Truffle Aioli.

Troubleshooting Potato Wedges

Why are my potato wedges not crispy?

The most common reasons are:

  • Potatoes were not dried properly
  • Baking sheet was overcrowded
  • Oven temperature was too low
  • Too much moisture remained after soaking

Solution: Dry thoroughly, use high heat, and leave space between wedges.

What if my wedges are burnt on the outside but raw inside?

The wedges may be cut too thick or the oven temperature may be too high.

Solution: Cut evenly sized wedges and cook at a slightly lower temperature for longer.

Why do my potato wedges stick to the pan?

This happens when:

  • The pan isn't properly heated
  • There isn't enough oil
  • The wedges are flipped too early

Allow the crust to form before moving them.

Why are my wedges dry inside?

They were likely overcooked or cut too thin. Use larger wedges and remove them once the center is tender.

What if my wedges are falling apart?

Overcooking or using very soft potatoes can cause them to break. Choose firm potatoes and avoid excessive handling.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Allow the potato wedges to cool completely before storing.
  • Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Keep in mind that cooked potato wedges naturally lose some crispiness after refrigeration, but they can be restored with proper reheating.
  • To freeze: Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing them individually prevents them from sticking together and allows you to reheat only the amount you need.
  • To reheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F, spread potato wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat for about 10–15 minutes refrigerated or 20–25 minutes frozen. The oven restores the crisp texture much better than the microwave.
  • Air Fryer Reheating: The air fryer is one of the best ways to revive leftover potato wedges. Air fry at 375 °F for 5–10 minutes shaking halfway through. The hot circulating air removes moisture and brings back the crispy edges.
  • Avoid the microwave as it turns them soggy.

Make Ahead Potato Wedges

  1. Cut potatoes several hours ahead
  2. Store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator, then drain and dry before cooking.
  3. For entertaining, parboil or partially roast the wedges ahead of time. Cool and refrigerate, and start roasting just before serving. This creates a crisp exterior while reducing last-minute cooking time.

How do you make crispy potato wedges?

To make crispy potato wedges, coat them lightly with oil and seasoning, and bake them at a high temperature without overcrowding the pan. Flip the potatoes halfway to ensure both sides are crisp and browned evenly.

What are the best potatoes for potato wedges?

Russet potatoes are generally considered the best choice because their high starch content creates fluffy centers and crispy exteriors. Yukon Gold potatoes are also excellent for a creamier texture.

Should you soak potatoes before making wedges?

Yes, you can because soaking potatoes helps remove excess surface starch, which improves crispiness and prevents the wedges from becoming soft or gummy. However you don't have to.

What temperature is best for baking potato wedges?

A temperature between 425°F and 450°F is ideal because it creates crispy edges while keeping the inside fluffy.

How do you cut potatoes into wedges?

Cut the potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3–4 wedges depending on the size of the potato. Try to keep all wedges similar in thickness so they cook evenly.

Can you make potato wedges in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fryer potato wedges become very crispy because hot air circulates around each piece. They usually cook in about 25-30 minutes at 400°F.

Why are my potato wedges not crispy in the oven?

The most common causes are excess moisture, overcrowding the pan, low oven temperature, or using too much oil.

Do you peel potatoes before making wedges?

No you don't have to, unless you prefer. Keeping the skin on adds flavor, texture, and nutrients. Just scrub the potatoes well before cutting.

Are potato wedges healthier than fries?

It depends on preparation. Baked potato wedges can be healthier because they often require less oil and keep more of the potato's natural nutrients, especially when the skin is left on.

How do you keep potato wedges crispy?

Serve immediately, avoid covering them while hot, and reheat leftovers using dry heat methods like an oven or air fryer.

How do you make potato wedges taste like restaurant wedges?

Use russet potatoes, season generously, cook at high heat, and finish with fresh herbs with Parmesan.

Can you make potato wedges without oil?

Yes, but they will not become as crispy. A small amount of oil helps with browning, texture, and seasoning adhesion.

Why do potato wedges have more flavor than fries?

Their larger surface area and thicker shape allow them to hold more seasoning while creating a stronger contrast between crispy edges and a soft potato center.

 

Nutrition Facts
Potato Wedges
Amount Per Serving
Calories 273 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 9g
Cholesterol 9mg3%
Sodium 795mg35%
Potassium 707mg20%
Carbohydrates 30g10%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 477IU10%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 178mg18%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.