A few years ago, I embarked on a family road trip across the Midwest, soaking in the stunning landscapes and vibrant local cultures. We stumbled upon a quaint diner in a small town that was known for its exceptional comfort food. The star of their menu was a simple but unforgettable dish: crispy potato wedges sprinkled with cheddar cheese, served with a creamy homemade mayonnaise. The experience was so delightful that I couldn’t resist trying to recreate it when we returned home.
Back in my own kitchen, I tried my best to replicate the magic of that meal. After a few experiments and tweaks, I discovered that using an air fryer brought the perfect balance of crispiness without needing excess oil. My family was thrilled with the results, and what began as a fun cooking experiment quickly turned into a new family favorite.
The beauty of these Air Fried Cheesy Potato Wedges lies in their simplicity and the joy they bring to the table. The preparation is a breeze, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The combination of spices, from the mild chili powder to the warm hint of turmeric, adds depth and warmth to the potatoes. Tossed with fresh garlic and parsley, then topped with gooey cheddar cheese, these wedges become a truly irresistible treat.
Every bite takes me back to that charming diner, where we laughed and shared stories over plates of perfectly crispy wedges. I hope this recipe brings the same sense of comfort and happiness to your home. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, these cheesy potato wedges are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Making Air Fried Cheesy Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes, cut into wedges and parboiled
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise for serving (preferably homemade)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the parboiled potato wedges with olive oil, salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, minced garlic, and dried parsley until they are well coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned potato wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer to bake them, place the wedges on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, turning them once halfway through the baking time.
- Once the potato wedges are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer or oven and immediately sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the hot wedges so it melts slightly.
- Serve the cheesy potato wedges with a side of mayonnaise for dipping.
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the seasoning mix. Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference. For a vegetarian twist, use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Serving Suggestions
These potato wedges are great served as a side dish or a snack. They pair well with a fresh salad or a creamy dip. You can also top them with additional cheese and herbs for a more indulgent treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have cheddar cheese, any other cheese that melts well can be used, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack. You can replace fresh garlic with garlic powder if needed.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, try adding a sprinkle of rosemary or sage to the seasoning mix for a seasonal twist. During summer, consider using fresh herbs like basil or dill for a lighter flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy due to the cheese and mayonnaise. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based mayonnaise alternative.
FAQ:
How can I make these potato wedges spicier?
You can add more chili powder or include a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to increase the heat level.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as sweet potatoes may cook faster than regular potatoes.
Can I prepare these wedges in advance?
Yes, you can parboil the potatoes and season them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and air fry them just before serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the potato wedges in the oven as an alternative. Follow the oven baking instructions provided in the recipe.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Sprinkle the cheese on the wedges during the last minute of cooking to ensure it melts without burning.
Can I freeze the cooked potato wedges?
Yes, you can freeze cooked wedges. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.
Air Fried Cheesy Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes cut into wedges and parboiled
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise for serving homemade preferred
Instructions
- Combine the parboiled potato wedges with olive oil, salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, crushed garlic, and dried parsley in a bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure the wedges are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Air fry the coated potato wedges for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning the wedges once during baking.
- When the wedges are crispy and golden, sprinkle the grated cheese on top while they are still hot.
- Serve with a side of mayonnaise for dipping.
