Cheesy potato wedges are a classic comfort snack, loved for their crispy exterior, tender interior, and ooey-gooey cheesy topping. Using an air fryer makes this favorite healthier without sacrificing flavor, cutting down on oil while still delivering perfectly golden wedges. These air fryer cheesy potato wedges are ideal as a snack, side dish, or appetizer for parties, movie nights, or casual meals.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet indulgent enough to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Healthier Option: Air frying reduces oil usage while keeping wedges crisp.
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Cheesy Perfection: Melty cheese on top adds richness without being overpowering.
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Quick and Easy: Prep in under 10 minutes and cook in 20 minutes.
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Customizable: Spice it up with paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Air fryer (5–6 quart capacity recommended)
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Medium mixing bowl
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring spoons
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Rubber spatula or tongs
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Grater (for cheese)
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Serving plate
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges
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4 medium russet potatoes
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheesy Topping:
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 30–35 minutes
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Yield: 3–4 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges
Step 1. Prepare the Potatoes
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Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
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Cut each potato into 6–8 wedges, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
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Optional: Soak wedges in cold water for 15–20 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry before seasoning.
Step 2. Season the Wedges
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In a medium bowl, toss potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Ensure each wedge has a light, even coating for the crispiest results.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the bowl; season in batches if necessary.
Step 3. Preheat the Air Fryer
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
Step 4. Air Fry the Potato Wedges
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Arrange wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
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Cook for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through for uniform crispiness.
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If cooking in batches, repeat with remaining wedges.
Step 5. Add the Cheese
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan over the cooked wedges.
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Air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
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Remove carefully with tongs or a spatula.
Step 6. Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the wedges.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Wedges
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Uniform Size: Cutting wedges evenly ensures consistent cooking.
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Avoid Soggy Wedges: Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning to get crisp edges.
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Cheese Variation: Mix mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
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Crispier Wedges: Lightly spray wedges with cooking spray before air frying.
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Make Ahead: Wedges can be prepped ahead and air fried just before serving.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Cheesy Wedges: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.
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Loaded Wedges: Top with cooked bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream.
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Herbed Wedges: Use rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a fragrant twist.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and olive oil for dairy-free wedges.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sugar: 2g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 350mg
Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.
Looking to round out your meal? Mustard Potato Salad, Cilantro Lime Coleslaw, or Pull Apart Garlic Bread fit perfectly.
Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
- Cut each potato into 6–8 wedges, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
- Optional: Soak wedges in cold water for 15–20 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry before seasoning.
- In a medium bowl, toss potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Ensure each wedge has a light, even coating for the crispiest results.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the bowl; season in batches if necessary.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
- Arrange wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
- Cook for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through for uniform crispiness.
- If cooking in batches, repeat with remaining wedges.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan over the cooked wedges.
- Air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Remove carefully with tongs or a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the wedges.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Conclusion
Air fryer cheesy potato wedges are a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to deep-fried potato snacks. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with melty cheese, they are perfect for satisfying cravings or complementing any meal. With minimal prep and flexible seasoning options, this recipe is ideal for casual weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or party appetizers.
Serve them hot, paired with dipping sauces, and watch them disappear in minutes!
FAQs
1- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, but cook slightly longer and monitor for tenderness, as sweet potatoes can vary in size and moisture.
2- Do I need to soak the potato wedges?
Soaking removes excess starch and helps achieve crispier wedges but is optional.
3- Can I make these wedges ahead of time?
Prep the wedges in advance and refrigerate; air fry or reheat before serving.
4- What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix works well. Parmesan adds extra flavor.
5- Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients, including seasonings and cheese, are certified gluten-free.
6- What dipping sauces pair best with cheesy potato wedges?
Ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or sriracha are all excellent choices.