Loaded Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Crispy golden potato wedges loaded with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions! These loaded potato wedges are an easy and delicious appetizer, snack, or side dish that the whole family will love. They are perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with irresistible cheesy, savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream, for serving
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on gives the wedges extra flavor and a delicious rustic texture.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3 or 4 wedges, depending on the size of the potato.
Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes the potatoes extra crispy when cooked.
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Potato Wedges
Place the dry potato wedges in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Arrange the potato wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket so the hot air can circulate properly and crisp the potatoes evenly.
Air fry for approximately 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your wedges and your air fryer. Shake the basket or turn the wedges halfway through cooking.
Continue cooking until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender inside.
4. Add the Cheese and Bacon
Once the potato wedges are crispy, arrange them together in the air fryer basket or on a heat-safe tray that fits your air fryer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot potato wedges. Add the crispy chopped bacon on top.
Return the wedges to the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
Keep a close eye on them so the cheese doesn’t burn.
5. Add the Toppings
Carefully remove the loaded potato wedges from the air fryer.
Top them with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Serve immediately with sour cream on the side, or drizzle your favorite creamy sauce over the top.
Serving Suggestions
These loaded potato wedges are perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or easy side dish. Serve them with sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
You can also add extra toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded chicken, or a drizzle of barbecue sauce for even more flavor.
Tips for Extra-Crispy Potato Wedges
- Always dry the potatoes very well after soaking them.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Turn or shake the wedges halfway through cooking.
- For the best results, cook the potatoes in batches if necessary.
- Add the cheese only after the potatoes are fully crispy.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melted.
These Loaded Air Fryer Potato Wedges are crispy, cheesy, savory, and incredibly easy to make. With golden potatoes, melted cheddar, crunchy bacon, and fresh green onions in every bite, they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly!