Loaded Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Ingredients

• 3.5 Russet potatoes (large, rinsed and cut into equal sized wedges)
• 1 tbsp Baking soda (added slowly to boiling water)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• Garlic butter seasoning (Heath Riles brand or seasoning of choice to taste)
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese (shredded, preferably freshly shredded for better melting)
• 6 Bacon (strips, cooked and crumbled)
• 2 Green onions (chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Lay out 6 strips of bacon and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.

2. 2

   Place a large pot of water on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

3. 3

   Rinse the russet potatoes and cut them into equal-sized wedges.

4. 4

   Once the water is boiling, slowly add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Be careful to add it gradually so the water does not boil over.

5. 5

   Add the potato wedges to the boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they are just about fork-tender.

6. 6

   Drain the wedges in a large colander and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

7. 7

   Drizzle the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add your favorite potato seasoning (such as Heath Riles Garlic Butter seasoning).

8. 8

   Shake or toss the wedges vigorously to coat them well. The 'mashed' starchy coating that forms on the outside of the wedges from this process is what creates the crispy texture.

9. 9

   Place the wedges in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even crisping.

10. 10

    Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, top them with the shredded Colby Jack cheese and crumbled bacon.

11. 11

    Return the basket to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.

12. 12

    Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.

Notes

The baking soda helps break down the outside layer of the potatoes, creating more surface area for a crispier finish. If you are short on time, you can substitute the freshly cooked bacon with store-bought bacon bits. Air fryer performance varies; check the wedges at the 20-minute mark and add time as needed until your desired crispiness is reached.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• appetizer
• air fryer
• potatoes
• loaded potatoes
• game day
• easy dinner