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Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Potato Wedges with Cheddar & Bacon

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These crispy air fryer loaded potato wedges with cheddar and bacon are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing snack with a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, topped with melted cheddar and smoky bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 800g or 1.76 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 100g or 3.5 oz)
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Wash and cut the potatoes: Scrub 4 medium russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Leave the skin on. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3–4 wedges depending on size. Aim for even thickness. (10 minutes)
  2. Pat dry: Place the wedges on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. (5 minutes)
  3. Season the wedges: Transfer the dried wedges into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Cook the potato wedges: Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through at around 7 minutes. Wedges should be golden and crisp outside, tender inside. (15 minutes)
  6. Prepare the bacon: While wedges cook, crisp 6 bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and crumble. (10 minutes)
  7. Add cheese and bacon: Transfer wedges to a baking-safe dish or keep in air fryer basket if it fits. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar evenly over wedges, then scatter crumbled bacon on top. Return to air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. (3 minutes)
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove wedges carefully, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions. Serve immediately with optional sour cream. (2 minutes)

Notes

Patting the wedges dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Flip wedges halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy and avoid soggy wedges. Add cheese at the end to melt perfectly without drying out the wedges. If wedges aren’t crisping enough, increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning. For reheating leftovers, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, potato wedges, cheddar, bacon, crispy, snack, easy recipe, loaded wedges

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-air-fryer-loaded-potato-wedges-with-cheddar-and-bacon-recipe-for-easy-snack/