You can fry potato wedges in a pan (shallow frying) or in a large pot or deep fryer (deep frying). Use the basic recipe below to prepare and season the wedges and then choose your frying method to create this classic and delicious side dish.
Basic Potato Wedges
This recipe allows you to prepare the wedges. The recipe serves six.
Ingredients
- 5 medium Russet potatoes
- Oil for frying, depending on the method selected below.
- Seasoning blend (options below), or salt and pepper
Prep Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prick the potatoes with a fork.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until they are soft, about 60 minutes. Allow the potatoes to cool.
- Cut the potatoes into about 18 wedges.
- Fry using one of the methods below.
- Toss the fried potatoes with your selected seasoning blend, or season with salt and pepper to taste.
Deep Frying
Use a deep pot on the stovetop or a deep fryer for this method. You can use lard, shortening, peanut oil, or canola oil to deep fry.
Ingredients
- Enough lard, shortening, peanut oil, or canola oil to fill your deep fryer or pot 3/4 full
- Prepared wedges (see above)
Instructions
- Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully lower the potato wedges into the oil. Fry until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown, five to six minutes.
- Drain on paper towels before seasoning.
Shallow Frying
When you shallow fry, you use a small amount of oil in a large pan. Select a pan large enough to place the potatoes in a single layer in the bottom of the pan. You will fry the potatoes in two batches. You can use peanut oil or canola oil to shallow fry.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oil
- Prepared wedges (see above)
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the oil on medium-high until it shimmers.
- Add the potato wedges. Cook until golden brown on each side, about three minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels before seasoning
Seasoning Blends
There are several seasoning blends you can try to make your hot wedges tasty.
Garlic Parmesan Seasoning
This blend has a lovely Italian flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl and then toss with the hot wedges.
Sweet and Savory Seasoning
This sweet, savory version is addictive!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch cayenne
Instructions
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl and then toss with the hot wedges.
Savory Seasoning
This is a common seasoning blend that makes savory wedges.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl and then toss with the hot wedges.
A Tasty Side Dish
All the variations of potato wedges above make a tasty side dish that goes well with a burger, steak, or grilled cheese sandwich. While they take a bit of time to prepare, most of the work is hands-off, and the result is well worth the effort.
