Loaded Air Fryer Potato Wedges

By Tyla | Last modified on Mar 23, 2026

Featured in: Side Dishes

There’s something irresistibly comforting about crispy potato wedges loaded with gooey cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions. These loaded air fryer potato wedges offer that perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and smoky flavors that make them a beloved snack or side dish anytime.

Using the air fryer for crispiness and parboiling the potatoes with baking soda ensures the wedges develop a delightfully crunchy exterior while remaining tender inside. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends and family on game day, parties, or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parboiling with baking soda creates an extra-crispy crust without deep frying.
Loaded with melty Colby Jack cheese and smoky crumbled bacon for indulgence.
Quick air fryer cooking makes preparation easy and less greasy.
Gluten-free ingredients suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Russet Potatoes (3 to 4 large): Starchy potatoes perfect for wedge shapes; crisp up nicely when air fried.
Baking Soda (1 tablespoon): Added to boiling water to break down potato surface starches, boosting crispiness.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Light oil to coat wedges, aiding browning and flavor.
Heath Riles Garlic Butter Seasoning: Robust garlic and butter seasoning enhancing savory potato flavor. Substitute with your favorite potato spice blend.
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese (1 cup): Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully over hot wedges.
Bacon Strips (6, cooked and crumbled): Smoky, crispy bits adding salty crunch and rich flavor.
Green Onions (2, chopped): Fresh, mildly pungent garnish adding brightness and color.
Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy dip pairing perfectly with the loaded wedges.

Instructions

Cut and Rinse Potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut each potato lengthwise into equal-sized wedges to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer, producing uniform crispiness and texture.
Parboil with Baking Soda: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and the potato wedges. Boil for 6 to 8 minutes until just tender. The baking soda raises the water’s pH, slightly breaking down the potato surface for extra crunch when cooked.
Drain and Season: Drain the wedges well in a colander to remove moisture. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the garlic butter seasoning or your preferred potato spice. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly, promoting flavorful, golden edges.
Air Fry the Wedges: Place the seasoned wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to crisp all sides. The air fryer delivers a golden, crunchy crust while keeping the inside soft.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the wedges from the air fryer basket and sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese and crumbled bacon over the hot wedges. Return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly, creating a delicious gooey topping.
Garnish and Serve: Top the loaded wedges with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately while hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping to complete the indulgent experience.

You Must Know

Baking soda in the boiling water is the secret to achieving those extra crispy edges.
Cut wedges evenly to cook uniformly and avoid underdone or overdone pieces.
Don’t skip parboiling—the partial cooking ensures a tender inside with a crunchy outside.
You can crisp the bacon separately in the air fryer to save stove space and time.
These loaded wedges mimic loaded baked potato flavors but with much less effort and oil.

Storage Tips

Store leftover potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to revive their crispiness instead of microwaving to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

These loaded potato wedges pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken. Serve alongside fresh salads or steamed veggies to balance the indulgent flavors.

Professional Tips

Use a kitchen scale to cut potato wedges uniformly for consistent cooking.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
Try swapping Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?: Russet potatoes work best for crispiness due to their starchy nature, but Yukon Gold can be used for a slightly creamier texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?: You can bake the wedges in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) on a baking sheet for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives or crispy seasoned tofu crumbles.
Is parboiling necessary?: Yes, parboiling softens the wedges and helps produce an extra-crispy crust once air fried.
How do I know when the wedges are done?: They should be golden brown and crispy outside with a fork-tender interior when pierced.
Can I prepare these wedges ahead of time?: You can parboil and season wedges in advance, then refrigerate before air frying and adding toppings when ready.
What else pairs well for dipping besides ranch?: Sour cream, spicy mayo, or a tangy BBQ sauce are all delicious alternatives.