Are you craving a tasty and satisfying side dish, or perhaps a fun and flavorful snack? Look no further! These crispy breaded potato wedges are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or a delicious addition to your next barbecue, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget those soggy, disappointing wedges from the takeout menu – this homemade version is light, fluffy on the inside, and unbelievably crunchy on the outside. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy exterior. While the oven is warming up, wash and scrub your russet potatoes thoroughly. Cutting them into even-sized wedges ensures they cook evenly. Aim for wedges that are roughly the same thickness for consistent crispiness.
Step 2: The Flavorful Coating
In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. This is your magic seasoning blend that will elevate these potato wedges to another level of deliciousness. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Breading the Wedges
Dip each potato wedge into the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip the floured wedge into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat each wedge generously in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
Step 4: Frying to Perfection
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small piece of breadcrumb should sizzle immediately when added), carefully add the breaded potato wedges in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wedges. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Oven Baking for Extra Crispiness
Remove the fried wedges from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. This extra step helps to crisp up the wedges even further and allows excess oil to drain.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying!
Once golden brown and crispy, remove the potato wedges from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These delicious potato wedges are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack later.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little kick.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese over the wedges before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Herb it up: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spice blends, like Italian seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
- Air fryer alternative: For a healthier option, you can bake the wedges in an air fryer according to your machine’s instructions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 5-7g
Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These crispy breaded potato wedges are a fantastic addition to any meal. They're easy to customize to your liking, making them a versatile side dish or snack. Enjoy!