In this post we will show you how to cut perfect potato wedges. Homemade potato wedges are a popular side dish the whole family will love. We are potato lovers and I even have a section on this blog called “My Love For Potatoes”.
Potato wedges can be baked or roasted in the oven and cooked in the air fryer. Stay tuned because I used the potatoes we cut to make this post in a new Air Fryer Potato Wedges recipe that will be coming soon.
Potatoes are the perfect side dish for meatloaf, pork chops, pork tenderloin, steak, a sandwich or a burger. They can be dressed up or dressed down using your favorite herbs and spices.
Jump to:
- Equipment needed to cut potato wedges
- How to cut potatoes into 12 wedges
- How to cut potatoes into 8 wedges
- How to cut potatoes into 6 wedges
- Tips
- What is the best type of potato to make into potato wedges?
- Flavor ideas to season potato wedges
- Cooking tips for potato wedges
- Can I cut potatoes ahead of time?
- A few of my favorite potato recipes
- How to Cut Potato Wedges
- Main dishes to serve potato wedges with
Equipment needed to cut potato wedges
silicone sponge or scrub brush – we like to use a silicone sponge.
cutting board – wooden or plastic boards work best.
sharp knife – we have a stainless steel chef’s knife. I have also seen this type of knife called a Santoku knife. It is about 10 ½ inches long, the blade makes up about 5 ½ inches of that. It has small dimples that span the cutting edge of the blade, on both sides, to keep food from sticking to it. It is ideal for cutting potatoes and other vegetables.
vegetable peeler – if you want to peel your potatoes first. We peel our sweet potato wedges only, we never peel white, red or gold potatoes.
How to cut potatoes into 12 wedges
- Scrub potatoes under running water then dry them with paper towels.
- Cut potato in half lengthwise, you will now have 2 pieces.
- Place one half of the potato cut side down on the cutting board and cut it in half. Do this with both halves, you now have 4 pieces.
- With the skin side down cut each quarter into thirds. Do this with all four quarters, you now have 12 pieces.
How to cut potatoes into 8 wedges
- Scrub potatoes under running water then dry them with paper towels.
- Cut potato in half lengthwise, you will now have 2 pieces.
- Place one half of the potato flat side down on the cutting board and cut it in half. Do this with both halves, you now have 4 pieces.
- With the skin side down cut each quarter in half. Do this with all four quarters, you now have 8 pieces.
How to cut potatoes into 6 wedges
- Scrub potatoes under running water then dry them with paper towels.
- Cut potato in half lengthwise, you will now have 2 pieces.
- With the skin side down cut each half into thirds. Do this with both halves, you now have 6 pieces.
Potatoes come in many different sizes
Potatoes can be cut into 6, 8 or 12 wedges depending on the size of the potatoes. If you buy potatoes out of the bulk bin you can hand select potatoes that are close to the same size. We buy potatoes in 5 pound bags and we find everything from 4 ounce to 10 or 12 ounce potatoes in the same bag.
Larger potatoes are cut into more wedges and smaller potatoes are cut into less wedges. For best results use your judgement on how many wedges to to cut your specific potatoes into so that they are as close to the same size as possible.
Having potato wedges that are as close to the same size as possible will ensure they all have the same approximate cooking time.
Tips
- I use a silicone sponge, like the one you see in the picture, because it gets the potatoes clean with out scrubbing the skin off. We do this under slightly warm water to get them clean without having to scrub too hard.
- If you use your kitchen towel to dry the potatoes it will most likely leave them dirty, even though you scrubbed the potato clean.
- Use a large chef’s knife, a pairing knife is too small to cut potatoes safely and efficiently.
- The best way to cut potatoes is by putting your knife on the potato and firmly pushing down in one motion. You don’t want to use a sawing motion.
What is the best type of potato to make into potato wedges?
Virtually any full size potato can be cut into wedges and roasted, baked or fried. Below are or favorite:
- Russet potatoes
- sweet potatoes
- red potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes
Potato Goodness has a great article that explains all the different types of potatoes if you want to learn more about that. (A whole website devoted to the potato, I just love the internet!)
Flavor ideas to season potato wedges
I put olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl and then mix in many different combination of herbs and spices. Then we toss the cut potatoes in the oil and spice mixture before we cook them in the oven or air fryer.
Some of our favorites herbs and spices are:
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- chili powder
- dried parsley
- Italian seasoning
- chili powder
I usually use a about 3-4 of these at a time. Paprika helps your potatoes get nice and golden brown.
Cooking tips for potato wedges
For potatoes with a crispy exterior and soft center place potatoes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet with plenty of space between them.
If you want soft potatoes cut the potatoes into thick wedges, toss them in oil, and crowd the pan so the potatoes steam. This will keep the potatoes nice and soft.
Can I cut potatoes ahead of time?
Because potatoes are starchy they will oxidize and turn brown very quickly once they are cut. If you don’t plan on cooking them immediately you can keep them in a bowl of water until you are ready to cook them. Before you cook the potatoes rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels and then cook them immediately.
A few of my favorite potato recipes
- Baked Potato Wedges
- Ina Garten’s Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Crispy Roasted Ranch Potatoes
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How to Cut Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 1 potato
- cutting board
- sharp knife
Instructions
- Scrub potatoes under running water then dry them with paper towels.
For 12 potato wedges
- Cut potato in half lengthwise, you will now have 2 pieces.
- Place one half of the potato cut side down on the cutting board and cut it in half. Do this with both halves, you now have 4 pieces.
- With the skin side down cut each quarter into thirds. Do this with all four quarters, you now have 12 pieces.
For 8 potato wedges
- Cut potato in half lengthwise, you will now have 2 pieces.
- Place one half of the potato flat side down on the cutting board and cut it in half. Do this with both halves, you now have 4 pieces.
- With the skin side down cut each quarter in half. Do this with all four quarters, you now have 8 pieces.
For 6 potato wedges
- Cut potato in half lengthwise, you will now have 2 pieces. With the skin side down cut each half into thirds.
- Do this with both halves, you now have 6 pieces.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.