Oven Baked Crunchy Potato Wedges

Finally, perfectly CRUNCHY potato wedges are here with half the calories as fried versions! My French fry connoisseur husband said he would “take these over fries any day!” This recipe is built on expert techniques to deliver consistently golden, flavorful wedges every time!

Follow along for expert tips, variations, and serving ideas!

top view of potato wedges showing the deeply golden color


 

Why you’ll love these Crunchy Baked Potato Wedges!

  • EXTRA CRISPY! The combination of soaking out excess starch, coating with a light layer of cornstarch, and baking at high heat creates a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
  • EXTRA FLUFFY INTERIOR: Using the right potatoes is key. Russet potatoes are naturally high in starch, which breaks down into a light, airy texture as they bake, creating a soft, fluffy center while the outside crisps beautifully.
  • EXTRA FLAVORFUL: A bold blend of spices and seasonings, including my secret ingredient, chili powder, coats every wedge because the spices are mixed with the oil first, infusing every bite with savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors!
top view of baked potato wedges in the oven being served with fry sauce and garlic aioli on a platter
ingredient icon

Potato wedges recipe Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Russet potatoes: The best choice thanks to their starchy texture, which bakes up fluffy inside and crispy on the outside; look for small to medium-sized potatoes for the best-sized wedges.
  • Cornstarch: Coats the potatoes in a thin layer that absorbs surface moisture, creating a light, crisp shell as they bake.
  • Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, or a lighter olive oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.
  • Spices: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper create a bold, savory spice blend that adds depth, warmth, a hint of smokiness, and just the right amount of seasoning to every bite.
top view of potato wedges ingredients: Russet potatoes, cornstarch, olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper

a collage showing how to cut potato wedges: 1. cut in half lengthwise, 2. cut each half in half, 3. cut each half in half again, 4. showing 8 potato wedges per potato

How to MAke Potato Wedges

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Step 1: Soak & Dry potatoes. Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30-60 minutes. Drain and dry VERY WELL with a towel (pics 1 and 2).
  • Step 2: Season. Mix the seasonings and oil in a small bowl and set aside.  Transfer the very dry wedges to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly with cornstarch. Drizzle the oil/spice mixture, then stir with a spatula until every wedge is well coated (pics 3,4, & 5).
  • Step 3: Bake. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake another 15–25 minutes until golden and crispy.  If they aren’t as crispy as you’d like, bake for a few more minutes (pic 6).
a collage showing how to make potato wedges: 1. soak potato wedges in water, 2. dry potato wedges with a towel, 3. toss the wedges with cornstarch in a bowl, 4. whisk together the oil and spices, 4. toss the potato wedges with the oil/spices mixture, 5. line the potato wedges on a baking sheet to bake in the oven
up close of potato wedges recipe showing the seasoning and how crispy they are

Tips for Crunchy Potato Wedges in oven

  • Don’t skip the soak! Soaking the potatoes in cold water pulls excess surface starch out—this starch can turn gummy in the oven and prevent crisping.
  • Dry completely: Any moisture will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them—after soaking, drain well, spread the wedges on a clean kitchen towel, and pat them thoroughly dry.
  • Preheat the baking sheet: This gives the wedges an immediate sizzle when they hit the surface, jumpstarting browning and helping form a crisp crust faster.
  • Use cornstarch: A light coating absorbs surface moisture and forms a thin gel layer as it heats, which then dries out in the oven into a crisp, delicate shell for extra crunch.
  • Don’t use too much oil: A light coating is all you need—too much oil can actually make the wedges soggy by preventing proper surface dehydration and browning, causing them to “fry-steam” instead of crisping in the oven.
  • Spread in a single layer: Give wedges space—overcrowding traps steam and prevents crisping.
  • Bake at high heat: High heat accelerates moisture evaporation and promotes rapid browning (the Maillard reaction), creating a deep golden color and a crispy exterior.
showing how to make potato wedges by baking in the oven until golden brown and crunchy

Homemade Potato Wedges variations

  • Garlic Parmesan wedges: Toss with extra garlic powder and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley as soon as they come out of the oven.
  • Ranch wedges: Season with ranch seasoning or serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
  • Cajun wedges: Use Cajun seasoning for bold, smoky, slightly spicy flavor
  • Lemon pepper wedges: Bright, zesty seasoning for a fresh twist.
  • Loaded wedges: Top with melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
  • Cheesy wedges: Sprinkle with cheddar or mozzarella during the last few minutes of baking. (They won’t get as crispy this way.)
  • Breakfast wedges: Top with fried eggs, cheese, and hot sauce for a hearty morning version.
top view of dipping homemade potato wedges in fry sauce

Dipping Sauces for Roasted Potato Wedges

These potato wedges are so scrumptious, they are fabulous plain – but downright irresistible when dunked in sauce!

Our favorite pairing is with incredible fry sauce! It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and totally crave-worthy. It’s upgraded with pickle brine and adept seasoning for a bold, balanced, flavor-packed sauce you’ll love.

These wedges are also delicious dunked in ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli (another fav), or BBQ sauce.

up close of dipping French fry in fry sauce showing how creamy it is

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top view of potato wedges showing the deeply golden color

Seasoned Homemade Potato Wedges

Finally, perfectly CRUNCHY potato wedges are here with half the calories as fried versions! My French fry connoisseur husband said he would "take these over fries any day!" This recipe is built on expert techniques to deliver consistently golden, flavorful wedges every time! See the post for expert tips and variations!
Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tsp EACH salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp EACH chili powder, onion powder, pepper

FOR SERVING

Instructions

  • Cut potatoes: Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then place each half cut side down on the cutting board. Cut each half into 4 "wedges," yielding 8 per potato. If your potato is small, cut it into 6 wedges.
  • Soak & Dry potatoes:  The potato wedges will still be tasty without soaking if you don't have time, but soaking ensures they are crispy! Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30-60 minutes. Drain and dry VERY WELL with a towel (the drier the potatoes, the crispier they will become).
  • Preheat: When the potatoes have about 30 minutes of soaking left, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place the empty sheet in the oven while it heats (this helps crisp them).
  • Season: Mix the seasonings and oil in a small bowl and set aside. Transfer the very dry wedges to a large bowl and toss to coat evenly with cornstarch (keep tossing until it all sticks – I find it easiest to use my hands). Drizzle with the oil/spice mixture, then stir with a spatula until every wedge is well coated.
  • Bake: Lightly spray the hot baking sheet with cooking spray, then carefully space the wedges out so they aren't touching. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake another 15–25 minutes until golden and crispy.  If they aren't as crispy as you'd like, bake for a few more minutes.
  • Dip! Serve with my incredible fry sauce, or ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli (another fav), BBQ sauce, etc.

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