Introduction: What are KFC-style potato wedges?
KFC-style potato wedges are a popular side dish that many people love. These wedges are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to fried chicken, burgers, or any other main dish. They are seasoned with a blend of spices that gives them a unique flavor that is both salty and savory. Although they are a staple at fast-food chains, making them at home is surprisingly easy and can be a fun and delicious activity for the whole family.
Ingredients: What you’ll need to make them
To make KFC-style potato wedges at home, you will need a few basic ingredients. You will need potatoes, flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can use any type of potatoes, but russet potatoes work best as they are starchy and hold their shape well when fried. For the seasoning blend, you can adjust the amounts of each spice to your liking. You will also need vegetable oil for frying, a large bowl for soaking, and a baking sheet for baking or a deep fryer for frying.
Prepping the potatoes: Cutting and soaking
To make the perfect KFC-style potato wedges, the first step is to prepare the potatoes. Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, then cut them into wedges. Try to keep the wedges as evenly sized as possible so that they cook uniformly. After cutting, soak the wedges in cold water for at least an hour. Soaking helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Making the seasoning blend: What to include
While the potatoes are soaking, it’s time to make the seasoning blend. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the spices to your liking, but the key is to strike a balance between salty and savory. Mix well, so that all the spices are evenly distributed.
Coating the potatoes: Dredging and seasoning
After the potatoes have soaked for at least an hour, drain them and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dredge each potato wedge in the seasoning blend, making sure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour mixture and set them aside on a plate. Repeat until all the wedges are coated.
Frying the wedges: Tips for best results
Now it’s time to fry the potato wedges. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. Carefully lower the potato wedges into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the wedges in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the wedges from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Draining and resting: Letting excess oil drip off
After frying the wedges, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes to allow any excess oil to drip off. This will ensure that they are not too greasy and will help them retain their crispiness. You can also sprinkle a little extra salt on the wedges while they are still hot to enhance their flavor.
Finishing touches: Adding extra seasoning
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a little extra seasoning to the potato wedges before serving. You can sprinkle them with a little garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, or drizzle them with a little melted butter or hot sauce. Be creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.
Serving suggestions: What to pair them with
KFC-style potato wedges are the perfect side dish for fried chicken or burgers. They also go well with grilled meats or fish, or can be served as a snack or appetizer. You can pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard.
Healthier options: Baking instead of frying
If you want to make a healthier version of KFC-style potato wedges, you can bake them instead of frying. Simply preheat your oven to 425°F, place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown. You can also use an air fryer for an even healthier option.
Common mistakes: How to avoid them
One common mistake when making KFC-style potato wedges is not soaking them long enough. Soaking the potatoes for at least an hour is essential to remove excess starch and make them crispy. Another common mistake is overcrowding the pot when frying, which can cause the wedges to stick together and not cook evenly. Be sure to fry them in batches and don’t overcrowd the pot.
Conclusion: Enjoy your homemade KFC-style potato wedges!
Making KFC-style potato wedges at home is easy and fun, and they taste just as good as the ones you get at the fast-food chain. With a little preparation and the right seasoning blend, you can make crispy, flavorful wedges that are perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and try out this recipe, and enjoy your homemade KFC-style potato wedges!
