Achieve Perfectly Crispy Pan-Fried Potato Wedges with Homemade Chipotle Mayo
Unlock the secret to making pan-fried potato wedges that boast an irresistible crunch on the outside while remaining wonderfully soft and fluffy within. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple technique, ensuring perfect results every time. And to elevate your experience, we’ll pair these golden delights with a vibrant, homemade chipotle mayonnaise dipping sauce, adding a layer of smoky heat and zesty tang that’s simply divine.

Finding easy yet impressive side dish options can often feel like a culinary quest. While the main course usually gets all the attention and energy, a well-executed side can truly complete a meal. Many home cooks, myself included, often struggle to perfectly scale down or efficiently prepare sides, especially when cooking for just one or two.
My culinary training taught me invaluable lessons in multitasking and meal planning, particularly when assembling a full dinner that remains warm and delicious. While it’s still a daily challenge to incorporate a unique side dish, I’ve certainly improved. And among the few recipes I find myself returning to again and again, these Crispy Pan-Fried Potato Wedges stand out. They are inspired by a technique from Aarti Sequeria’s cookbook (affiliate link), a method so foolproof it quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
There’s something inherently comforting and satisfying about perfectly fried potatoes. Many days, I wish these crispy wedges could be the entire meal! I’ve adapted the original recipe by tweaking the spice blend to better suit my palate, but the fundamental, game-changing technique remains unchanged.
So, what’s the secret to achieving the absolute best pan-fried potato wedges that are consistently crispy on the outside and tender on the inside? It’s a simple yet crucial step: cooking them twice! By first parboiling the potatoes, you create the ideal foundation for a super crispy exterior without risking a hard, undercooked interior. This step is non-negotiable for achieving that perfect texture balance.
And because plain potatoes, no matter how crispy, can sometimes feel a bit lacking, I’ve crafted a delightful homemade chipotle mayonnaise dipping sauce. This sauce introduces a welcome kick of smoky heat and a bright acidity, beautifully cutting through the richness of the fried potatoes. It transforms a simple side into an unforgettable culinary experience.