Quick Answer
The time it takes to cook frozen potato wedges in the oven depends on a few factors, but on average it takes 30-45 minutes at 400°F-425°F. The key things that affect cook time are the oven temperature, whether you preheat the oven, how thick the wedges are, and if you flip them halfway through. For standard 1/2 inch thick frozen wedges, cooking at 425°F with a preheated oven will take around 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway. Thicker wedges may take up to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing a wedge with a fork to ensure they are fully cooked inside.
What Are Frozen Potato Wedges?
Frozen potato wedges, sometimes called oven fries or crispy potato wedges, are wedge or crinkle cut strips of potato that have been pre-frozen. They provide a quick and easy potato side dish that can simply be baked in the oven directly from frozen. Compared to french fries, the wedge or crinkle cut shape gives them more surface area resulting in extra crunch. They come pre-seasoned with salt and sometimes other spices for flavor. Popular brands include Ore-Ida, Alexia, and McCain.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that determine how quickly frozen wedges will cook in the oven:
Oven Temperature
The higher the oven temperature, the less time the wedges will need. Most recipes call for baking at 400°F-425°F. Higher heat like 450°F will make them cook faster but may cause burning. Lower temperatures around 375°F will take longer.
Preheating
Preheating the oven first allows it to fully reach the set temperature. This helps the wedges start cooking immediately at the correct temp. Not preheating may add 5-10 extra minutes.
Wedge Thickness
Standard frozen wedges are typically 1/2 inch thick. Thicker wedges around 3/4 to 1 inch will require more time to cook through to the center. Thinner wedges may cook faster than average.
Flipping
Flipping the wedges about halfway during baking ensures even cooking on all sides. If not flipped, the bottom side may burn while the interior finishes cooking.
Step-by-Step Oven Cook Times
Follow these steps for baked frozen wedges with ideal timing:
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F-425°F. Allow oven to fully preheat before putting wedges in.
2. Prep Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with oil. This prevents sticking.
3. Arrange Wedges
Arrange wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Too crowded wedges may steam instead of crisp.
4. Bake 15-18 Minutes
Bake wedges for 15-18 minutes until starting to brown. Time will depend on oven temp.
5. Flip and Bake 15 More Minutes
Remove sheet, carefully flip wedges, and return to oven for 15 more minutes until crispy.
6. Check Doneness
Potato should be fully tender when pierced with a fork. If not, continue baking in 5 minute increments.
7. Season and Serve
Remove from oven, season with salt, pepper, or other seasonings if desired. Enjoy hot and crispy.
Cooking Time Table
Use this cooking time table as a guide, adjusting time as needed:
| Oven Temp | Flip Halfway? | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 425°F | Yes | 30-35 minutes |
| 400°F | Yes | 35-40 minutes |
| 425°F | No | 25-30 minutes |
| 400°F | No | 30-35 minutes |
Conclusion
Cooking frozen potato wedges in the oven is a simple process that takes about 30-45 minutes at standard oven temperatures of 400-425°F. The exact time will vary based on thickness of the wedges, whether you preheat, and if you flip them midway during baking. Following the step-by-step instructions and using the cooking time table will help you achieve perfect wedges every time. Checking doneness with a fork and allowing extra time if needed ensures they will be cooked through. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, baked frozen wedges are an easy and delicious way to add potatoes to any meal.