Game day just got a whole lot tastier with these Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges! I still remember the first time I threw these together during a last-minute football party – my air fryer became the MVP of the night. There’s something magical about crispy potato wedges meeting tender pulled pork and melty cheese that makes everyone crowd around the snack table.
What I love most is how the air fryer gives those wedges the perfect golden crunch without all the oil of deep frying. And when you top them with smoky BBQ pork and that ooey-gooey cheese? Wow. These loaded wedges disappeared faster than the halftime show last time I made them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges
Listen, these loaded wedges aren’t just good—they’re the kind of snack that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite. Here’s why they’re my go-to for every gathering:
- Crazy crispy without the guilt: That air fryer magic gives you wedges with the perfect crunch, using just a fraction of the oil you’d need for deep frying
- Ready in under 30 minutes: From potato to plate faster than it takes to decide what to watch on TV
- Flavor fireworks: Smoky BBQ pork meets melted cheese and cool sour cream in every glorious bite
- Totally customizable: Add jalapeños for heat, swap sauces, or go wild with toppings—it’s your snack masterpiece
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat. They’re that good.
Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges
Let’s talk ingredients – because great loaded wedges start with picking the right players! For the crispiest results, you’ll want:
- 4 large russet potatoes (cut into thick wedges, skin on for that rustic texture)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (just enough to coat, not drown them)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (regular works, but smoked adds that extra depth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (my secret flavor booster)
- 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper (season well – potatoes need it!)
- 2 cups cooked BBQ pulled pork (store-bought is totally fine – we’re all about shortcuts here)
- 1 cup packed sharp cheddar (because melty cheese is non-negotiable)
Plus the fun toppings: green onions, sour cream, and extra BBQ sauce for drizzling. Simple, right?
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
No stress if you need to switch things up! Sweet potatoes make an amazing swap for regular spuds – just watch the cooking time. Out of sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully. For my dairy-free friends, vegan cheese melts surprisingly well these days. And listen – using pre-cooked pulled pork is my game-day sanity saver. Trader Joe’s has a great one, or use leftovers from Sunday’s slow cooker batch. The beauty? These wedges taste fantastic no matter what combo you choose!
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges
Alright, let’s get these wedges from dream to delicious! Here’s exactly how I make them (with all my little tricks included):
- Preheat that air fryer to 400°F (200°C) – this is crucial for getting that instant crisp on your wedges!
- Toss your potato wedges with olive oil and all those lovely spices until they’re evenly coated. I like to use a big bowl and really get my hands in there – messy but effective!
- Air fry in batches for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This is when the magic happens – those wedges will turn golden and crispy!
- Top with pulled pork and cheese, then pop back in for just 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into glorious gooeyness.
- Finish with flair – drizzle with BBQ sauce, dollop with sour cream, and sprinkle those green onions on top. Serve immediately while everyone’s drooling!
Pro Tips for Perfect Loaded Wedges
After making these dozens of times (yes, I’m obsessed), here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t crowd the basket – give those wedges space to crisp up properly!
- Pat potatoes dry before seasoning – moisture is the enemy of crispiness
- Layer toppings smartly: pork first, then cheese melts better over it
- Watch closely when melting cheese – it goes from perfect to burnt fast!
Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have loaded wedge perfection every single time.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges
Oh, these wedges shine all on their own, but let me tell you how I love to serve them! A cold beer is practically mandatory – that crisp lager cuts through the richness perfectly. Keep extra BBQ sauce on the side for dippers, and a tangy coleslaw makes the ideal fresh contrast. Game day? Double the batch – they disappear faster than you can say “touchdown!”
Storing and Reheating Leftover Loaded Wedges
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these wedges in my house! But if you somehow end up with extra (bless you for your restraint), here’s how to keep them tasty. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days – any longer and the wedges lose their magic. When reheating, skip the microwave unless you love soggy potatoes. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as crispy as when they were fresh!
Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges Nutrition Info
Just a quick note – these nutrition estimates will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. The pulled pork’s sauce, cheese type, and potato size all affect the final counts. Consider this your friendly reminder that delicious food is meant to be enjoyed! For more general information on the nutritional benefits of potatoes, you can check out resources from the USDA nutrition database.
FAQs About Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges
Can I use frozen potato wedges? Absolutely! Just skip the oil coating (they’re already pre-treated) and add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. The texture won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still taste amazing loaded up with all those toppings.
How can I kick up the heat? Oh, I love this question! Try adding diced jalapeños under the cheese layer, or mix some chipotle powder into your BBQ sauce. My personal favorite? A drizzle of sriracha sour cream on top – spicy, creamy perfection! If you are looking for other ways to add spice, check out this guide on air fryer beef tacos for inspiration.
No air fryer? Can I bake these? You bet! Bake wedges at 425°F on a rack for about 25 minutes until crispy, then add toppings and broil briefly to melt the cheese. They won’t get quite as crisp, but they’ll still disappear fast!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Wedges in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy potato wedges topped with tender BBQ pulled pork, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for game day or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked BBQ pulled pork
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry wedges for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.
- Top wedges with pulled pork and cheese. Air fry for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Drizzle with BBQ sauce and sour cream. Sprinkle green onions on top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use store-bought pulled pork for quicker prep.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American