How Many Calories Are in One Potato Wedge? A Nutritional Breakdown

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data from sources like Nutritionix, a single, small potato wedge (approx. 8.8g) contains about 27 calories. This figure is merely a starting point, as the total calorie count for how many calories are in one potato wedge can vary dramatically based on its size, preparation method, and added ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a potato wedge is highly dependent on size and cooking method, with deep-frying significantly increasing the calorie load compared to oven-baking. A standard serving of deep-fried wedges can contain over 275 calories, while a baked version is much lower. Understanding portion size and preparation is key to controlling the overall calorie impact.

Key Points

Size is King: The number of calories in a potato wedge depends heavily on its size, with larger wedges containing more calories.
Cooking Method Matters Most: Deep-frying drastically increases calorie and fat content due to oil absorption, while oven-baking is a much lower-calorie alternative.
Small Wedges vs. Servings: A single, very small deep-fried wedge might have around 27 calories, but a typical restaurant serving will contain significantly more.
Healthy Homemade Options: Making potato wedges at home by baking with minimal healthy oil and simple seasonings is the best way to control calories and fat.
Nutritional Benefits: When prepared healthily, potatoes provide beneficial fiber, Vitamin C, and potassium, nutrients that are often lost in less healthy preparations.
Mind Your Toppings: The calories in your wedges can skyrocket with high-fat toppings and sauces, so stick to low-calorie seasonings for a healthier snack.

The Calorie Count Depends: Size and Method Matter

When asking how many calories are in one potato wedge, the answer is rarely a single number. This is because potato wedges are not standardized. A small, restaurant-style wedge will be very different from a homemade, oven-baked one cut from a large russet potato. The primary factors influencing the calorie content are the size of the potato wedge and the cooking method used.

Raw Potato Calories vs. Cooked Wedges

A raw potato is relatively low in calories and fat, but this changes once it's prepared. The preparation process, particularly the addition of oil for cooking, is what introduces the majority of the extra calories. A medium raw potato (about 150g) contains roughly 130 calories. The skin, which is often left on for potato wedges, provides additional fiber and nutrients. This initial caloric value is a helpful baseline to remember, as it's the added oil and cooking that contributes the most to the final count.

Deep-Fried vs. Oven-Baked: A Calorie Comparison

The most significant factor in determining the calorie count is whether the wedges are deep-fried or oven-baked. Deep-frying involves submerging the potato wedges in hot oil, which they absorb. Baking, on the other hand, requires much less oil.

The Deep-Fried Dilemma

Deep-fried potato wedges, often found in restaurants or fast-food establishments, are notoriously high in calories. The oil they soak up dramatically increases the fat and overall calorie content. For example, a single, deep-fried wedge from a larger batch could easily contain over 30 calories, and a standard serving (e.g., 10 pieces) can be upwards of 275 calories.

The Oven-Baked Alternative

Baking offers a much healthier, lower-calorie option. By using a minimal amount of oil, or even an oil spray, you can achieve a crispy exterior without the excessive fat. An oven-baked wedge typically absorbs less oil, resulting in a significantly lower calorie count. A serving of homemade, oven-baked wedges from one potato is about 154 calories. This is a substantial reduction compared to a deep-fried portion.

Calorie Comparison Table: Deep-Fried vs. Oven-Baked


Feature	Oven-Baked Wedges	Deep-Fried Wedges
Preparation	Minimal oil, hot oven	Submerged in hot oil
Absorbed Oil	Very little	Significant amount
Fat Content	Low to moderate	High
Calories (per serving)	~150-200 calories	~250-400+ calories
Texture	Often crispy on the outside, soft inside	Crispy all over, sometimes greasy
Health Impact	Healthier choice, lower fat	Less healthy, higher in unhealthy fats
Add-ons	Easily controlled seasonings	Often comes with high-calorie sauces

Beyond Calories: A Complete Nutritional Picture

While calories are important, they are not the whole story. Potato wedges, when prepared properly, can offer nutritional benefits. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. However, these benefits are overshadowed when they are deep-fried in low-quality oils.

Added Ingredients

What you add to your wedges also matters. A wedge seasoned with garlic powder and herbs is a very different nutritional prospect from one loaded with cheese, bacon bits, and high-fat sauces. A simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika is the healthiest choice.

How to Make Healthier Potato Wedges

To control the calories and maximize the nutritional benefits, consider making your wedges at home. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Potato: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for wedges. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients.
Cut Evenly: Uniformly cut wedges will cook more evenly, ensuring a consistent texture without burning.
Use the Right Oil: Use a minimal amount of healthy oil, like olive oil or avocado oil. Consider using a mister to lightly coat the wedges.
Season Creatively: Instead of high-sodium salt, use a variety of herbs and spices. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary all add flavor without adding calories.
Parboil: For extra crispy wedges with less oil, parboil them for a few minutes before baking. This helps soften the interior while the oven crisps the outside.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Potato Wedge Calories

To determine how many calories are in one potato wedge, you must consider its size and preparation. A small, deep-fried wedge can be around 27 calories, but a single serving of larger or restaurant-style wedges can run into the hundreds. For a healthier option, home-baked wedges with minimal oil are the best choice. By being mindful of your cooking method, oil usage, and portion size, you can enjoy this comfort food without derailing your health goals.

For more healthy recipes and nutritional information, visit MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep-fried potato wedges are significantly higher in calories than oven-baked ones. The deep-frying process causes the wedges to absorb a large amount of cooking oil, substantially increasing their fat and calorie content.

To reduce calories, bake your wedges instead of frying them. Use a minimal amount of a healthy oil, like olive oil spray, and season with calorie-free herbs and spices instead of heavy, salty sauces or cheese.

For oven-baked wedges, a healthy serving size is typically considered to be a handful or about a half-cup, depending on your dietary goals. For deep-fried wedges, the portion should be much smaller due to the higher calorie count.

Yes, leaving the skin on adds valuable fiber and essential nutrients, like potassium. This makes the wedges more filling and nutritionally beneficial. Always wash potatoes thoroughly before cooking.

Frozen potato wedges can be a good option, depending on the brand and preparation. Some brands are pre-fried, increasing the calorie count. Check the nutrition label and always opt for oven-baking them at home for the healthiest result.

Yes, they can, but moderation is key. Opt for oven-baked, homemade wedges with minimal oil and healthy seasonings. A small serving can satisfy cravings without providing excessive calories, making it a balanced treat.

For extra crispy wedges with less oil, try parboiling them for 5-7 minutes before tossing with a light coating of oil and baking at a high temperature. This technique ensures a fluffy interior and a perfectly crispy exterior.