Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Tasty Creations

Discover a playful twist on potatoes: spiral-cut, skewered, and seasoned with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. These tornado potatoes are golden and crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Customize your creation by sprinkling Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for extra flavor. Soaking the potatoes before air-frying enhances the crunch. Serve them warm as a snack or side, and pair with dips like aioli or ketchup. Easy to adapt for vegan diets by omitting cheese, these treats are delicious, gluten-free, and fun to eat.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:58:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, seasoned spirals served on skewers for snacking.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, seasoned spirals served on skewers for snacking. | snacksplat.com

Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish.

I remember the first time I made air-fryer tornado potatoes for my family. The look on their faces when they saw the crispy spirals was priceless—everyone wanted to try making their own!

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tbsp grated (omit for vegan)
  • Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp chopped
  • Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp

Instructions

Skewer potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Spiral slice:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing.
Mix seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Season potatoes:
Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, making sure it gets between the layers.
Preheat air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange potatoes:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket so they do not touch.
Cook:
Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Finish & serve (optional):
Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family movie nights. Watching everyone grab a spiral potato and dip it into their favorite sauce is part of our tradition.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl, and a pastry brush for seasoning.

Allergen Information

Contains milk only if using Parmesan cheese. Naturally gluten-free; check seasoning blends for allergens. Vegan-friendly when using dairy-free cheese.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.

Delicious Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, golden and crispy, perfect for fun appetizers.  Save
Delicious Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, golden and crispy, perfect for fun appetizers. | snacksplat.com

Enjoy these tornado potatoes as a creative snack or as a stunning side dish for any meal!

Recipe Guide

How do I achieve crispy spirals in the air fryer?

Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, dry thoroughly, and use oil with seasonings before air-frying for maximum crispiness.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well. Expect a slightly different texture and a sweeter flavor profile for your tornado spirals.

What dips pair best with these spiral potatoes?

Popular choices include aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or ranch. Get creative with spicy or herbed sauces for variety.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. The basic ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify your seasonings to ensure no hidden gluten sources.

What tools do I need for spiral potatoes?

Prepare with an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, a bowl for mixing, and a pastry brush for easy seasoning application.

How can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute with dairy-free alternatives to suit vegan preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Seasoned spiral potatoes air-fried for a crispy, golden snack or side with optional cheesy toppings. Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

Potatoes

01 4 medium russet potatoes, thoroughly scrubbed

Seasoning

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Method

Step 01

Skewer Potatoes: Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.

Step 02

Form Spirals: Hold the skewer and use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral motion, rotating from end to end. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to separate the spirals evenly.

Step 03

Mix Seasoning: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Step 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between each spiral layer.

Step 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 06

Arrange for Frying: Place skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket with adequate space between them.

Step 07

Air Fry Potatoes: Air-fry potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each skewer halfway through, until crisply golden.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle finished potatoes with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving, as desired.

Kitchen tools

  • Air fryer
  • Long wooden or metal skewers
  • Sharp knife
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used; omit or use dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g