Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Savory Bites

Make golden, crispy spiral potatoes using an air fryer for a fun twist on a classic snack. Simple skewering and spiral slicing create an eye-catching presentation, while a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper infuses every bite with flavor. Air-frying reduces oil, delivering a healthier option without sacrificing crunch. Extra toppings like Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes add personalized taste. This dish is vegetarian, gluten-free, and easily adapted to vegan preferences. Enjoy as a snack or side, paired with favorite dips.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:39:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, seasoned and skewered, perfect for snacking.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, seasoned and skewered, perfect for snacking. | cravebop.com

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

The first time I tried air-frying tornado potatoes, I was amazed at how simple yet impressive they turned out. They quickly became a favorite for casual get-togethers and family movie nights.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp chili flakes

Instructions

Prepare Potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Spiral Cut:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating the potato as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create even spacing between the spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat Potatoes:
Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it gets between the layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Air-Fry:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Optional Toppings:
Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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My kids love helping me thread the potatoes onto the skewers. It always turns into a fun kitchen moment before we sit down to snack together.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, and a small bowl for mixing your seasoning blend.

Allergen Information

This recipe is gluten-free. If using Parmesan cheese, it contains milk. For vegan options, use dairy-free cheese and check all seasonings for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 180 calories, 7 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein.

Golden spiral potatoes in the air fryer, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.  Save
Golden spiral potatoes in the air fryer, garnished with Parmesan and parsley. | cravebop.com

With crispy edges and endless seasoning possibilities, these tornado potatoes are sure to be a hit every time.

Recipe Guide

How do I achieve even spirals on potatoes?

Use a sharp knife and rotate the potato smoothly while slicing; this ensures consistent spiral cuts and even cooking.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a different flavor profile; adjust air-frying times as needed for proper crispiness.

How can I make the tornado potatoes extra crispy?

Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes and dry thoroughly before seasoning and air-frying for optimal crunch.

What toppings go well with tornado potatoes?

Popular toppings include Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes; try dips like aioli, sour cream, or ketchup.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets?

It is naturally gluten-free. For vegan diets, substitute dairy-free cheese and check all seasoning ingredients for allergens.

Do I need special equipment to make this?

A basic air fryer, long skewers, and a sharp knife are all you need; a pastry brush helps distribute the seasoning mixture evenly.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes air-fried with savory seasoning—ideal as a fun snack or side for all ages.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Savory Bites

Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

Potato Base

01 4 medium russet potatoes, thoroughly scrubbed

Seasoning Blend

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

Finishing Touches

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan preparation)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cut Spiral Shape: With a sharp knife, spiral cut each potato while simultaneously rotating it on the skewer, slicing from end to end. Carefully stretch the potato along the skewer to evenly space the spirals.

Phase 03

Blend Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Phase 04

Apply Seasoning: Generously brush or rub the seasoning mixture over the entire surface of the spiraled potatoes, including between the layers.

Phase 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.

Phase 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes on skewers into the air fryer basket with adequate space between each to ensure even cooking.

Phase 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Air-fry at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each skewer halfway through, until potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Phase 08

Finish & Serve: Optionally, sprinkle finished potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Tools needed

  • Air fryer
  • Long wooden or metal skewers
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used; verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens. Substitute dairy-free cheese for vegan adaptation.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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