Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

Spiraled russet potatoes are threaded onto skewers, brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then air-fried until golden and crunchy. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add extra flavor. These tornado potatoes make a fun-to-eat snack or side, with minimal oil required thanks to air frying. Try soaking before cooking for extra crispiness, and swap in sweet potatoes for a tasty twist. Enjoy with dips like aioli or ketchup. Gluten-free and vegetarian, they’re easily customized for dietary preferences.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:01:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewers drizzled with garlic and paprika seasoning.  Pin
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewers drizzled with garlic and paprika seasoning. | potfuljoy.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 made these tornado potatoes for my family, everyone gathered around the air fryer, fascinated as the potatoes crisped up into golden spirals. It quickly became our favorite weekend snack.

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 (omit for vegan), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

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 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. 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.
Cook:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Top & Serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Deliciously seasoned Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served hot with your favorite dip.  Pin
Deliciously seasoned Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served hot with your favorite dip. | potfuljoy.com

Making these tornado potatoes together always brings laughter, especially when the kids help with stretching the spirals and choosing toppings.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, pastry brush (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains milk if Parmesan is used. Gluten-free; always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan option.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving)

Golden, spiral-cut Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Pin
Golden, spiral-cut Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with fresh parsley and chili flakes. | potfuljoy.com

Serve these crispy tornado potatoes hot off the air fryer for the ultimate crunchy, crowd-pleasing treat.

Recipe Q&A

How do I achieve even spirals on the potatoes?

Use a sharp knife and rotate the potato carefully while cutting. Stretch gently along the skewer to separate the spirals evenly.

Can I use sweet potatoes for this dish?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a unique flavor profile, though cooking time may vary slightly.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Popular choices include aioli, sour cream, ketchup, or spicy dipping sauces. Experiment with your favorite flavors.

How do I make the spiraled potatoes extra crispy?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before air-frying, then pat dry thoroughly to enhance crispiness.

Are tornado potatoes suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check your seasoning blends for any hidden gluten.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free substitute to keep the dish vegan.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiraled potatoes air-fried and seasoned, ideal for snacking or as a fun side dish.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
40 min

Category Vegetarian Picks

Difficulty Medium

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Potatoes

01 4 medium russet potatoes, 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 black pepper

Optional Toppings

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Create Spiral Cuts: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating the potato from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to achieve even spacing between the spiral sections.

Step 03

Prepare Seasoning Mixture: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.

Step 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the prepared seasoning over each spiraled potato, ensuring complete coverage between the spirals.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.

Step 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning each skewer halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Step 08

Finish with Toppings: Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese; substitute dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Gluten-free; check seasoning mixes for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g