Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Easy Dishes

Transform simple potatoes into a visual and flavorful treat by spiraling them onto skewers, brushing with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and black pepper, then air-frying until golden and crisp. This method gives you deliciously crunchy spirals using minimal oil, while optional Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes boost each bite's flavor. Pair these with classic dips or experiment with sweet potatoes for variety. Every bite offers irresistible crunch, making these a standout for gatherings or as a unique side.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:31:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, served on skewers.  Pin It
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, served on skewers. | fordish.com

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

I first made tornado potatoes for my family movie night, and everyone loved twisting them off the skewer. The air fryer makes them so crispy every single time.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Skewer 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 as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing.
Seasoning Mix:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Season Potatoes:
Brush or rub the mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Air-Fry:
Place the skewered potatoes in the basket without touching. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Add Toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Deliciously spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, golden brown and perfect for dipping.  Pin It
Deliciously spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, golden brown and perfect for dipping. | fordish.com

My kids love eating these potato spirals straight off the skewers on weekends. It always brings a smile to our table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

If using Parmesan cheese, note that this recipe contains milk. Always check spice blends for hidden gluten or allergens, and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes sprinkled with Parmesan, a fun and flavorful snack option. Pin It
Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes sprinkled with Parmesan, a fun and flavorful snack option. | fordish.com

These air-fryer tornado potatoes are a snack everyone will love, whether for parties or weeknight treats. They disappear fast, so make extra!

Recipe FAQs

How thin should I cut the potato spirals?

For best results, cut the potato spirals about 1/4-inch thick to ensure crispiness and even cooking.

Why do I need to soak potatoes before air-frying?

Soaking removes excess starch, which helps achieve an extra-crispy texture after air-frying.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well. Slice carefully, as they can be firmer, and adjust cooking time if needed.

What tools help with making tornado potatoes?

You'll need a sharp knife, long skewers, and a small bowl for seasoning. A pastry brush is helpful for coating.

Are there vegan options for toppings?

Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese. Fresh parsley and chili flakes remain vegan-friendly toppings.

How do I prevent the spirals from breaking?

Cut slowly and evenly; gently stretch potatoes along the skewer for consistent spacing without tearing.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried to golden crisp with savory seasoning, perfect for snacking or sharing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Result 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

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
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spiral Cut: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral motion while rotating from one end to the other. Gently stretch the spiraled potato along the skewer for even spacing.

Step 03

Prepare 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 evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Crisp Potatoes: Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 08

Finish and Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; always verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • To make vegan, substitute with dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 180
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g