Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Bites

Potatoes are spiral-cut along skewers and seasoned with olive oil, garlic, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper before air frying. After prepping, each potato is cooked until golden and crisp, then finished with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes for extra flavor. Soaking the potatoes before slicing boosts crispiness. For a twist, try sweet potatoes or pair with popular dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. These tornado potatoes offer a fun presentation and satisfying crunch as either a snack or side dish, all with minimal oil and a vegetarian-friendly method.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:51:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika on skewers.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika on skewers. | fryflick.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 air-fryer tornado potatoes, I was amazed at how crisp and beautiful they turned out. Twirling the potatoes onto the skewers became a fun kitchen activity everyone enjoyed.

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.
Create Spiral:
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.
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, ensuring it gets between the layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Air-Fry Potatoes:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
Cook Until Crispy:
Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add Toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden spiral potatoes, lightly seasoned, awaiting your favorite dip and vibrant garnishes.  Save
Golden spiral potatoes, lightly seasoned, awaiting your favorite dip and vibrant garnishes. | fryflick.com

My family loved how interactive it was to help spiral the potatoes and watch them crisp up in the air fryer. Everyone picked their favorite dip and toppings for a personalized treat.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free; always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Delicious air-fried tornado potatoes, perfectly crispy, served as a fun snack. Save
Delicious air-fried tornado potatoes, perfectly crispy, served as a fun snack. | fryflick.com

Try air-fryer tornado potatoes as a party snack or creative side dish. They are sure to impress with their crispiness and spiral look.

Recipe Guide

Can I use sweet potatoes for this dish?

Yes! Sweet potatoes work well and bring a different flavor and color to your spiral skewers.

How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning and air frying.

How should I season tornado potatoes?

Use olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for classic flavor; add chili flakes for heat.

What can I serve with spiral potatoes?

Enjoy with dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Sprinkle fresh herbs or cheese for added taste.

How do I cut potatoes into spirals?

Insert a skewer and use a sharp knife to slice in a spiral motion, stretching the potato along the skewer.

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

Yes! Tornado potatoes use gluten-free ingredients. Choose dairy-free cheese to make it vegan.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Seasoned spiral potatoes turn extra crispy in the air fryer for a crowd-pleasing, healthier snack or side.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free, No gluten

Components

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create Tornado Shape: Hold the skewer firmly and, using a sharp knife, slice the potato in a spiral pattern from one end to the other. Carefully stretch the spiraled potato along the skewer, spacing out the slices evenly.

Phase 03

Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully blended.

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the surface of each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between all layers.

Phase 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes.

Phase 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart and not touching.

Phase 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each potato halfway through the cooking process, until the spirals are golden and crispy.

Phase 08

Add Toppings: If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends for potential hidden gluten or allergens.
  • For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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