Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Smoky Dishes

Air-fryer tornado potatoes deliver golden spirals on skewers, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and pepper for mouthwatering flavor. Preparing these involves slicing potatoes in a spiral, brushing them with seasoning, and air-frying for a crispy exterior. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes add extra zest. This dish is perfect as a snack or a creative side, suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. For extra crunch, soak cut potatoes before cooking. Each serving is packed with flavor but light on calories and fat.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:03:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned for a flavorful snack.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned for a flavorful snack. | pepperplume.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 these tornado potatoes for a movie night, and they quickly became the star attraction. The spiral shape makes every bite extra crispy and irresistible.

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.
Slice spirals:
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.
Cook:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
Air-fry:
Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Finish and serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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My kids love helping me spiral potatoes for this recipe, making it a fun family cooking activity on the weekends.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and a pastry brush make preparation easy and efficient.

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free as written. Substitute dairy-free cheese for a vegan option and always check seasoning blends for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Golden spiral potatoes air-fried to perfection, perfect as a fun side dish.  Save
Golden spiral potatoes air-fried to perfection, perfect as a fun side dish. | pepperplume.com

This air-fryer tornado potato recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite toppings for extra flavor.

Recipe FAQ

How do I make spirals with the potatoes?

Insert a skewer lengthwise, then slice the potato in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, gently stretching each potato along the skewer for even spirals.

Which potatoes work best for this dish?

Medium russet potatoes hold shape well and crisp up nicely. Sweet potatoes are also a tasty alternative for variation.

How do I ensure extra crispiness?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes prior to seasoning, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before air-frying.

Can this be made vegan?

Skip Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives, and double-check seasonings for hidden animal products for a vegan-friendly dish.

What dipping sauces pair well?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Feel free to experiment with your favorite dips for added flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning blends for potential hidden gluten or allergens.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes air-fried with savory spices for a fun snack or side. Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations 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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Slice the Spiral: Using a sharp knife, cut the potato into a continuous spiral by rotating it while slicing from one end to the other along the skewer. Gently stretch each spiral to separate the sections evenly.

Phase 03

Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to create the seasoning blend.

Phase 04

Season the Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the spiral layers for maximum flavor.

Phase 05

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow to preheat for 3 minutes before cooking.

Phase 06

Arrange in Basket: Position the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring adequate spacing so potatoes do not touch and air circulates freely.

Phase 07

Cook the Potatoes: Air-fry the potatoes at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway through the cooking process, until the exterior is crisp and golden.

Phase 08

Finish and Serve: Optionally garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes just prior to serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is added.
  • Certified gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate vegan diets.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g