Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Party Snacks

Air-fryer tornado potatoes feature russet potatoes spiraled onto skewers, brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. After air-frying at 375°F until browned and crisp, you can top with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for extra flavor. Soaking potatoes improves crunch, and swapping for sweet potatoes offers variety. These fun, crispy potatoes pair well with dips such as aioli or ketchup, making them both an enjoyable snack and side dish. The dish is vegetarian, gluten-free, and simple to prepare, yielding delicious results with just a few tools and fresh ingredients.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:20:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with parsley and cheese, ready to enjoy.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with parsley and cheese, ready to enjoy. | tastybattle.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, my family couldn't get enough of their perfectly crispy edges and playful spiral shape.

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
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
  • Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp chopped
  • Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp

Instructions

Skewer Preparation:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Spiral Cutting:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating the potato as you slice. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create even spacing.
Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub the mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, getting between the layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Air-Frying:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket so they do not touch. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Optional Topping:
Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Colorful spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, served hot.  Save
Colorful spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, served hot. | tastybattle.com

Making these together on a Sunday afternoon has become a fun family tradition in my house.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tornado potatoes with dips such as aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, small bowl, and a pastry brush (optional) for this recipe.

Allergen & Nutrition Info

This snack is gluten-free and vegetarian. Contains milk only if using Parmesan cheese (use dairy-free for vegan). Each serving provides 180 calories, 7 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Deliciously crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfect for snacking or sharing. Save
Deliciously crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfect for snacking or sharing. | tastybattle.com

These air-fryer tornado potatoes are sure to impress and disappear fast. Enjoy them hot for maximum crunch and flavor.

Recipe Questions

How do I achieve even spiral slices?

Use a sharp knife and rotate the potato smoothly around the skewer as you slice, stretching the spirals gently for uniform gaps.

What seasoning works best for tornado potatoes?

Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper create a flavorful coating. Add Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes if desired.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a fully vegan option.

How can I achieve extra crispy spirals?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before seasoning and air-frying for maximum crispness.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Popular choices include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream, but feel free to try other dips like spicy mayo or ranch.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

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

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral potatoes air-fried, seasoned, and made crispy. A flavorful, healthier option for snacking or as a side.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications Meat-free, Without 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 ground 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

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Cut: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a continuous spiral, rotating from one end to the other. Stretch gently along the skewer to space the spirals evenly.

Phase 03

Mix Seasoning: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over each spiral-cut potato, ensuring coverage between all layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Cook Tornado Potatoes: Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until potatoes are crisp and golden brown.

Phase 08

Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes to taste before serving, if desired.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains milk if garnished with Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free, but verify seasoning blends against hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese to accommodate vegan diets.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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