Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

Experience the irresistible crunch of spiral-cut potatoes, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and olive oil, then crisped to golden perfection using an air fryer. This playful dish transforms simple russet potatoes into a visually striking snack or side that’s healthier and lighter than deep-fried versions. Easy prep means you can create fun spirals using just a skewer and sharp knife, then brush on a zesty spice blend before air-frying. Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs for extra flavor, and enjoy with dips like aioli or ketchup. Kid-friendly, gluten-free, and customizable for vegan diets.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:43:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes with vibrant seasonings on skewers.  Save to Pinterest
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes with vibrant seasonings on skewers. | lovelyserena.com

Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish. Perfect for gatherings or as a unique twist on classic fries, these tornado potatoes deliver flavor and crunch with every bite.

I first experimented with tornado potatoes for a weekend family movie night. The kids loved the spiral shape and everyone enjoyed creating their own dip combinations. They're now a staple at our get-togethers for both their taste and presentation.

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.
Slice into 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:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
Cook:
Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add Toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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| lovelyserena.com

One memorable afternoon, my kids helped twist the spiraled potatoes onto skewers and watched them turn golden in the air fryer. It's become a favorite kitchen activity we share, with excitement for the first crispy bite every time.

Required Tools

To make tornado potatoes, you'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife for spiral cutting, a small bowl for mixing seasoning, and a pastry brush for even coating.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk if you use Parmesan cheese. It is gluten-free; however, always check your seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten or allergens. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Each serving provides approximately 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Golden spiral-cut potatoes seasoned and air-fried for a delicious snack.  Save to Pinterest
Golden spiral-cut potatoes seasoned and air-fried for a delicious snack. | lovelyserena.com

Serve these fun and crispy tornado potatoes with your favorite dips for a slam-dunk snack or side. Enjoy straight from the skewers for maximum crunch and flavor!

Ask About This Recipe

How do you achieve the spiral potato shape?

Insert a skewer and slice the potato in a spiral while rotating it, then gently stretch it along the skewer for even spacing.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and provide a different flavor and texture to the dish.

What are some recommended seasonings?

A blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper gives great savory notes.

How do I get extra crispy spirals?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning and air-frying for best results.

Is this suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese for vegan, and always check seasonings for hidden gluten, as the potatoes are naturally gluten-free.

What dips pair well with tornado potatoes?

Try aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for delicious dipping options alongside your crispy spirals.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral potatoes seasoned and air-fried for a crispy, fun snack or side. Quick, flavorful, and vegetarian friendly.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat, Wheat-Free

What You Need

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

How To Make It

Step 01

Insert Skewers: Pierce each potato lengthwise with a long wooden or metal skewer, ensuring the skewer runs through the center.

Step 02

Spiral Slice Potatoes: Rotate each potato while slicing with a sharp knife in a spiral fashion from one end to the other. Carefully stretch the potato along the skewer to space out the spirals evenly.

Step 03

Prepare Seasoning: 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 seasoning blend generously over the spiraled potatoes, making sure it gets into all crevices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cook Potatoes: Arrange skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the potatoes turn golden and crispy.

Step 07

Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle cooked potatoes with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning for potential hidden allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese to offer a vegan adaptation.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g