Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Comfort Dishes

Create perfectly crisp spiraled potatoes by threading on skewers, slicing in a spiral, and coating with a seasoned olive oil mixture. Air-fry the potatoes until golden, turning halfway through for even crispiness. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add extra flavor. This method yields fun-to-eat crunchy potatoes, suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, with minimal oil. Enhance with dips like aioli or ketchup and enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes. Tips include soaking potatoes for extra crispness and substituting sweet potatoes for variety.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:06:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewers, seasoned perfectly for a delicious snack.  Pin Recipe
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewers, seasoned perfectly for a delicious snack. | fordishes.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 tried making these tornado potatoes in the air fryer, my family couldn't stop grabbing them off the plate. They're deliciously crispy and the simple spiral shape always brings a lot of smiles at the table.

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 the potato as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create even spacing between spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 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. 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.
Pin Recipe
| fordishes.com

We like making these tornado potatoes during family movie nights. My kids enjoy helping with the spiral cutting, and everyone gets their own skewer for dipping into sauces.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, and a small bowl. A pastry brush helps to coat the potatoes with seasoning evenly.

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

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

Golden brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, spiraled and topped with Parmesan cheese.  Pin Recipe
Golden brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, spiraled and topped with Parmesan cheese. | fordishes.com

Get creative with seasonings and dips for these spiral potatoes. They're sure to be a hit every time you serve them!

Recipe FAQs

How do you achieve the spiral shape?

Use a skewer and carefully slice the potato in a spiral motion, gently stretching along the skewer to create even spacing.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well with this method. They offer a different flavor and maintain a crisp texture when air-fried.

What makes these potatoes crispy?

Air-frying at high heat and brushing with seasoned oil creates a golden, crunchy exterior. Soaking the potatoes before cooking boosts crispiness.

Are there vegan and gluten-free options?

Use dairy-free cheese or omit Parmesan for vegan dishes. The potatoes are naturally gluten-free—just check for hidden gluten in seasoning blends.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream. Feel free to experiment with your favorite homemade or store-bought dips.

What tools do I need?

You'll need an air fryer, skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl for mixing, and optionally a pastry brush for applying oil.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes air-fried with garlic, paprika, and olive oil—a delicious, healthier snack or side.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
25 mins
Complete Time
40 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Potato Base

01 4 medium russet potatoes, thoroughly scrubbed

Seasoning Mixture

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 Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Create Spiral Cuts: Using a sharp knife, slice each potato in a spiral motion around the skewer, rotating the potato from end to end. Carefully stretch the spiraled potato along the skewer for even spacing.

Step 03

Mix 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 thorough coverage between all layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange for Cooking: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they do not touch.

Step 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning skewers halfway through, until the spirals are golden and crisp.

Step 08

Apply Garnishes: For garnish, optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is included.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends to avoid concealed gluten or allergens.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese for a strict vegan adaptation.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g