Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Snack Time Bites

Discover a playful way to enjoy potatoes with this air-fried, crispy spiral version. Potatoes are sliced into tornado shapes, threaded on skewers, and seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. After a short soak for extra crisp, they're air-fried until golden and crunchy. Top with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for added flair. Serve these fun skewers with your favorite dips—perfect for snacks or as a memorable side.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:08:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served on skewers, seasoned with garlic and paprika.  Save to Pinterest
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served on skewers, seasoned with garlic and paprika. | recipesbies.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 tornado potatoes in the air fryer, my friends were amazed by the beautiful spirals. They were so crispy and flavorful, and it quickly became a requested snack for weekend gatherings.

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 the 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.
Mix Seasonings:
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, making sure it gets between the layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange Potatoes:
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.
Add Toppings (Optional):
Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Delicious Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, swirling with spices and served warm for snacks.  Save to Pinterest
Delicious Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, swirling with spices and served warm for snacks. | recipesbies.com

We love making tornado potatoes for family movie nights. Kids get excited to help twist the spirals, and everyone enjoys picking their favorite dip.

Required Tools

To make these potatoes you will need an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl, and a brush for seasoning.

Allergen Information

The recipe contains milk only if you opt for Parmesan cheese, and is gluten-free by nature when you choose certified blends.

Nutritional Information

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

Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect alongside your favorite dipping sauces. | recipesbies.com

Tornado potatoes are sure to impress guests and make a fun addition to any meal. Enjoy them fresh and crispy right from the air fryer!

Answers to Recipe Questions

How do I slice potatoes into a spiral shape?

Insert a skewer through the potato, then carefully use a knife to spiral slice while rotating the potato along the skewer.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes offer a delicious, slightly sweet twist and work well with the spiral cutting method and air frying.

How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

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

What dips pair well with spiral potatoes?

Try aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite dips for a tasty accompaniment to the crispy potatoes.

Is this dish gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes, it uses gluten-free ingredients and is vegetarian. For vegan, use dairy-free cheese or omit Parmesan.

Can I add other spices to the seasoning?

Absolutely! Experiment with paprika, cumin, dried herbs, or chili flakes for extra flavor.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes air-fried and seasoned. Perfect as a snack or side for gatherings and family meals.

Prep duration
15 mins
Time to cook
25 mins
Overall time
40 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Serving size

Dietary Details No meat included, Contains No Gluten

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 (omit for vegan)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Skewer Potatoes: Carefully insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.

Step 02

Slice Spiral Shapes: Holding the skewer, slice the potato in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, rotating the potato from end to end. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to separate the spirals evenly.

Step 03

Prepare 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 coverage between the layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.

Step 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Cook at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until potatoes are golden and crispy.

Step 08

Finish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle each skewer with Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Equipment You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used. Gluten-free as prepared; verify seasoning blends for potential gluten or allergen content. Substitute with dairy-free cheese for vegan diets.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 180
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein content: 3 g