Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

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Air-fryer tornado potatoes feature russet potatoes spiraled on skewers, brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once air-fried to golden crispiness, optional toppings like grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes add extra flavor. This snack or side is both fun to make and serve, offering crunchy texture without deep-frying. Allow sliced potatoes to soak in cold water for maximum crispiness and experiment with sweet potatoes for a twist. These gluten-free, vegetarian potatoes pair excellently with dips such as aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Simple prep and cook steps make them a crowd-pleaser.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:50:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned with garlic and paprika.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned with garlic and paprika. | crumbnest.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 for my family, everyone loved the crispy layers and unique spiral shape. They have become one of our favorite snacks to make together, especially since the process is so interactive.

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 Potato 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 Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine 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 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden spiral potatoes, air-fried to perfection, perfect for dipping in sauces.  Save
Golden spiral potatoes, air-fried to perfection, perfect for dipping in sauces. | crumbnest.com

Serving these potatoes brings everyone to the table eager to try their own spiral. Kids especially like helping with the cutting and seasoning steps.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and a pastry brush if you have one.

Allergen Information

Makes a gluten-free snack and is vegetarian; swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.

Delicious air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley for flavor. Save
Delicious air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley for flavor. | crumbnest.com

Give these crispy tornado potatoes a try for your next party or movie night. They disappear fast and everyone will ask for seconds!

Recipe FAQ

How do I create the spiral effect?

Insert a skewer lengthwise into the potato, then slice in a spiral motion while turning the potato, gently stretching the sections apart.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes or other firm varieties work well. Texture and taste may vary, but slicing method remains the same.

What seasonings work best?

Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper offer classic flavors. Customize with herbs or chili flakes for extra zing.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, these spiral potatoes are naturally gluten-free. Always check your seasonings and toppings for hidden gluten.

Tips for extra crispiness?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then thoroughly dry before seasoning and air-frying to crisp perfection.

What dips pair well?

Serve with aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauces for a full-flavored snack or side dish.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crisp spiral potatoes air-fried with garlic, paprika, and herbs for a delicious, healthier snack or side.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary 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

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Cut: Holding the skewer, carefully slice each potato in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, rotating the potato from end to end. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season Potato Spirals: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto the spiraled potatoes, ensuring coverage between each layer.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange and Cook: Position the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Phase 07

Finish and Serve: Optionally garnish with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes immediately before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is added.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for hidden sources of gluten or allergens.
  • For vegan preparation, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutritional information (each portion)

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