Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Recipe Ideas

Transform ordinary potatoes into crispy tornado spirals on skewers, seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sliced into spirals and air-fried, these potatoes become golden and crunchy with every bite. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes bring added flavor. For extra crispiness, soak sliced potatoes before air-frying. Enjoy this fun-to-eat vegetarian snack or side, served hot and perfect for dipping into sauces like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. The method is simple, requiring basic tools: air fryer, skewers, and a sharp knife.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:27:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfectly seasoned for a tasty snack.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfectly seasoned for a tasty snack. | suggestionsforever.com

Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish. These tornado potatoes are an eye-catching addition that brings crunch in every bite.

The first time I tried making these tornado potatoes, my family was amazed at how easy air-frying made them super crispy without lots of oil. The spiraled shape was a real conversation starter at our 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 & Slice:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato. 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.
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 & Serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Delicious spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes, served with dipping sauces for added flavor.  Save
Delicious spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes, served with dipping sauces for added flavor. | suggestionsforever.com

My kids love helping spiral the potatoes and adding their favorite toppings. It's now a weekend ritual in our house, especially during game nights.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl for seasoning, and a pastry brush if you have one.

Allergen Information

This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian. Omit Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. Always check seasoning blends for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Golden-brown air-fryer tornado potatoes, garnished with Parmesan and herbs for extra zest. Save
Golden-brown air-fryer tornado potatoes, garnished with Parmesan and herbs for extra zest. | suggestionsforever.com

Serve these crispy tornado potatoes hot and enjoy with your favorite dips. The spirals make every bite super fun and flavorful.

Recipe Help & FAQs

How do you make potatoes spiral on skewers?

Insert a skewer through the potato, then carefully slice in a spiral motion from end to end, stretching the slices apart.

What seasonings work best for tornado potatoes?

Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper deliver delicious savory flavors. Add Parmesan or chili flakes if desired.

How long do you air-fry spiral potatoes?

Cook at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until potatoes are crispy and golden brown.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and provide a subtly sweet twist to the spiral snack or side.

How can I make tornado potatoes more crispy?

After slicing, soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes and dry thoroughly before seasoning and air-frying.

Are tornado potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, they're naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes, seasoned and air-fried for a flavorful, healthier snack or side. Perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Overall Time
40 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free, No Gluten

Ingredient List

Potatoes

01 4 medium russet potatoes, thoroughly 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 (omit for vegan version)
02 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spiral Slice: Hold the skewer steady and use a sharp knife to cut each potato in a spiral motion, rotating and slicing from end to end. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create evenly spaced spirals.

Step 03

Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 04

Season the Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring the layers are coated.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange Skewers: Position the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.

Step 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp.

Step 08

Optional Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes as desired.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used; substitute dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Gluten-free as prepared; verify seasoning blends and toppings for allergen contamination.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g