Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Crispy Crunch Fix

Prepare air-fryer tornado potatoes by spiral-cutting russet potatoes onto skewers for a visually appealing snack or side. Coat evenly with an olive oil mixture seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Air-fry until golden and crispy, turning halfway through. Finish by topping with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and optional chili flakes. Tips include soaking sliced potatoes for extra crunch and trying sweet potatoes for variety. Serve these crisp skewered spirals with dips like aioli or ketchup for a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:09:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewered and seasoned for a delightful snack experience.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewered and seasoned for a delightful snack experience. | whambite.com

Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish.

I made these for a weekend gathering, and everyone loved twisting the potatoes off the skewers, dipping them and enjoying crisp bites with bold seasoning. It's a family favorite snack now!

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.
Cut into Spirals:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create spacing between the spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub the mixture over each potato, ensuring it coats each spiral layer.
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 so they do not touch. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden, spiral Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.  Save
Golden, spiral Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese. | whambite.com

I remember making these with my kids and letting them help spiral and season each potato. Watching them eagerly pull apart the crispy layers made homemade snacking extra special.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, pastry brush (optional).

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free; confirm with seasoning blends. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Deliciously crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served with aioli for dipping enjoyment. Save
Deliciously crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served with aioli for dipping enjoyment. | whambite.com

Enjoy your tornado potatoes hot and crispy as a snack or unique side dish. Serve with your favorite dips for even more fun.

Kitchen Guide

How do I spiral-cut potatoes for skewers?

Insert a skewer lengthwise, then slice around the potato in a spiral motion for even spirals.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a different flavor and work well with the same method and seasonings.

How can I make potatoes crispier?

Soak the spiraled potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes after cutting, then pat dry before seasoning.

What dips pair well with these tornado potatoes?

Dips such as aioli, ketchup, and sour cream are excellent choices for serving with the skewered potatoes.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free or vegan diet?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese for vegan needs and check all seasonings for gluten-free assurance.

What tools are needed for preparation?

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

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral potatoes skewered, air-fried to crispy perfection; seasoned for a fun and tasty bite everyone will enjoy.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Complete Duration
40 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet Requirements Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Cuts: Using a sharp knife, slice each potato in a spiral motion, rotating as you cut from end to end. Stretch the potato gently along the skewer for even spiral spacing.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the spirals.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange Spirals: Place potatoes on skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.

Phase 07

Air-Fry Tornado Potatoes: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until potatoes are golden and crispy.

Phase 08

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

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains milk if garnished with Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free; confirm ingredient blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • For a strictly vegan option, substitute with dairy-free cheese.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g