Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Quick Comfort Plates

Russet potatoes are spiral-cut on skewers, then coated with a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Air-fried at 375°F, these potatoes become golden and crispy in just 25 minutes. For more flavor, optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add a finishing touch. These tornado potatoes make a vibrant snack or side, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying and a fun way to enjoy seasoned potatoes. Try soaking the sliced potatoes for extra crunch or swap for sweet potatoes to vary the taste. Dairy-free cheese can be used for a vegan version.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:29:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika on skewers.  Pin It
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika on skewers. | platefullyjoy.com

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

I discovered tornado potatoes at a summer fair and loved reinventing them in my kitchen with the air fryer. The process is satisfying and the results are always crunchy and delicious.

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 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.
Healthy and fun air-fryer tornado potatoes, golden brown and garnished with Parmesan.  Pin It
Healthy and fun air-fryer tornado potatoes, golden brown and garnished with Parmesan. | platefullyjoy.com

These tornado potatoes are a hit whenever family visits, especially with homemade dips. We love gathering around the kitchen counter while everyone gets a turn cutting and seasoning their own potato skewer.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and pastry brush are essential for getting the perfect spiral and crunch.

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free, but always verify seasoning ingredients. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan snack.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Deliciously spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. Pin It
Deliciously spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces. | platefullyjoy.com

Serve these tornado potatoes hot and crispy for maximum enjoyment. The perfect snack or side dish to wow guests and satisfy cravings.

Recipe FAQs

How do I spiral cut the potatoes?

Insert a skewer through the potato, then use a sharp knife to slice in a spiral motion from end to end.

What is the best potato type for this dish?

Russet potatoes are recommended for their crisp texture, though sweet potatoes can also be used.

How do I ensure they get crispy?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry, and air-fry, turning halfway for even crispiness.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives to keep the dish completely plant-based.

What seasonings work best?

Classic choices include olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste preferences.

Which dips pair well?

Popular options are aioli, ketchup, sour cream, and spicy dips. Choose according to your taste.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes on skewers, air-fried until golden, served with flavorful seasoning and optional toppings.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly, 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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

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

Step 02

Create Spirals: Holding the skewer, slice the potato in a spiral motion using a sharp knife, rotating from one end to the other. Stretch the potato gently to achieve even spaces between spirals.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Coat Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture all over each spiraled potato, ensuring it reaches between all layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange in Basket: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Add Toppings: Optional: Sprinkle hot potatoes with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes prior to serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free, but verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • For vegan preparation, use dairy-free cheese as a substitute.

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g