air-fryer tornado potatoes

Featured in: Quick Comfort Snacks

These air-fried tornado potatoes turn simple russets into eye-catching, spiral-cut skewers coated with a smoky, garlicky spice blend. The air fryer ensures a golden, crunchy finish while using less oil for a lighter bite. Customize with Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor. Serve alongside your favorite dips for a fun, satisfying snack or side dish that's both vegetarian and gluten-free. Quick prep and minimal tools make this an easy treat.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:12:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes on skewers, drizzled with seasoning for a tasty snack.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes on skewers, drizzled with seasoning for a tasty snack. | tazzsip.com

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

I remember making these air-fryer tornado potatoes for a weekend movie night. Watching everyone try to twist a spiral off the skewer really made for some laughs, and nobody complained about having seconds!

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
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Chili flakes: ½ tsp (optional)

Instructions

Prepare potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create 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 potatoes:
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.
Air-fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. 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.
Add toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, spiraled and served with your favorite dips.  Save
Golden brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, spiraled and served with your favorite dips. | tazzsip.com

This is one of those recipes that always gets requests from my kids, especially if we're having a homemade game night together. Simple ingredients, but so much fun to eat as a family.

Required Tools

You will need an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, and a small bowl for mixing your seasonings. Using a pastry brush makes distributing the olive oil mixture easier, but you can also use your hands for that rustic feel.

Allergen Information

Contains milk only if Parmesan cheese is used. To keep it vegan, use dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely. Always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has around 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. This makes it a lighter alternative to classic fried potatoes.

Deliciously seasoned Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Save
Deliciously seasoned Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. | tazzsip.com

Serve these right away for the crispiest texture and best flavor. They're sure to be the hit of any gathering or family night!

Recipe Guide

How do you get the spiral shape?

Insert a skewer through each potato, then slice in a spiral motion while rotating for even spirals.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a unique flavor and vibrant color.

How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Always verify your seasoning blends to ensure no hidden gluten.

What dips go well with this dish?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Experiment with your favorites for variety.

What tools do I need?

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

air-fryer tornado potatoes

Crispy spiral-cut potatoes air-fried with herbs for a delicious snack or fun side dish.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Quick Comfort Snacks

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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 ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan option)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create Potato Spiral: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral motion, rotating from one end to the other. Carefully stretch the potato along the skewer to evenly space out the spirals.

Phase 03

Combine Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.

Phase 04

Apply Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it reaches between the layers.

Phase 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3 minutes.

Phase 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.

Phase 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Air-fry at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each potato halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is added.
  • Confirm seasoning blends are gluten-free and free of hidden allergens.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese for strict vegan adaptation.

Dietary information (per portion)

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