Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Party Snacks

Transform russet potatoes into crisp spirals on skewers, seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. The spiral shape delivers even cooking and irresistible crunch. Use an air fryer for a lighter twist—no deep frying required. Finish the skewers with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for extra flavor. Soaking sliced potatoes boosts their crispiness, and sweet potatoes offer a tasty alternative. Enjoy these golden spirals warm, served with dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Dairy-free cheese or omitting Parmesan gives a vegan-friendly snack.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:02:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, seasoned and skewered, perfect for delightful snacking.  Pin
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, seasoned and skewered, perfect for delightful snacking. | grillandbites.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 tornado potatoes in the air fryer, everyone gathered around to watch these golden spirals puff up and crisp. They disappeared fast, especially when served with a variety of dips.

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

Prepare potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create spirals:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating as you slice from end to end. Gently stretch potato to space the spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub seasoning over each spiraled potato, making sure it covers and gets between the layers.
Preheat air fryer:
Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Arrange and air-fry:
Place skewered potatoes in basket spaced apart. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crispy.
Add toppings:
Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden spiral potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, ideal for a fun side dish.  Pin
Golden spiral potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, ideal for a fun side dish. | grillandbites.com

These tornado potatoes are now a favorite at our family gatherings, especially when everyone gets involved in the slicing and skewering. The kids love customizing their own with different seasonings.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife for spiraling, a small bowl for mixing, and a pastry brush to coat the potatoes.

Allergen Information

Contains milk only if using Parmesan cheese. Safe for gluten-free diets—check seasoning blends for hidden additives. Vegan-friendly with dairy-free cheese.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 180 calories, 7g total fat, 28g carbohydrates, and 3g protein.

Air-fried tornado potatoes garnished with Parmesan, a delicious twist on classic snacks. Pin
Air-fried tornado potatoes garnished with Parmesan, a delicious twist on classic snacks. | grillandbites.com

Serve hot and let everyone dip and top their potato spirals. A festive treat that's both crispy and satisfying!

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve a perfect spiral shape?

Carefully insert the skewer and rotate the potato while cutting with a sharp knife to create even spirals along its length.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Medium russet potatoes are ideal due to their firmness and starch content, but sweet potatoes can be used for variety.

How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese or simply omit Parmesan for a fully vegan snack that’s still flavorful and crunchy.

What dips pair well with these spiral potatoes?

Try aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or spicy dipping sauces for added flavor and fun.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral potatoes air-fried with spices for a crispy snack or side dish. Perfect for sharing and fun to eat.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Overall duration
40 min


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, 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)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Spiral Cut Potatoes: Hold the skewer and, using a sharp knife, 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 even spacing between spirals.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season Spiraled Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring to coat between layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, keeping them separate to allow airflow.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese; omit or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for hidden allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g