Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Wholesome Treats

Potatoes are cut into impressive spirals on skewers, making them both fun to prepare and eat. Brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, each spiral is flavored perfectly. The air fryer delivers crispy outsides and tender insides, all with less oil than traditional frying. Customize these with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes before serving, and enjoy a creative, healthier take on a classic snack. Great for sharing, these tornado potatoes pair well with dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream and are easily made vegetarian and gluten-free for all guests.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:21:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika on skewers.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika on skewers. | sugarprairie.com

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

I first made these tornado potatoes for a weekend movie night, and they instantly became the star of the table with their crunchy spiral texture and savory seasoning.

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 the 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 even spacing between the spirals.
Season:
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the potatoes, making sure to get 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, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add Toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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| sugarprairie.com

My family loves customizing their tornado potatoes with different dips and toppings at gatherings. It always sparks a bit of friendly competition for the fanciest skewer!

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and pastry brush (optional) make prepping tornado potatoes a breeze.

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

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

Deliciously spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes, golden brown and bursting with flavor.  Save
Deliciously spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes, golden brown and bursting with flavor. | sugarprairie.com

Serve these crispy spirals right away for the most satisfying crunch. They're sure to become a favorite snack or side at any gathering.

Kitchen Help

How do I create the spiral shape?

Insert a skewer through the potato, then slice in a spiral motion, gently stretching the potato along the skewer into even spirals.

What seasoning works best for tornado potatoes?

Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper make a flavorful blend. Customize with Parmesan or herbs if desired.

Can sweet potatoes be used instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a unique flavor. Adjust cooking time if needed due to texture differences.

How do I get extra crispy spirals?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before air frying to enhance crispiness.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Serve with aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for delicious dipping. Other favorites include ranch or spicy mayo.

Can this snack be made vegan?

Yes, simply omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a fully vegan, plant-based version.

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes with savory seasoning, air-fried for a delicious snack or side. Easy, fun and flavorful.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Wholesome Treats

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, Without 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 kosher salt
05 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Method steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Cut: Using a sharp knife, cut the potato in a spiral motion while rotating it, starting from one end and working to the other. Gently stretch the sliced potato along the skewer to evenly space the spirals.

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 prepared seasoning mixture onto each spiral potato, ensuring coverage between all layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, keeping them separated so they do not touch.

Phase 07

Air-Fry: Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk when Parmesan cheese is used as a topping.
  • Recipe is gluten-free; verify individual seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese to accommodate vegan dietary preferences.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

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