Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Quick Crunch Fixes

Golden spiral potatoes are threaded onto skewers and sliced to achieve a unique tornado shape. They're brushed generously with a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper before crisping up in the air fryer. Optional toppings such as Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add a savory flair. These potatoes deliver an irresistible crunch while remaining tender inside, perfect as a party snack or novel side dish. Enjoy a gluten-free, vegetarian treat that doubles as both a fun cooking project and a crowd-pleaser.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:45:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned, and ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned, and ready to serve. | snackandmack.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 for a family movie night, and everyone loved the crispy spirals. Kids especially enjoy making their own potatoes—it has become a requested treat in our home.

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

Instructions

Skewer Potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create Spiral Cuts:
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.
Coat Potatoes:
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.
Add Toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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| snackandmack.com

This recipe became a hit at birthday parties, and now we make it together for family get-togethers, always ending up with empty plates and plenty of laughs.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving).

Allergen Information

Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used. Always check all seasoning blends for hidden gluten or other allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan version.

Golden, spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfect with dips for any snack occasion. Save to Pinterest
Golden, spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfect with dips for any snack occasion. | snackandmack.com

Serve these crispy potatoes hot with your favorite dips. They're guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face.

Recipe FAQs

How do I create the spiral tornado shape?

Insert a skewer through a potato, then slice it in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, rotating as you cut.

Can I make these potatoes vegan?

Yes, simply omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.

What seasoning works best on spiral potatoes?

A blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper ensures savory flavor and crispiness.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Soak spiral-cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes after slicing, then pat dry before air-frying.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and provide a different flavor profile and natural sweetness.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Serve with aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite creamy dip for added flavor.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes air-fried with savory seasoning create a fun, flavorful snack or side. Vegetarian, gluten-free.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Quick Crunch Fixes

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Output 4 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Create Spiral Cuts: Holding the skewer, carefully slice the potato in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, rotating the potato from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create evenly spaced spirals.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Apply Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the spiraled potatoes, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Air Fry Potatoes: Arrange the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 07

Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends for hidden gluten or potential allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese if preparing a vegan version.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 180
  • Fat Content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g