Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Healthy Snack Fixes

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes deliver golden crispiness and savory flavor in every spiral. Russet potatoes are sliced into spirals, seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then air-fried on skewers for even crunch. Optional toppings like Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes enhance their appeal. Serve hot as a vegetarian, gluten-free snack or side. Easy preparation and healthier than deep-fried options make these potatoes both enjoyable and satisfying. Dip into your favorite sauces for a playful, crowd-pleasing treat. Dairy-free cheese swaps and sweet potato alternatives fit various diets.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:58:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes skewered and seasoned for a delicious snack.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes skewered and seasoned for a delicious snack. | freshyforks.com

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

I still remember the first time I made tornado potatoes in the air fryer for my family: everyone was eagerly anticipating those golden spirals, and they disappeared within minutes. The air-fried method makes this treat so much lighter, and now it is a favorite for movie nights or gatherings.

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)
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp
  • 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 and slicing from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing between 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, making sure it gets between layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Cook:
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:
Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Flavorful spiral potatoes, perfectly air-fried and topped with Parmesan and parsley.  Save
Flavorful spiral potatoes, perfectly air-fried and topped with Parmesan and parsley. | freshyforks.com

This recipe became a fun family tradition at our house: my kids love helping with the spiral cuts, and the hands-on prep makes dinner more interactive.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. Confirm seasoning blends are allergen-safe.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.

Golden-brown tornado potatoes with spices, ideal for sharing as a fun side. Save
Golden-brown tornado potatoes with spices, ideal for sharing as a fun side. | freshyforks.com

Bring the wow factor to your snack table with these crispy tornado potatoes: they're sure to delight at any gathering!

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I get evenly sliced potato spirals?

Use a long skewer and a sharp knife, rotating the potato as you slice to maintain an even spiral.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a unique flavor twist with the same spiraled presentation.

What spices give the best flavor?

Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper create a savory, balanced seasoning for crispy potatoes.

How do I achieve extra crispiness?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning and air-frying for best texture.

Are tornado potatoes suitable for vegan diets?

Simply omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with dairy-free options for a fully vegan spiral potato snack.

Which dips pair best with tornado potatoes?

Aioli, ketchup, and sour cream are delicious choices that complement the seasoning and crispy texture.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried with savory seasoning. Crispy, fun-to-eat snack or side with veggie and gluten-free variations.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Time required
40 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Medium

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless, 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 (omit for vegan)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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 spirals.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange and Cook: 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 crisp.

Step 07

Add Toppings: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes, if desired, before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; verify spice blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 180
  • Lipids: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams