Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Delights

Air-fryer tornado potatoes are spiral-cut russet potatoes threaded on skewers for a playful, visually appealing dish. After slicing, they're brushed with olive oil and a flavorful blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Air-fried to perfection, these potatoes get irresistibly crisp outside while remaining tender inside. Garnish options like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add extra depth and zing. Serving suggestions include pairing with creamy aioli, classic ketchup, or tangy sour cream, making them a standout snack or side at any meal.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:41:00 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. | tastychuck.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 tried air-fryer tornado potatoes, my family was amazed by the spiral shape and the crispiness. It quickly became a requested favorite at family 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: 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp
  • Chili flakes: ½ tsp (optional)

Instructions

Skewer the potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Slice into spirals:
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. 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.
Cook:
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.
Finish and serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden spiral-cut potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, perfect for dipping.  Save
Golden spiral-cut potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, perfect for dipping. | tastychuck.com

My kids love helping with the spiral slicing, turning dinner prep into a fun kitchen activity we all enjoy together.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. This recipe is gluten-free; always check seasoning blends for hidden allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g

Air-fried tornado potatoes, beautifully spiraled and topped with fresh parsley and cheese. Save
Air-fried tornado potatoes, beautifully spiraled and topped with fresh parsley and cheese. | tastychuck.com

A little extra fresh parsley and Parmesan add an irresistible finish—enjoy these tornado potatoes fresh and hot for the perfect crunch.

Recipe Guide

How do I achieve even spirals when slicing the potatoes?

Use a sharp knife and rotate the potato gently around the skewer for smooth, even cuts. Practice improves results!

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a slightly different flavor and can be spiral-cut in the same manner as russets.

What temperature is best for air-frying spiral potatoes?

Preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) ensures crispy results while keeping the inside tender.

Are there dairy-free topping options available?

Skip Parmesan and use chopped herbs or vegan cheese for an entirely dairy-free version.

Can these skewered potatoes be made ahead of time?

They taste best fresh, but spiral potatoes can be prepared ahead and air-fried just before serving.

How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soak the spiral-cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before seasoning and air-frying.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried until golden and crispy. A fun, seasoned snack or side perfect for sharing.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
25 min
Full duration
40 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

Vegetable

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Seasoning Application: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub the mixture evenly over the spiraled potatoes, ensuring it coats all layers.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Finishing Touches: If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; confirm seasoning blends are free from gluten or hidden allergens.
  • For vegan preparation, replace Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition 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