Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Flavors

Enjoy crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, air-fried and sprinkled with savory seasonings for a delightful snack or side. Simply spiral-cut russet potatoes, brush with a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then air-fry until golden. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes enhance the flavor. Perfect for sharing, these tornado potatoes offer a fun, healthier take on traditional fried sides—plus, they're naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. Serve with your favorite dips for maximum enjoyment!

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:25:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewered with spices for a delightful snack experience.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewered with spices for a delightful snack experience. | oventhyme.com

Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier fun-to-eat snack or side dish. This American favorite combines tender potatoes with bold savory flavors resulting in a delightful treat that is both impressive and easy to share.

I first tried air-fryer tornado potatoes at a summer cookout and was amazed by how crispy they turned out without deep-frying. Now I love making them for movie nights or as a creative side for hearty dinners.

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 Potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Cut 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.
Prepare Seasoning:
In a small bowl mix olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper.
Season 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.
Arrange in Basket:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket making sure they do not touch.
Air-Fry:
Air-fry for 20–25 minutes turning halfway through until golden and crispy.
Add Toppings:
Sprinkle with Parmesan fresh parsley and chili flakes before serving if desired.
Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese, perfect for sharing.  Save
Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese, perfect for sharing. | oventhyme.com

These tornado potatoes always wow my family especially when everyone gets to choose their own toppings making it a fun and customizable snack we enjoy together.

Required Tools

To make air-fryer tornado potatoes you will need an air fryer long skewers a sharp knife a small bowl and optionally a pastry brush for applying seasoning.

Allergen Information

This dish contains milk if using Parmesan cheese but is gluten-free. For a vegan version simply use dairy-free cheese and verify seasonings do not contain hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of tornado potatoes provides approximately 180 calories 7 g total fat 28 g carbohydrates and 3 g protein making them a satisfying snack or side dish.

Spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, seasoned and served hot for a fun side dish. Save
Spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, seasoned and served hot for a fun side dish. | oventhyme.com

Tornado potatoes are both impressive and delicious. Enjoy them hot for the crispiest results and let everyone add their own toppings at the table.

Kitchen Guide

How do I make potatoes spiral on skewers?

Thread a skewer through the potato, then slice in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, stretching for even spacing.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a different flavor and texture. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How can I achieve extra crispiness?

Soak spiraled potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes after slicing, then pat completely dry before seasoning.

What dips pair well with this dish?

Try serving with aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

Are tornado potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, they're naturally gluten-free—just ensure your spices and toppings don't contain hidden gluten.

How do I make this vegan?

Omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese to suit a plant-based diet.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried to crispy perfection, coated in flavorful seasonings, ideal for snacking.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free, 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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Spiral Cut Potatoes: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral, rotating while cutting from end to end. Gently stretch the spiraled potato to create even separation between sections.

Phase 03

Prepare Seasoning Mixture: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture over the surface and between layers of each spiraled potato.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring none are touching.

Phase 07

Air-Fry and Turn: Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Phase 08

Add Toppings and Serve: Optional: Before serving, garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes as desired.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese; substitute with dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends for hidden sources of gluten and allergens.

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