Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Chill & Snack

Spiral-cut russet potatoes, threaded onto skewers, are brushed with olive oil and savory spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper before being crisped up in an air fryer. This method yields golden spirals with a delightfully crunchy exterior and tender inside, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. Finished with optional toppings like Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes, they make an enjoyable side or snack. For extra crunch, soak potatoes prior to slicing, and try sweet potatoes for variation. Serve warm with your favorite dips for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:27:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes spiraled and seasoned, a fun snack on skewers.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes spiraled and seasoned, a fun snack on skewers. | lickjoke.com

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

I first tried making tornado potatoes for a family movie night, and everyone loved twisting off the crispy spirals right from the skewers. It quickly became our go-to treat when we wanted something tasty yet veggie-forward.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Skewer the 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 spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub the seasoning evenly over each spiraled potato, making sure 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 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Add Toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden-brown air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs, perfect for sharing.  Save
Golden-brown air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs, perfect for sharing. | lickjoke.com

Whenever we make these for get-togethers, everyone wants to help spiral the potatoes. Kids especially love having their own skewer and picking their toppings.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free; always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Nutritional Information

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

Deliciously seasoned air-fryer tornado potatoes served with dips, a savory side dish delight. Save
Deliciously seasoned air-fryer tornado potatoes served with dips, a savory side dish delight. | lickjoke.com

Enjoy these tornado potatoes hot from the air fryer. They always disappear fast, so consider doubling the batch for a crowd!

Recipe Guide

How do I achieve perfectly crisp tornado potatoes?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch, dry thoroughly before air-frying, and turn halfway through cooking.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well for a different flavor profile and maintain a crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer.

What are the best seasonings to use?

A blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper adds robust flavor, with options for Parmesan and parsley as toppings.

Is this dish suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version and check seasoning blends to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

What dips pair well with these spiral potatoes?

Popular choices include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream, but feel free to try other favorites like ranch or spicy mayo.

What tools do I need?

An air fryer, long skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and optional pastry brush are recommended for best results.

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried for crispiness, seasoned and served on skewers for a fun, flavorful snack.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, No 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 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 Potatoes: Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.

Phase 02

Slice Spirals: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut each potato in a spiral motion, rotating and slicing evenly from end to end. Gently stretch the potato on the skewer to space out the spirals.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture all over the spiraled potatoes, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Phase 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Phase 06

Air-Fry Potatoes: Arrange the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket without touching. Cook at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Phase 07

Add Toppings and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes just before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used; opt for dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Gluten-free based on ingredients; always verify seasoning blends for concealed gluten or 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