Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

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

I first tried tornado potatoes at a fair and was amazed how easy and delicious they are to make at home with my air fryer. These spirals are now our go-to for family movie nights or game days.

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.

Slice spirals:

Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating as you slice from one end to the other. Stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing.

Make seasoning:

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

Season spirals:

Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, getting 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, ensuring they do not touch.

Air-fry:

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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My kids love turning the potatoes on their skewers and watching the crispiness develop. It's always a fun family cooking session, and everyone picks their favorite dip.

Required Tools

For this recipe you'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl, and a pastry brush for easy seasoning.

Allergen Information

Contains milk if you use Parmesan cheese. Completely gluten-free, but always check seasoning blends for hidden allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making these an ideal light snack.

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Air-fryer tornado potatoes will quickly become your favorite homemade snack. They're perfect for parties, family fun, or any time you want a creative potato treat.

Common Questions

→ How do I get potatoes into a tornado shape?

Carefully slice the potato in a spiral motion along the skewer, stretching it for even coils.

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and give a unique flavor and color to the finished dish.

→ How do I make the potatoes crispier?

Soaking sliced potatoes in cold water before air-frying helps achieve extra crispiness.

→ Are these tornado potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, just check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens. Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

→ What dips pair well with air-fried spiral potatoes?

Aioli, ketchup, and sour cream are excellent choices for dipping these crispy spirals.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

It's vegetarian. For vegan, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.