Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Quick Snack Fixes

Spiral-cut russet potatoes are threaded onto skewers, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then air-fried until golden and crispy. Optional toppings like Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes add flavor. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water ensures extra crunch. This American-style treat is vegetarian, gluten-free, and perfect as a snack or side dish. Serve with dips like aioli or ketchup for a fun and delicious eating experience.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:47:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes with vibrant seasoning on skewers for delicious snacking.  Pin it
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes with vibrant seasoning on skewers for delicious snacking. | smartyskitchen.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 made air-fryer tornado potatoes my guests couldn&t stop admiring the unique spiral look and crunchy texture. They disappeared in minutes (with everyone asking for seconds).

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Skewer the potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create the spiral:
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.
Mix 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 for frying:
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 (optional):
Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden spiral potatoes, expertly air-fried and topped with fresh parsley and cheese.  Pin it
Golden spiral potatoes, expertly air-fried and topped with fresh parsley and cheese. | smartyskitchen.com

My kids love threading the potatoes onto skewers for this recipe. It&s a great hands-on moment to share with family or friends.

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 recipe; check seasoning blends for hidden allergens or gluten. Substitute dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Flavorful air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfectly seasoned and ready to dip and enjoy. Pin it
Flavorful air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfectly seasoned and ready to dip and enjoy. | smartyskitchen.com

Tornado potatoes are the perfect party snack or side dish. Everyone loves their crispy edges and spiral shape.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve the spiral shape?

Carefully insert a skewer through each potato, then slice in a spiral motion, gently stretching it along the skewer.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a different flavor and texture for the spiral snack.

How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soak sliced spirals in cold water for 30 minutes before air-frying, then dry thoroughly. This removes excess starch.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Skip the Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

What dips pair best with tornado potatoes?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your preferred savory dipping sauce.

What tools do I need for preparation?

An air fryer, wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, small bowl, and optional pastry brush are recommended.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes air-fried with savory spices. A playful, healthier snack or side that’s easy to prepare.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Medium

Culinary Roots American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, 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 Preparation: Thread a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.

Step 02

Cut Spiral: Hold the skewer and, using a sharp knife, slice the potato in a spiral motion from one end to the other. Rotate the potato as you cut and gently stretch along the skewer to create evenly spaced spirals.

Step 03

Season Potatoes: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush or rub this mixture thoroughly over each spiraled potato, coating between all layers.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Air-Fry Potatoes: Arrange potatoes on skewers in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden-brown and crisp.

Step 06

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used; always verify seasoning blends for potential allergens and gluten traces.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g