Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Sizzle & Spice Meals

Crispy spiral potatoes are made by skewering and slicing russet potatoes in a unique spiral shape. Brushed with a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, these potatoes are cooked in an air fryer for golden, crunchy results. Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or chili flakes for extra flavor. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these potatoes offer a healthier twist on fried favorites. Preparation is simple, requiring only basic tools and common ingredients, making them both fun to prepare and delicious to eat.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:52:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfectly seasoned and golden brown.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfectly seasoned and golden brown. | sizzlebloom.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 tornado potatoes in my air fryer, I was amazed at how crispy and golden they turned out. It quickly became our go-to treat for movie nights and weekend get-togethers.

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 (optional): 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp
  • Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp

Instructions

Skewer the potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create 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 the potatoes:
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.
Air-fry the potatoes:
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.
Add toppings:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Deliciously spiral-cut air-fried potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika.  Save
Deliciously spiral-cut air-fried potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika. | sizzlebloom.com

Making these with my kids turned into a fun family cooking project, and everyone loved customizing their spirals with different toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tornado potatoes with classic dips like ketchup, aioli, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Tool Tips

A sharp knife and a good skewer make it much easier to get perfect spirals. Use a pastry brush for even seasoning coverage.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving has about 180 calories with 7 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. Adjust toppings for dietary preferences.

Fun-to-eat air-fryer tornado potatoes, garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Save
Fun-to-eat air-fryer tornado potatoes, garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. | sizzlebloom.com

Enjoy these air-fryer tornado potatoes hot and crispy for a snack or side that will impress everyone at the table.

Common Questions

How do I create the spiral shape for these potatoes?

Insert a skewer through the potato and slice in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, stretching the slices along the skewer for even spacing.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a different flavor profile while maintaining a similar texture and crispness.

What seasonings lend the best flavor to these spiral potatoes?

Classic olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper provide savory notes. Parmesan and fresh herbs enhance flavor further.

How do I ensure the potatoes become extra crispy?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and air-frying.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options for this dish?

Yes, omit Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives, and check seasoning blends to keep the dish vegan and gluten-free.

What dips pair well with air-fried spiral potatoes?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream, but you can choose any dip that suits your taste preferences.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy potato spirals air-fried and seasoned for a fun, flavorful snack or side with optional toppings.

Setup Duration
15 min
Heat Duration
25 min
Complete Duration
40 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Sizzle & Spice Meals

Skill Level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels 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 ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan preparation)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Method Steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create spirals: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating from one end to the other. Gently stretch each potato along its skewer for even spacing.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season spiraled potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto the spiraled potatoes, ensuring coverage between layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange potatoes in basket: Place each skewered potato in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.

Phase 07

Air fry potatoes: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning skewers halfway through, until potatoes are golden and crispy.

Phase 08

Add toppings and serve: Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red chili flakes before serving.

Kitchen Tools

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

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese for vegan adaptation.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g