Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Game Day Snacks

Enjoy crispy spiral potatoes made healthier using an air fryer. Russet potatoes are skewered and cut in a twirling shape, then brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse bold flavor between each layer. Cooked until perfectly golden and crunchy, these tornado-style potatoes can be finished with Parmesan, fresh herbs, or chili flakes. Soaking the cut potatoes boosts the crispiness, and switching to sweet potatoes adds a fun twist. Best served hot, they're a hit for snacking or as a playful side, especially with a favorite dip.

Updated on Sat, 01 Nov 2025 15:31:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewers, drizzled with olive oil and spices.  Pin
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewers, drizzled with olive oil and spices. | panpatriot.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 tornado potatoes for a game night and they were a delicious hit with my guests. Making the potato spirals was easier than expected and everyone loved the crispy results straight from the air fryer.

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

Prepare 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 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.
Make 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.
Air-fry:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
Cook:
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-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served with savory garlic and paprika seasoning.  Pin
Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes served with savory garlic and paprika seasoning. | panpatriot.com

My kids always request these potatoes for weekend movie nights and love dipping the spirals in ketchup. Sharing this snack makes for a fun and tasty family moment every time.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Recipe is gluten-free, but verify all seasoning blends for hidden allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

Deliciously twisted Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Pin
Deliciously twisted Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. | panpatriot.com

Make these crispy tornado potatoes for a fun snack or an eye-catching side dish. Enjoy their irresistible crunch fresh from the air fryer.

Recipe Questions

How do I cut the potatoes in a spiral shape?

Insert a skewer through each potato and carefully slice in a spiral motion along the skewer, stretching afterward for even spacing.

What temperature should I set the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for optimal crispiness and thorough cooking.

How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?

Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes after slicing, then pat dry before seasoning and air-frying.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options available?

Skip Parmesan for a vegan version and use gluten-free seasonings to suit dietary needs.

What dips go well with these spiral potatoes?

Try serving with aioli, ketchup, or sour cream to complement the flavor and crispiness.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a different taste and texture. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes seasoned and air-fried to golden crispness with flavorful toppings for snacking or sides.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Total duration
40 min

Category Game Day Snacks

Difficulty Medium

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Potatoes

01 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed

Seasonings

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
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spiral Cutting: Secure the skewer and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice the potato in a spiral motion from end to end while rotating it; gently stretch each spiral along the skewer for even spacing.

Step 03

Seasoning Preparation: In a small bowl, blend olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until uniform.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange in Basket: Place the prepared, skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.

Step 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Cook the potatoes at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 08

Final Toppings: Optional: Immediately after cooking, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese toppings.
  • Dish is naturally gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends for potential hidden allergens.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese to accommodate vegan diets.

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g