Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

Discover spiral-cut tornado potatoes, crisped to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist. Russet potatoes are sliced into captivating spirals, lightly coated with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then air-fried until golden brown. Optional toppings of Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chili flakes add extra flair. These gluten-free, vegetarian skewered snacks are fun to make and serve, ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces. Tips include soaking potatoes for extra crunch and substituting sweet potatoes for a flavorful variation. Simple tools help achieve the signature spiral shape and crispy texture.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:51:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan.  Save to Pinterest
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | funcockts.com

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

I tried air-frying tornado potatoes for a game night and they disappeared faster than any chips or fries I have made. Everyone loved the crispy edges and flavorful seasoning. Making them on skewers adds a playful twist that gets lots of attention!

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
  • Optional Toppings: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp chili flakes

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.
Season:
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:
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.
Golden spiral potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, perfect as a fun snack.  Save to Pinterest
Golden spiral potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, perfect as a fun snack. | funcockts.com

My kids love assembling and eating these spiral potatoes together. It's a fun kitchen activity and brings everyone to the table with excitement!

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. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Nutritional Information

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

Delicious air-fried tornado potatoes, ideal for dipping in aioli or ketchup at parties. Save to Pinterest
Delicious air-fried tornado potatoes, ideal for dipping in aioli or ketchup at parties. | funcockts.com

Enjoy your crispy tornado potatoes fresh from the air fryer for maximum crunch. Serve with your favorite dip and watch them disappear!

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do you achieve the spiral shape?

Thread a skewer through the potato and slice around it with a knife in a spiral motion, gently stretching it after cutting.

Can sweet potatoes be used instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and work well with this spiral technique for a different snack experience.

How do you make the potatoes extra crispy?

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

What toppings can be added before serving?

Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes can be sprinkled for added flavor and visual appeal.

Are these suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets?

They are naturally gluten-free; use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option and check seasonings for hidden allergens.

What dips pair well with tornado potatoes?

Try aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for delicious dipping options to complement the savory spirals.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried to golden crispiness with savory seasonings and optional cheesy, herby toppings.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Facts Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You 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 ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spiral Cut: 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 along the skewer to space the spirals.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it penetrates between the slices.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange in Basket: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, spaced apart to prevent touching.

Step 07

Cook Until Crispy: Air-fry at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning skewers halfway through the cycle, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 08

Optional Garnishes: Before serving, optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains milk if finished with Parmesan cheese; substitute dairy-free cheese for a vegan alternative.
  • Gluten-free; confirm all seasoning blends are free of gluten or hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g