Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes feature russet potatoes sliced in a spiral and skewered, brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Air-fried until crisp, the spirals offer an inviting texture and bold flavor, perfect for snacking or serving as a vegetarian side. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add zest and color. The dish is quick to prepare and family-friendly. For extra crunch, soak and dry the potatoes before cooking. Pairs wonderfully with aioli, ketchup, or sour cream dips.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:37:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, beautifully spiraled and seasoned for a delicious snack.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, beautifully spiraled and seasoned for a delicious snack. | ovenharmony.com

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

Making tornado potatoes was a blast the first time I tried it—my kids were amazed watching the potatoes transform and crisp up. It's now a go-to for game nights and casual gatherings.

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: 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.
Slice into 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 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.
Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs.  Save
Golden-brown Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs. | ovenharmony.com

I still remember our family’s excitement the first time we made these together. Everyone wanted to customize their own spiral with extra cheese or more spice.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Dish is gluten-free; check seasoning blends and choose dairy-free cheese for vegan version.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving).

Savory Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes on skewers, perfect for dipping or sharing. Save
Savory Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes on skewers, perfect for dipping or sharing. | ovenharmony.com

Enjoy these tornado potatoes hot from the air fryer—everyone will love them. Perfect for snacking, sharing, and adding some fun to your table.

Recipe FAQ

How do you achieve the spiral shape?

Insert a skewer through the potato, then slice it in a spiral motion while rotating to create even spirals.

Can sweet potatoes be used?

Absolutely, sweet potatoes work well and bring a slightly sweeter flavor to the finished snack or side.

Which dips pair best with tornado potatoes?

Popular choices include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

How can the potatoes be made crispier?

Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes and drying well before air-frying enhances crispiness.

Is it suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all core ingredients are gluten-free. Check seasoning blends for hidden gluten if needed.

Can the dish be made vegan?

Omit Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives to ensure the snack remains completely vegan.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried with savory spices for a crispy, fun snack or tasty vegetarian side dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free, Without 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 black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Cuts: While holding the skewer, carefully slice each potato in a spiral motion using a sharp knife, rotating as you cut from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to space out the spirals evenly.

Phase 03

Mix Seasonings: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Phase 04

Apply Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring the coating gets between layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.

Phase 08

Finish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains milk when Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Dish is gluten-free, but verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese for vegan adaptations.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g