Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Happy Bites

Enjoy crispy tornado potatoes made in the air fryer—russet potatoes are spiral-cut onto skewers, brushed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Each spiral is evenly seasoned, then air-fried until golden and crispy. Optional toppings include Parmesan, fresh parsley, or chili flakes. This snack is not only fun to eat, but delivers a satisfying crunch and bold flavor while keeping preparation simple and health-conscious. Perfect as a vegetarian and gluten-free side or snack for gatherings, and customizable with different dips or potato varieties.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:31:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika on skewers.  Save
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika on skewers. | munchhug.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, everyone loved the spiral shape and crispy edges. This recipe quickly became a family favorite for parties and movie nights because they are so easy to prepare and customize.

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 potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Spiral cut:
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 mixture:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat 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 in basket:
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.
Deliciously spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, served golden brown with fresh parsley.  Save
Deliciously spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, served golden brown with fresh parsley. | munchhug.com

These tornado potatoes always bring smiles to our dinner table, especially when each person gets to pick their own dip. Watching everyone try to twist the potato off the skewer makes it extra fun for kids and adults alike.

Required Tools

To make these, you'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife for spiral cutting, a small bowl for mixing seasonings, and a pastry brush for easy coating.

Allergen Information

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. If you prefer a vegan option, simply replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. These numbers may vary based on your toppings and potato size.

Fun and flavorful Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect for snacking with favorite dips. Save
Fun and flavorful Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect for snacking with favorite dips. | munchhug.com

Enjoy your tornado potatoes hot from the air fryer and experiment with different dips and toppings to make every batch unique.

Recipe Guide

How do I make the potato spirals even?

Rotate the potato carefully while cutting in a spiral motion and stretch gently along the skewer for uniform spacing.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be spiral-cut and cooked the same way for a different flavor and texture.

How do I get extra crispy potatoes?

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

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Serve with aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for delicious dipping options that complement the flavors.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, it is gluten-free as long as all seasoning blends used are free from hidden gluten or allergens.

How can I make these vegan?

Simply omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a completely plant-based version.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral potatoes air-fried with savory seasoning for a crispy, golden, and delightful snack or side.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Potatoes

01 4 medium russet potatoes, thoroughly scrubbed

Seasoning

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Spiral Slicing: With the skewer secured, carefully slice each potato in a spiral pattern using a sharp knife, rotating the potato as you cut from one end to the other. Gently pull sections apart along the skewer to space out the spirals evenly.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season the Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly onto each spiral-cut potato, ensuring the mixture coats all exposed surfaces and crevices.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange in Basket: Place skewered potatoes into the air fryer basket without overlapping or touching.

Phase 07

Air-Fry: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until potatoes are golden brown and crisp.

Phase 08

Add Optional Toppings: Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes as desired before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains dairy if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for possible gluten or allergen traces.
  • Use plant-based cheese for a strictly vegan option.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g