Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

Spiral-cut potatoes are skewered, brushed with a blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, then air-fried until golden and crisp. Pre-soaking potatoes can enhance their texture, while optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes deliver extra flavor. This snack or side is vegetarian, naturally gluten-free, and can be made vegan by omitting cheese. Simple tools—air fryer, skewers, and knife—make the process easy. Perfect served with dips such as aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Each serving is lower in fat and bursting with savory notes thanks to the seasoning blend.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:53:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes skewered and seasoned, perfect for game day snacks.  Pin
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes skewered and seasoned, perfect for game day snacks. | toastybasil.com

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

When I first made air-fryer tornado potatoes, everyone loved how each potato came out golden and crispy with a beautiful spiral shape. Watching the potatoes twist onto the skewers is a satisfying part of the process and always attracts attention at 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: 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
  • Chili flakes: ½ tsp, optional

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 while rotating, slicing from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create spacing between spirals.
Prepare 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, making sure to coat between 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 so 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 paprika, ideal as a fun side dish.  Pin
Golden spiral potatoes seasoned with garlic and paprika, ideal as a fun side dish. | toastybasil.com

Making tornado potatoes is a family activity for us—everyone gets a turn twisting a potato and brushing on seasonings. They always disappear fast when served hot and crisp!

Required Tools

Air fryer, skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and pastry brush are handy for this recipe.

Allergen Information

If you use Parmesan cheese, this recipe contains milk. The dish is gluten-free if you check your seasonings carefully; use dairy-free cheese to make it vegan.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and parsley, a delicious vegetarian treat. Pin
Air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and parsley, a delicious vegetarian treat. | toastybasil.com

This snack is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Try it at your next gathering for a fun and crispy treat!

Recipe Q&A

How do you create the spiral effect on potatoes?

Use a skewer and carefully cut around the potato in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, then stretch it along the skewer for evenly spaced spirals.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work well for crispiness, but sweet potatoes may be substituted for a twist in flavor and texture.

What can I serve with spiral potatoes?

Serve with dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for added taste. They pair great as a snack or alongside main dishes.

How do I make these vegan?

Simply omit Parmesan cheese or swap in a dairy-free alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

Any tips for extra crispy spirals?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry, and air-fry for optimal crispiness.

Do air-fried potatoes require oil?

A small amount of olive oil helps crisp potatoes and allows seasoning to adhere, but you may reduce it for lighter results.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral potatoes on skewers, air-fried and seasoned for a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min


Skill level Medium

Origin American

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spiraling Potatoes: Holding the skewer, carefully slice the potato in a spiral motion with a sharp knife, rotating as you cut and gently pulling to space the slices evenly.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Seasoning Application: Brush or rub the mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Step 05

Preheating Appliance: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 06

Air Fryer Load: Arrange the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket without touching.

Step 07

Air Frying: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each skewer halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and crisp.

Step 08

Finishing Touches: Optionally, garnish with Parmesan, 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 component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese to accommodate vegans.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g