Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Seasonal Treats

Transform russet potatoes into crisp, golden spirals by air-frying them on skewers. Sliced in a tornado-style, these potatoes are brushed in a seasoning blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Optional finishes include Parmesan, parsley, and a hint of chili flakes. The air fryer achieves a crunchy outside with a tender interior, making this a healthy, gluten-free snack or side dish. For extra texture, soak potatoes before slicing and serve with dips like aioli or ketchup. Minimal equipment is needed, and the potatoes can be tailored for vegan or vegetarian diets.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:14:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika. Pin
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika. | cinnamonnest.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 tornado potatoes in the air fryer, I was amazed by how perfectly crisp and golden they turned out. Everyone loved spinning and eating their own potato spirals!

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, ½ tsp chili flakes (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, rotating as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create space between the spirals.
Make the Seasoning:
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Season the Potatoes:
Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, making sure it gets between the layers.
Preheat the 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.
Cook:
Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Finish & Serve:
Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Pin
| cinnamonnest.com

My family likes to gather around the kitchen and help slice the spirals, then we watch them turn golden in the air fryer. It's a fun weekend treat.

Required Tools

For best results, use a sharp knife, long skewers, and a good air fryer. A pastry brush helps coat the spirals evenly with seasoning.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk if you use Parmesan cheese. Always verify seasoning blends for allergens. Substitute dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains about 180 calories, 7 g fat, 28 g carbs, and 3 g protein.

Golden spiral potatoes in air fryer, beautifully crisp and perfect as a fun snack. Pin
Golden spiral potatoes in air fryer, beautifully crisp and perfect as a fun snack. | cinnamonnest.com

Serve these potatoes hot for maximum crunch! Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces for even more flavor.

Recipe FAQ

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for their firm texture and ability to crisp up nicely once air-fried.

How do I get even spiral cuts?

Insert a skewer and rotate the potato steadily with a sharp knife, keeping pressure consistent for uniform spirals.

What seasonings can I use?

The base blend is olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can customize with herbs or different spices.

Can I make this dairy or vegan-friendly?

Skip Parmesan or use dairy-free alternatives to suit vegan diets while keeping all other ingredients plant-based.

How do I ensure extra crispiness?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry, and evenly brush with oil before air-frying for best texture.

Which dips pair well?

Try classic ketchup, creamy aioli, or tangy sour cream for a flavorful complement to the crispy potatoes.

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiraled potatoes, seasoned and air-fried for golden crunch and a fun, tasty snack or side.

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

Category Seasonal Treats

Difficulty Medium

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cut Spiral Sections: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral motion from one end to the other, rotating the potato as you go. Carefully stretch the potato along the skewer to provide even gaps between each coil.

Step 03

Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a seasoning blend.

Step 04

Coat Potatoes with Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoned mixture thoroughly over every spiraled potato, ensuring the mixture enters between the layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange Potatoes in Air Fryer: Place the skewered potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not make contact with each other.

Step 07

Air-Fry Until Golden and Crisp: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the potatoes once midway through, until they are golden brown and have a crisp exterior.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Optionally, top with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk if garnished with Parmesan cheese; use dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Naturally gluten-free; always verify seasoning blends are free of gluten and allergens.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g