Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

Spiral-sliced russet potatoes are skewered and coated in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cooked in an air fryer, these potatoes turn irresistibly golden and crisp, with each layer holding the savory spices. Optionally top with Parmesan, fresh parsley, or chili flakes for added flavor. Enjoy as a wholesome vegetarian snack or side, perfectly paired with dips like sour cream, aioli, or ketchup for extra indulgence. This dish is fun to prepare and makes a striking addition to any spread, especially when you crave something crispy and satisfying.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:59:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes garnished with herbs and spices on skewers. Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes garnished with herbs and spices on skewers. | cinnamonglow.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 tried making tornado potatoes in my air fryer, my family was delighted. They loved watching the potato transform into a spiral, and even my picky eater enjoyed helping with the seasoning and spiral cuts.

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 (optional): 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 in Spiral:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating and slicing from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spiral spacing.
Season:
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush or rub mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, including between layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Air Fry:
Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Top and Serve:
Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Save
| cinnamonglow.com

Sharing tornado potatoes has become a weekend tradition in our home. My kids compete to see who can spiral a potato the fastest, and we love dipping them in homemade sauces together.

Required Tools

You will need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, and a small bowl. A pastry brush helps with even seasoning application but is optional.

Allergen Information

If using Parmesan cheese, note that these contain milk. The recipe is gluten-free, but always read seasoning labels. For vegan diets, use dairy-free cheese and omit Parmesan.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has approximately 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Seasoned spiral potatoes, perfectly air-fried for a crunchy and flavorful snack. Save
Seasoned spiral potatoes, perfectly air-fried for a crunchy and flavorful snack. | cinnamonglow.com

Tornado potatoes are easy to customize with spices and dips. Bring them out for parties or a fun family snack night and enjoy!

Recipe FAQ Section

How do you achieve the spiral shape?

Insert a skewer through the potato and use a sharp knife to slice in a spiral while rotating the potato.

What seasonings work best for these potatoes?

Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper are classic, but feel free to add Parmesan or chili flakes.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes! Sweet potatoes can be prepared the same way and offer a unique flavor twist to the dish.

How to make potatoes crispier?

Soak spiraled potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes after slicing, then pat dry before air frying.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Aioli, ketchup, and sour cream are tasty options for dipping spiral potatoes.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, the potatoes and seasonings are gluten-free, but always check your blends for hidden gluten or allergens.

Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crispy spiral potatoes, air-fried and seasoned for a fun, flavorful snack or side.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Vegetarian Favorites

Skill level Medium

Cultural Origin American

Output 4 Portion count

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Cuts: While holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to slice each potato in a continuous spiral motion, rotating from end to end. Gently stretch along the skewer for even spacing.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture over the entire surface of each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes on skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.

Phase 07

Air-Fry Spiral Potatoes: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each potato halfway through the process, until crisp and golden brown.

Phase 08

Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with Parmesan, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving, if desired.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is included.
  • Always verify seasoning blends for hidden sources of gluten or allergens.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese for vegan dietary needs.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein Content: 3 g