Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Snack

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

Air-fryer tornado potatoes present a playful spin on classic potatoes. With a sharp knife and skewers, russet potatoes are sliced in a spiral, brushed in olive oil blended with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and seasonings. Air frying creates a golden, crispy texture while keeping the process light. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add layers of flavor. Perfect as a snack or side, these spiral potatoes are both eye-catching and satisfying, hitting the mark for those seeking a gluten-free, vegetarian delight that doesn’t skimp on crunch or taste.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewered, seasoned with spices for a scrumptious snack.  Pin
Crispy Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes skewered, seasoned with spices for a scrumptious snack. | forkandbloom.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 my air fryer, my family couldn&t believe how crispy and tasty they turned out. It quickly became one of our favorite snacks for movie nights.

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 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 as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing.
Season Potatoes:
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush or rub the mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it gets 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 without touching. 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, spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.  Pin
Golden, spiraled Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese. | forkandbloom.com

We love making these tornado potatoes together on weekends, letting the kids help with spiral cutting and choosing their own toppings. It&s always a fun kitchen moment we look forward to.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tornado potatoes alongside your favorite dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Customization Ideas

Try sweet potatoes instead of russets for a change, or switch up the spices with Cajun seasoning or Italian herbs.

Nutritional Info

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

Deliciously seasoned Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect for dipping in aioli or ketchup. Pin
Deliciously seasoned Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes, perfect for dipping in aioli or ketchup. | forkandbloom.com

Enjoy these fun and crispy tornado potatoes hot from the air fryer. They turn any snack time into something special!

Recipe Q&A

How do you achieve an even spiral cut?

Carefully rotate the skewered potato while slicing in a spiral motion, keeping the knife angled consistently and stretching the potato to create uniform spacing along the skewer.

How can I make the potatoes crispier?

Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning. This removes excess starch and promotes crispiness during cooking.

What alternative seasonings can be used?

Try adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika to change the flavor profile.

Can I prepare this dish vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. All remaining ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free.

What dips pair well with these spiral potatoes?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite spicy dipping sauce for added zing.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Snack

Spiral potatoes air-fried with garlic and paprika for a crispy, fun snack or easy side option.

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

Step 02

Slice into Spirals: Using a sharp knife, cut each potato in a spiral while rotating it, slicing from one end to the other. Stretch the potato gently along the skewer to create evenly spaced spirals.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season the Potatoes: Brush or rub the prepared seasoning mixture thoroughly over each spiraled potato, ensuring seasoning reaches between all layers.

Step 05

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Cook Until Golden and Crisp: Air-fry the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.

Step 08

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes, if desired, before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used; substitute dairy-free cheese for vegan preparation.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasonings for potential hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g