Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Bite-Sized Grill Snacks

Enjoy golden spiral potatoes made by slicing russet potatoes on skewers, seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Air-fried until perfectly crisp, these potatoes offer a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Optional toppings like Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes add extra flavor. The spiral cut ensures each bite is crispy and tasty, making this dish an appealing and fun snack or side that everyone will love. Suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, it's easy to customize using dairy-free cheese or sweet potatoes.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:11:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes served on skewers, seasoned with garlic and paprika.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes served on skewers, seasoned with garlic and paprika. | bitegrill.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, my family was amazed by the crunchy texture and unique spiral shape. They disappeared from the plate quicker than I expected!

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 (omit for vegan): 2 tbsp
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp
  • Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp

Instructions

Prepare potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create spiral:
Holding the skewer, use a 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.
Mix seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Season potatoes:
Brush or rub the mixture over each spiraled potato, making sure it gets between layers.
Preheat air fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Air-fry:
Place skewered potatoes in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Finish and serve:
Optionally sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden spiral potatoes air-fried to perfection, topped with Parmesan and parsley.  Save
Golden spiral potatoes air-fried to perfection, topped with Parmesan and parsley. | bitegrill.com

Making these tornado potatoes together became a tradition for weekend movie nights. My kids love helping with the spiral cuts—and eating every crunchy bite!

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl, and optionally a pastry brush for coating the potatoes evenly.

Allergen Information

The recipe contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. It is gluten-free as written; always check seasoning blends for hidden allergens. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan snack.

Nutritional Information

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

Flavorful air-fryer tornado potatoes, a fun and healthy snack ready in 40 minutes. Save
Flavorful air-fryer tornado potatoes, a fun and healthy snack ready in 40 minutes. | bitegrill.com

These crispy tornado potatoes are sure to impress as a snack or side—serve hot for the best crunch!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes, substituting sweet potatoes provides a different flavor and works well with spiral cutting and air-frying.

How do I ensure extra crispiness?

Soak potato spirals in cold water for 30 minutes after slicing, then pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What are some serving suggestions?

Serve with dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Try toppings such as Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning blends for any hidden gluten.

How do you spiral cut the potatoes?

Insert a skewer and slice around the potato in a spiral motion, then stretch gently to space the spirals evenly.

What equipment is required?

An air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and optional pastry brush are useful.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Golden spiral potatoes air-fried with flavorful seasonings for a crispy vegetarian snack or side.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No 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 Preparation: Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.

Phase 02

Spiral Cutting: Hold the skewer and use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral motion, rotating as you cut from one end to the other. Carefully stretch the potato along the skewer, creating evenly spaced spirals.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange Potatoes: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Phase 07

Air-Frying: Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each potato halfway through, until evenly golden and crisp.

Phase 08

Finishing Touch: Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains milk when Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Recipe is gluten-free; confirm all seasoning labels for possible gluten or additional allergens.
  • To accommodate vegan diets, substitute dairy-free cheese for Parmesan.

Nutritional information (each portion)

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