Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Comfort Baking

Air-fryer tornado potatoes feature spiral-cut russet potatoes seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each potato is skewered and sliced in a spiral, then stretched and coated with the flavorful mixture. Air frying at 375°F produces a crispy exterior and tender inside with minimal oil. Optional toppings such as Parmesan, herbs, and chili flakes boost the flavor. These potato spirals work perfectly as a sharable snack or side, complementing dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. Choose dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly and gluten-free option.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:07:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, seasoned and skewered for a delightful snack. Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, seasoned and skewered for a delightful snack. | butterhearth.com

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

I first tried these tornado potatoes at a summer fair and was amazed at how easy it is to recreate them in the air fryer—the process is simple and always a hit at family 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 (optional): 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped
  • Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp

Instructions

Skewer the Potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Spiral Slice:
Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion, rotating from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create even spacing.
Season:
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub the mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring 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 air fryer basket, without touching. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
Optional Finish:
Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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My kids always love helping spiral the potatoes, and it gets everyone involved in making snacks together—it is a special kitchen moment for us.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, pastry brush.

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free when proper seasonings are used.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 180 calories, 7 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.

Golden, spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes served hot with optional Parmesan topping. Save
Golden, spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes served hot with optional Parmesan topping. | butterhearth.com

Try customizing your seasonings or dipping sauces—these tornado potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for parties.

Recipe Questions

How do I make even spirals on the potatoes?

Insert a skewer lengthwise, then slice carefully in a spiral motion while rotating the potato.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be substituted for a unique flavor twist and similar spiral effect.

What dips pair well with spiral potatoes?

Try aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or spicy dips to complement the crispy texture.

How can I achieve extra crispiness?

Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning and air-frying.

Are tornado potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, they're gluten-free if you ensure all seasonings and toppings are free from hidden gluten.

What is the ideal temperature and time for air-frying?

Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried until crispy, seasoned with spices and optional toppings for a healthier snack.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


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

Directions

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

Spiraling Potatoes: Using a sharp knife, cut each potato in a spiral motion while rotating from end to end. Gently stretch the spiral along the skewer to evenly space the slices.

Stage 03

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

Stage 04

Applying Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture onto each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Stage 05

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

Stage 06

Air Frying Potatoes: Arrange the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket without crowding. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Stage 07

Serving: 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 component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese.
  • Confirm seasoning blends are free from hidden gluten or allergens.
  • For vegan-friendly results use dairy-free cheese.

Nutritional information (per portion)

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