Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Comforts

Spiral-cut potatoes are threaded onto skewers and coated with a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spirals are air-fried until golden and crispy, transforming humble potatoes into a snack or side dish bursting with texture. Choose vegetarian or gluten-free options, sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley, or add a spicy kick with chili flakes. Perfect alongside dips such as aioli or ketchup, this method delivers all the crunch and fun of classic fried potatoes with lighter, wholesome results.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:29:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes skewered for a deliciously seasoned snack.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes skewered for a deliciously seasoned snack. | butterhollow.com

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

My family loves making these tornado potatoes for movie night. The swirling shapes always get everyone laughing and they disappear fast!

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

Prep the potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create spirals:
Holding the skewer use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a spiral motion rotating the potato as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer to create even spacing between the spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl mix olive oil garlic powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper. Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato ensuring it gets between the layers.
Preheat and cook:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket making sure they do not touch. 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.
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| butterhollow.com

This is now our go-to side for birthday parties since everyone has fun twisting the potatoes onto skewers and watching them crisp up together.

Required Tools

Air fryer long wooden or metal skewers sharp knife small bowl pastry brush (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese gluten-free always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens use dairy-free cheese for vegan version

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 28 g Protein: 3 g (per serving)

Golden, spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes drizzled with flavorful garlic and paprika.  Save
Golden, spiraled air-fryer tornado potatoes drizzled with flavorful garlic and paprika. | butterhollow.com

Give these tornado potatoes a try for your next gathering or snack craving – they're sure to impress and satisfy!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How do I achieve a perfect spiral cut?

Insert a skewer lengthwise through each potato and slice in a spiral motion, rotating the potato to create evenly spaced spirals.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a unique flavor variation. Adjust slicing technique if needed for firmer varieties.

What are good dipping sauces for this dish?

Popular dips include aioli, sour cream, or classic ketchup. Feel free to experiment with spicy or herbed sauces.

How do I get extra crispy results?

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

Is this suitable for certain diets?

This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan options and check seasoning blends for allergens.

Can I bake instead of air-frying?

You can bake in a hot oven, but air-frying yields superior crispiness with less oil and faster results.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Spiral-cut potatoes air-fried with savory seasoning for a crispy, crowd-pleasing snack or side dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

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

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

Phase 02

Create Spiral Shape: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each potato in a spiral motion while rotating it on the skewer. Gently stretch the spiraled potato to achieve even spacing.

Phase 03

Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over the spiraled potatoes, ensuring the mixture gets between the layers.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced so they do not touch.

Phase 07

Air-Fry Potatoes: Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning potatoes halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.

Phase 08

Add Toppings and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan alternative.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g