Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

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

I first made these tornado potatoes for a family movie night, and they quickly became the star side dish everyone requested again. The spiral shape makes them super crisp and perfect for dipping!

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.

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.

Make seasoning:

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Season potatoes:

Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it gets between the layers.

Preheat air fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Arrange potatoes:

Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.

Air-fry:

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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Sharing these with my kids always turns dinner into a fun occasion. They love helping twist the potatoes onto skewers!

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and an optional pastry brush make the process simple and quick.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk if using Parmesan cheese, but is gluten-free. Always check your seasonings for hidden allergens and use dairy-free cheese as needed.

Nutritional Information

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

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Try tornado potatoes for a snack that will wow your guests and kids alike. Crispy, flavorful, and ready in under an hour!

Common Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are preferred for their sturdy texture and ability to crisp up nicely when air-fried.

→ How do you achieve even spirals?

Insert a skewer, then use a steady spiral motion while slicing to create evenly spaced potato spirals.

→ Can I prepare these ahead?

Yes, spiral and soak potatoes in cold water up to a day ahead. Season and air-fry just before serving for best texture.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Classic choices include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream, but spicy or herbed yogurt dips also complement the flavors.

→ How do I make a vegan version?

Simply omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and gluten-free.

→ Are air-fryer tornado potatoes suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as seasoning blends are checked for hidden gluten, these potatoes remain a satisfying gluten-free snack.