Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Snack

Featured in: All-American Desserts

Prepare potatoes by spiraling them onto skewers and coating with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Air-fry at 375°F until perfectly golden and crisp, then garnish with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for an extra burst of flavor. This easy vegetarian snack offers satisfying crunch, a hint of smokiness, and customizable toppings. Ideal for gatherings or family meals, the minimal use of oil keeps every bite light and appealing. Serve warm with dips of your choice for a delightful addition to any menu.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:17:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs for flavor.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs for flavor. | dashofstates.com

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

When I first tried tornado potatoes, I loved how impressive they looked but found them too greasy when fried. Air-frying gives the same crunch with less guilt, and my family enjoys customizing their toppings every time.

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
  • Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated (omit for vegan)
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped
  • Chili flakes: ½ tsp (optional)

Instructions

Skewer Potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Cut Spiral:
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 spirals.
Season:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or rub the mixture evenly over each potato, getting between the layers.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
Cook:
Arrange the skewered potatoes in the basket so they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Garnish:
Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy delicious air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfectly seasoned and spiraled on skewers.  Save
Enjoy delicious air-fryer tornado potatoes, perfectly seasoned and spiraled on skewers. | dashofstates.com

My kids love helping skewer and season the potatoes, and it's become a weekend tradition to serve these with different dips for movie nights.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife for spiraling, a small bowl for mixing seasoning, and a pastry brush for even coating.

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. The recipe is gluten-free; always check blends to avoid hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Golden, spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes, a fun and healthy snack for all. Save
Golden, spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes, a fun and healthy snack for all. | dashofstates.com

Serve these crispy tornado potatoes hot and let everyone choose their own dips and toppings for the best experience.

Recipe FAQ

What potatoes work best for spiral cutting?

Russet potatoes hold sturdiness and shape well for spiral slicing on a skewer.

How do I get extra crispy potatoes?

Soaking sliced potatoes in cold water and thoroughly drying before seasoning boosts crispiness.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer an alternate flavor profile and work well in the air fryer.

Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, ingredients are gluten-free. Check seasonings to ensure no added gluten or allergens.

What dips pair best with these spirals?

Tangy aioli, ketchup, or sour cream are excellent choices for serving alongside these crispy potatoes.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Skip Parmesan cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Snack

Golden spiral potatoes, air-fried and seasoned, make a deliciously crisp snack or side that’s easy and fun to prepare.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional 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 ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Spiral Slice Potatoes: Holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to cut the potato into a spiral, rotating the potato as you slice from one end to the other. Gently stretch the potato along the skewer for even spacing.

Phase 03

Combine Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated.

Phase 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the spiraled potatoes, coating between the spirals.

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 separated and not touching.

Phase 07

Cook Potatoes: Air-fry the potatoes for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time, until golden and crisp.

Phase 08

Optional Garnishes: If desired, sprinkle potatoes with Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free; verify seasoning blends for hidden gluten or other allergens.
  • Use dairy-free cheese for a fully vegan preparation.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g