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 made these air-fryer tornado potatoes for a weekend game night, and they were a major hit with our friends. Twisting and spiraling the potatoes was surprisingly simple—and watching them crisp up felt rewarding as everyone waited excitedly.

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)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp
• Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp

Instructions

Skewer the potatoes:

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

Create the tornado 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 spiral spacing.

Season the potato:

Mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Brush or rub the mixture over each spiraled potato, getting seasoning between the layers.

Preheat air fryer:

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

Air-fry:

Place skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, not touching. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

Add toppings:

Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

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Making these tornado potatoes together has become a favorite snack project for our family movie nights. Everyone gets a turn to twist their own potato before we season and cook them to golden perfection.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used. Gluten-free as written; check your seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens. For vegan, use dairy-free cheese.

Nutritional Information

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

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Serve tornado potatoes right out of the air fryer for maximum crunch. They’re always gone in moments!

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve even and crisp spirals?

Make sure to cut the potato in a spiral motion and gently stretch it along the skewer; soaking potato slices in cold water before cooking removes excess starch for a crispier texture.

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes offer a slightly different taste and cook similarly in the air fryer, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish.

→ What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Popular choices include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream, but you can experiment with your favorite savory or spicy dips.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. However, always check your seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.

→ How do I make these potatoes vegan?

Simply skip Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a plant-based version.