Pin it 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.
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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
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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.
Pin it 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.
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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
Pin it 
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.
