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.

The first time I tried making tornado potatoes in the air fryer, I was amazed at how crispy and golden they turned out without deep frying. Spiralizing each potato was relaxing and a great activity to do with friends or family.

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 Potatoes:

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

Spiral Cut:

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.

Coat:

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.

Air Fry:

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

Cook:

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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These have quickly become a favorite in our family, especially during movie nights. Kids love helping with the spiral cutting and everyone enjoys dipping the crispy potato spirals into their favorite sauces.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and 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 a vegan version.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 180. Total Fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 28 g. Protein: 3 g.

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Enjoy these air-fryer tornado potatoes while they're hot and crisp. They disappear fast at parties and make every gathering more fun.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you spiral slice the potatoes?

Thread a potato onto a skewer, then use a sharp knife to cut in a spiral motion as you rotate the potato. Stretch gently along the skewer.

→ What seasonings work best for these potatoes?

Classic choices include olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add Parmesan or parsley for extra flavor.

→ How can I achieve extra crispiness?

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

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets?

Yes, it uses only gluten-free ingredients. For vegetarian, use Parmesan cheese; skip or substitute for vegan dietary needs.

→ What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Popular options include aioli, ketchup, and sour cream. Experiment with spicy and creamy dips for added variety.

→ Can other types of potatoes be used?

Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a different flavor and color to your tornado potatoes.