Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Featured in: Asian-Inspired Dishes

Enjoy crispy tornado-style potatoes cooked in the air fryer, brushed with olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sliced in a spiral and skewered for even cooking, these golden potato spirals are a fun twist on classic fries. Optional toppings like grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or chili flakes add extra flavor. Perfect as a snack or side, these potatoes are vegetarian and gluten-free, with the option to make them vegan. For best results, soak sliced potatoes in cold water before air-frying. Serve hot with your favorite dips and enjoy a crunchy, healthier comfort food treat.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, spiraled and seasoned for a delicious snack experience.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes, spiraled and seasoned for a delicious snack experience. | gingertaste.com

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

I first tried these tornado potatoes for a weekend movie night, and they instantly became my family's new favorite snack. Everyone loved how crispy they turned out with so little oil.

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 and Slice:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato. 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. Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it gets between the layers.
Air-Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Finish and Serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Golden, seasoned air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfect for any gathering.  Save
Golden, seasoned air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, perfect for any gathering. | gingertaste.com

My kids always ask for extra dips whenever I make these at home, making it a fun family treat we love sharing together.

Required Tools

All you need is an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, and a small bowl. A pastry brush makes seasoning easier but is optional.

Allergen Information

This snack is naturally gluten-free. If using Parmesan, it contains milk. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese, and always check spices for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making these a light and satisfying treat.

Deliciously spiraled tornado potatoes, air-fried and topped with fresh parsley and cheese. Save
Deliciously spiraled tornado potatoes, air-fried and topped with fresh parsley and cheese. | gingertaste.com

These air-fryer tornado potatoes will wow your guests with minimal effort. Serve fresh for maximum crunch and flavor.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I make spiral cuts in the potatoes?

Insert a skewer through each potato and use a sharp knife to cut in a spiral motion, stretching gently along the skewer.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes add a different flavor and also crisp up nicely in the air fryer using the same method.

How do I achieve extra crispiness?

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

Are these potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, they are gluten-free as long as you check that all seasoning blends are free from hidden gluten or allergens.

What toppings can I use for added flavor?

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or chili flakes for extra flavor. Dairy-free options work for vegan diets.

What dips pair well with these potatoes?

Aioli, ketchup, or sour cream are great dipping options to complement the savory, crispy tornado potatoes.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes

Crisp spiral potatoes air-fried with savory seasoning for a flavorful, fun-to-eat snack or side dish.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat application time
25 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Olivia Harper

Classification Asian-Inspired Dishes

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

Potatoes

01 4 medium russet potatoes, thoroughly 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
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Preparation steps

Phase 01

Skewer Preparation: Carefully insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.

Phase 02

Spiral Cutting: While holding the skewer, use a sharp knife to slice the potato in a spiral, rotating as you cut from end to end. Gently elongate the spiral along the skewer to space the slices evenly.

Phase 03

Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Phase 04

Apply Seasoning: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture across each spiraled potato, ensuring thorough coverage between all layers.

Phase 05

Air Fryer Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.

Phase 06

Cooking: Arrange skewered potatoes in air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Phase 07

Finishing Touches: Optionally, garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes prior to serving.

Necessary tools

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

Potential allergens

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.
  • Substitute dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Content: 180
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g