Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Snack

Featured in: Snack Time Heroes

Air-fryer tornado potatoes deliver crisp spirals on skewers, seasoned for ultimate flavor. Russet potatoes are sliced into spirals, brushed with olive oil and spices, then air-fried until golden. Optionally topped with Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes, these potatoes offer a visually striking side or snack. For best results, soak potatoes for extra crunch, and serve them with desired dips like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. This dish is vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan by omitting cheese. Each serving is tasty and light, perfect for sharing.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:52:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, drizzled with savory olive oil seasoning.  Save
Crispy air-fryer tornado potatoes on skewers, drizzled with savory olive oil seasoning. | collationspot.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 tornado potatoes at a summer festival, and making them at home in the air fryer was a game-changer for both flavor and ease. The spiral shape holds extra seasoning and creates such a satisfying crunch.

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

Instructions

Skewer the potatoes:
Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
Create spirals:
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 the spirals:
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.
Preheat air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Cook:
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.
Optional toppings:
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
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| collationspot.com

Our kids love assembling their own potato spirals with help, and these potatoes always spark smiles during movie nights and family game days.

Required Tools

You'll need an air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, a sharp knife, a small bowl, and a pastry brush for smooth seasoning application.

Allergen Information

If using Parmesan cheese, this dish contains dairy. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese. Always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 180 calories, 7 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Golden, spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan.  Save
Golden, spiral-cut air-fryer tornado potatoes topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | collationspot.com

Bring these tornado potatoes to your next get-together for a wow factor on the table. Air-fried flavor and crispy spirals will be the hit of any snack spread.

Recipe Help

How do you create the spiral shape?

Insert a skewer lengthwise through the potato and slice in a spiral motion, rotating as you cut.

How do you get crispy potatoes in the air fryer?

Brush with oil plus seasonings and air-fry at 375°F, turning halfway through. Soaking potatoes adds crispiness.

Can you make vegan tornado potatoes?

Yes, omit Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.

Do sweet potatoes work for this dish?

Sweet potatoes can be substituted for a unique twist and slightly different taste.

Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, they're naturally gluten-free; check your seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten.

What dips pair well with spiral potatoes?

Aioli, ketchup, or sour cream complement the crisp, seasoned potatoes nicely.

Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Snack

Spiral potatoes air-fried with savory spices for a crispy, golden, and fun snack or side.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets Vegetarian, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

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 black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
03 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

How-To

Step 01

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

Step 02

Spiral Slice: 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 each potato along the skewer to space the spirals evenly.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between the layers.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spaced apart and not touching.

Step 07

Cook Potatoes: Air-fry the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 08

Add Toppings: Optionally, garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk if topped with Parmesan cheese.
  • Gluten-free; verify all seasoning blends to ensure absence of gluten or hidden allergens.
  • For vegan preparation, replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 180
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g