Save Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish.
I first made air-fryer tornado potatoes for a game night with friends, and everyone loved how crispy and flavorful they were. The spiral cut makes every bite delightfully crunchy and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
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 the potatoes:
- Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
- Create spiral cuts:
- 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 potatoes:
- 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.
- Air-fry potatoes:
- 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.
- Add toppings:
- Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Save This recipe became a fun family weekend project. My kids loved helping spiral the potatoes and choosing their favorite dips.
Required Tools
Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, pastry brush (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free but check seasoning blends. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g (per serving)
Save Serve these tornado potatoes hot for the best crunch. They are great with aioli, ketchup, or sour cream.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you spiral cut potatoes for this dish?
Insert a skewer through the potato and carefully slice in a spiral motion using a sharp knife, rotating as you cut, then gently pull to create even spirals.
- → What seasonings work best with tornado potatoes?
Olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper offer a flavorful base. You can add Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes for extra zing.
- → How can I make tornado potatoes extra crispy?
Soak potato spirals in cold water for 30 minutes after slicing, then dry thoroughly before cooking. Air-frying ensures a crispy finish while retaining tenderness.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, sweet potatoes give a tasty twist to the dish and work well with the same spiral cutting and air-frying method.
- → Are tornado potatoes suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
They're naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative to make them vegan-friendly.
- → What dips pair well with spiral potatoes?
Aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or creamy herb dressings all complement the crispy, savory flavors of tornado potatoes.