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.

I discovered tornado potatoes at a summer fair and loved reinventing them in my kitchen with the air fryer. The process is satisfying and the results are always crunchy and delicious.

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

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Skewer 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. 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. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Finish & Serve:

Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.

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These tornado potatoes are a hit whenever family visits, especially with homemade dips. We love gathering around the kitchen counter while everyone gets a turn cutting and seasoning their own potato skewer.

Required Tools

Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, and pastry brush are essential for getting the perfect spiral and crunch.

Allergen Information

Contains milk if using Parmesan cheese. Gluten-free, but always verify seasoning ingredients. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan snack.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Serve these tornado potatoes hot and crispy for maximum enjoyment. The perfect snack or side dish to wow guests and satisfy cravings.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I spiral cut the potatoes?

Insert a skewer through the potato, then use a sharp knife to slice in a spiral motion from end to end.

→ What is the best potato type for this dish?

Russet potatoes are recommended for their crisp texture, though sweet potatoes can also be used.

→ How do I ensure they get crispy?

Soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry, and air-fry, turning halfway for even crispiness.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives to keep the dish completely plant-based.

→ What seasonings work best?

Classic choices include olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste preferences.

→ Which dips pair well?

Popular options are aioli, ketchup, sour cream, and spicy dips. Choose according to your taste.