Save 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 local fair, and making them at home in the air fryer brought that festival magic to my own kitchen. My family loves helping with the spiral cutting and choosing their favorite toppings.
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.
- 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 the potato along the skewer for even spacing.
- Season:
- In a small bowl, blend olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it gets between the layers.
- Preheat air fryer:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Air-fry:
- Lay the skewered potatoes in the basket, making sure they do not touch. Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes.
Save My kids love helping with the spiral cutting step, and it always turns into a fun family moment in our kitchen.
Required Tools
Air fryer, long wooden or metal skewers, sharp knife, small bowl, pastry brush (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains milk if Parmesan is used. Gluten-free; check seasoning blends. Use dairy-free cheese for vegan option.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 3 g
Save Serve with your favorite dips for even more flavor—aioli, ketchup, or sour cream make tasty choices.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you create the spiral shape?
Carefully slice the potato while rotating on a skewer, then stretch the spiral evenly along the stick.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, sweet potatoes offer a unique flavor and work well with spiral cutting and air-frying.
- → How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Soak the spiral-cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before seasoning.
- → What dips pair best with tornado potatoes?
Classic choices include aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese for vegan. Seasonings and potatoes are naturally gluten-free, but check labels.
- → What tools are essential for making this dish?
An air fryer, long skewers, a sharp knife, and a small bowl for mixing seasonings are recommended.