Save It Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish. Whether you serve these for a party or as a unique side, they're sure to be a hit and easy to enjoy.
I tried these tornado potatoes at a street market and was instantly hooked. Making them at home in my air fryer brought that crispy texture I love but with much less 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 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 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.
- Coat:
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring it gets between the layers.
- Preheat:
- 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.
- Add toppings:
- Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Save It We made these with my kids on a weekend afternoon, and everyone loved threading their own potato and adding their favorite toppings afterwards.
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 as long as seasoning mixes are vetted. Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 180 calories, 7 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Save It Serve these straight from the air fryer while hot for the best crunch. They're fantastic with your favorite dip and make snack time extra fun.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I achieve perfect spirals?
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the potatoes in a spiral motion around the skewer, taking your time for even spacing.
- → Can I make these vegan?
Yes, simply omit Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly dish.
- → Which potatoes are best for spiraling?
Russet potatoes work well for their firm texture, but sweet potatoes also spiral nicely for a different flavor.
- → How do I get extra crispiness?
Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning and air-frying.
- → What dips pair well with tornado potatoes?
Popular choices include aioli, ketchup, ranch, or sour cream, which complement the crispy texture.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free seasonings and avoid hidden allergens in packaged blends.