Save Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier fun-to-eat snack or side dish. If you love creative vegetarian snacks with a crispy twist these tornado potatoes will make your plate pop with a touch of American flair.
I first tried making tornado potatoes for a family game night and could not believe how quick and simple they were. Since then they've become a go-to for parties and cozy weekends everyone loves swirling their own potato skewer.
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 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. Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato ensuring it gets between the layers.
- Preheat & Arrange:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket making sure they do not touch.
- Air-Fry:
- 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.
Pin it The first time my kids saw these they each wanted their own personalized spiral and tried dipping with all the sauces we could find. It's become a family favorite both for snacking and friendly kitchen challenges.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the tornado potatoes with dips like aioli ketchup or sour cream for a playful snack tray or serve as a creative side to grilled protein.
Tool Tips
Long skewers and a sharp knife make spiral slicing easy. If your air fryer basket is small work in batches for best results.
Nutritional Info
Each serving has about 180 calories 7 g fat 28 g carbohydrates and 3 g protein depending on toppings.
Pin it Enjoy these crisp tornado potatoes hot right out of the air fryer with your favorite seasoning or dipping sauce for a fun side dish or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I slice potatoes into tornado spirals?
Insert a skewer through the potato, then rotate while carefully slicing in a spiral from one end to the other, stretching the spiral along the skewer.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for spiraling and crisping, but sweet potatoes offer a tasty twist on flavor and color.
- → Can I make these fully vegan?
Skip Parmesan cheese or substitute with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version. All other ingredients are plant-based.
- → How do I get extra crispy potatoes?
Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before air-frying, then dry thoroughly to enhance crispness.
- → What are tasty dip options?
Serve with aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the crunchy spirals.
- → Are these gluten-free?
Yes, all main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check seasoning blends for hidden gluten or allergens.