Save to Pinterest Crispy spiral potatoes on skewers, seasoned to perfection and air-fried for a healthier, fun-to-eat snack or side dish.
The first time I made air-fryer tornado potatoes, my kids were so excited by the shape and crispiness, they couldn&t wait to grab their own skewer. We all enjoyed customizing our toppings the whole family got involved in the process!
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): 2 tbsp (omit for vegan)
- Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp, chopped
- Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp
Instructions
- Skewer Potatoes:
- Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
- Slice Spirals:
- 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 spacing between 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, making sure it gets between layers.
- Preheat Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Cook:
- Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Air-fry for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Add Toppings:
- Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these tornado potatoes at a recent picnic became a highlight everyone loved picking their own and the crispy spirals disappeared quickly!
Required Tools
For perfect results, use an air fryer and long skewers plus a sharp knife for spiral cutting. A small bowl makes seasoning easy. If you have a pastry brush, it helps apply the seasoning evenly.
Allergen Information
This dish is gluten-free and vegetarian when prepared as listed. Always check any seasoning blends for hidden allergens. For a vegan option, skip Parmesan and use dairy-free cheese.
Nutritional Information
A serving of these tornado potatoes contains about 180 calories, 7g total fat, 28g carbs, and 3g protein. Add toppings thoughtfully to suit your dietary preferences.
Save to Pinterest Make these air-fryer tornado potatoes whenever you want a crowd-pleasing side dish or snack with maximum crunch and style!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a spiral cut for tornado potatoes?
To create spirals, run a sharp knife along the potato while rotating it, keeping the skewer centered and cutting evenly.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russets?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well and offer a sweeter flavor as a substitute for russet potatoes.
- → Why soak potatoes before air frying?
Soaking removes excess starch, helping the potatoes become extra crispy when cooked.
- → What dips pair well with tornado potatoes?
Classic choices include aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or spicy mayo for added flavor.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, these potatoes are naturally gluten-free. Check seasonings and toppings for hidden gluten.
- → What tools are essential for making tornado potatoes?
An air fryer, long skewers, sharp knife, and small bowl for mixing seasonings are needed for preparation.