Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes are a fun and crispy snack that’s perfect for parties or a flavorful side dish. These spiral-cut potatoes are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. They’re easy to make and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato.
- Step 2: 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 evenly spaced spirals.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly mixed.
- Step 4: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, ensuring coverage between all layers.
- Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Place the skewered potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch.
- Step 7: Air-fry for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each potato halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Step 8: Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sturdy skewer to support the potato and make spiral slicing easier.
- For extra crispiness, soak the spiral-cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch, then pat dry.
- Try substituting smoked paprika with Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover tornado potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes, but russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture and crispiness after air frying.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before making tornado potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother finish.
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Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air-Fryer Tornado Potatoes are a fun and crispy snack made from spirally sliced russet potatoes seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they offer a deliciously crunchy treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Skewer Preparation: Insert a long wooden or metal skewer lengthwise through the center of each potato, ensuring it goes in straight for even slicing.
- Spiral Slicing: Holding the skewer firmly, use a sharp knife to cut the potato in a continuous spiral motion, rotating the potato as you slice from one end to the other. Carefully stretch the potato along the skewer to create evenly spaced spirals.
- Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to form the seasoning blend.
- Season Potatoes: Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over each spiraled potato, making sure to get seasoning between all the layers of the spiral for full flavor.
- Air Fryer Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Arrange Potatoes: Place each skewered and seasoned potato in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced out and do not touch, so air circulates well.
- Air-Frying Process: Air-fry the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, turning each one halfway through the cooking time to make sure they become golden brown and evenly crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, optionally sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chili flakes before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife for clean spiral cuts to avoid breaking the potato layers.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure potatoes are dry before seasoning to help the seasoning stick better.
- Different air fryer models might require slight time adjustments; check potatoes for crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the best crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Tornado potatoes, air fryer potatoes, spiral potatoes, crispy potatoes, snack, appetizer

