How To Cook Spiral Potatoes In Air Fryer

You want to make those impressive spiral potatoes you see online. Learning how to cook spiral potatoes in air fryer is the easiest way to get them crispy and golden at home.

This snack is fun to make and even more fun to eat. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can create a stunning side dish or party food. Let’s get started on making your perfect spiralized potatoes.

This method gives you the best results. The hot, circulating air in the fryer cooks the potato evenly. It makes each spiral crispy on the outside and tender inside. You won’t believe how simple it is.

What You’ll Need

Gathering your tools and ingredients first makes the process smooth. Here’s your checklist.

Potatoes: Russet or Idaho potatoes are best. They’re starchy and get very crispy.
Oil: A high-smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or light olive oil.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any dried herbs you like.
Kitchen Tool: A spiralizer or a spiral cutting tool. Handheld ones work great.
Air Fryer: Any model will work, but cooking times might vary slightly.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing the potatoes in oil and seasoning.

Choosing the Right Potato

Not all potatoes are created equal for this recipe. Russets have a high starch content and low moisture. This is the ideal combo for achieving maximum crispiness. Their thick skin also helps the spiral hold its shape during cooking.

You can use Yukon Golds for a slightly creamier interior. But they might not get quite as crispy. Avoid very waxy potatoes like red potatoes for this specific recipe.

Prepping Your Spiralizer

Before you start cutting, make sure your spiralizer is secure. If it’s a handheld model, have a good grip. If it’s a countertop model, clamp it firmly to your surface. This prevents slipping and makes the spiraling process safer and easier.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps closely for the best outcome. It’s a straightforward process.

Wash and Dry: Scrub your potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Dry them completely with a kitchen towel. Any extra moisture will steam the potatoes instead of frying them.
Spiralize: Use the spiralizer to cut your potato into a long, continuous spiral. If you have a tool with different blades, the “curly fry” blade is the one you want. Push the potato through firmly and steadily.
Season Generously: In a large bowl, drizzle the potato spirals with oil. Use your hands to toss and coat every nook and cranny. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings over top and toss again until evenly distributed.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. This gives the potatoes a crisp start as soon as they hit the basket.
Arrange in Basket: Place the seasoned spiral potato in the air fryer basket. Try to lay it in a somewhat loose nest shape, but it’s okay if it overlaps a bit. Avoid packing it down tightly.
Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes. At the halfway point, pause the air fryer and gently shake the basket or use tongs to flip and separate the spirals. This ensures even browning.
Check for Doneness: After 12 minutes, check the potatoes. They should be deeply golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve Immediately: Remove the spiral potato from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. Season with a little extra salt if desired. They are best eaten right away while hot and crispy.

Essential Tips for Maximum Crispiness

A few small tricks make a huge difference in your final result. Pay attention to these details.

Dry Thoroughly: After washing, pat the whole potato and the spirals themselves dry. Wet potatoes steam.
Don’t Skimp on Oil: A thin, even coating of oil is non-negotiable for crisping. It helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to soggy, steamed potatoes. The air needs to circulate freely around each piece.
Shake the Basket: That mid-cook shake is crucial. It moves the potatoes around so all sides get exposed to the hot air.
Use Parchment Paper with Caution: A perforated parchment liner can help with cleanup, but it can also hinder air flow. If you use one, make sure it doesn’t cover the entire basket bottom.

Seasoning Ideas and Variations

Once you master the basic recipe, you can get creative with flavors. The seasoning possibilities are endless.

Classic Savory

This is a crowd-pleasing combination. Mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of black pepper. It’s simple and always works well.

Cheesy Garlic Herb

Toss the cooked, hot spirals with grated Parmesan cheese, a little dried oregano, and some parsley. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly. You can also add garlic powder to the oil before cooking.

Spicy Ranch

For a tangy kick, toss the oiled spirals with a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The result is full of flavor with a nice slow heat.

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar

For a dessert-style treat, skip the savory seasonings. Toss the oiled spirals with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before air frying. The sugar will caramelize and create a sweet, crunchy coating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your potatoes didn’t turn out as planned, here’s how to fix it next time.

Soggy Potatoes: This is usually from overcrowding the basket, not drying the potatoes enough, or not using enough oil. Cook in a single layer and ensure they are very dry.
Burnt Edges: Your temperature might be too high, or the potatoes are too thin. Try reducing the temperature to 370°F and checking a few minutes earlier.
Spiral Falls Apart: The potato might be too small or the core was not intact. Choose larger, oblong potatoes and spiralize around the core. Using a very waxy potato can also cause this.
Undercooked Center: The potato spiral might be too thick, or the air fryer wasn’t preheated. Try cutting slightly thinner spirals and always preheat.

Serving Suggestions

These spiral potatoes are versatile. They can be the star or a supporting player.

Serve them as a fun side dish with burgers, grilled chicken, or steak. They’re perfect for dipping into ketchup, aioli, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce. For a party, place one on each plate as an edible garnish or stack them in a tall bowl for a centerpiece snack.

You can also break them apart after cooking to create a bed for toppings. Think loaded potato spirals with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These are best fresh, but you can save leftovers. Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, use the air fryer again. Place them in the basket at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until re-crisped and hot. The microwave will make them soft and chewy, so it’s not recommended if you want to keep the texture.

Why the Air Fryer is Perfect for This Recipe

The air fryer’s design is ideal for spiral potatoes. Its compact size and powerful fan create a convection oven effect. This means hot air moves rapidly around the food, cooking it quickly and evenly from all angles.

It achieves a similar crispiness to deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. You get that satisfying crunch without the mess and extra calories of a pot of hot oil. It’s also much faster than using a conventional oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make spiral potatoes without a spiralizer?

Yes, but it’s more difficult. You can carefully use a sharp knife to cut a continuous spiral, but it requires good knife skills. A spiralizer is a very helpful and inexpensive tool for this job.

Do I need to soak the potatoes in water first?

It’s not necessary for the air fryer method. Soaking is often done for deep-frying to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. For air frying, drying them well is more important than soaking.

What’s the best air fryer temperature for spiral potatoes?

We find 380°F (193°C) works perfectly. It’s hot enough to crisp the outside quickly without burning it before the inside cooks through. Some models may vary, so adjust based on your first batch.

Can I use frozen spiral potatoes?

Yes, you can cook frozen pre-cut spiral potatoes in the air fryer. There’s no need to thaw them. Just add a bit of extra oil and seasoning, and increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Why are my potato spirals sticking together?

This happens if they are too crowded or not tossed with enough oil. Make sure each spiral has a light coating of oil to create a barrier. Also, shake and separate them well during the cooking process.

Are spiral potatoes healthy?

Air fryer spiral potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. You use less oil, which reduces the fat and calorie content significantly. Potatoes themselves provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially if you leave the skin on.

Final Thoughts

Making spiral potatoes in your air fryer is a simple way to create a spectacular snack. The key steps are choosing the right potato, drying it well, using enough oil, and not overcrowding the basket. With a little practice, you’ll be making crispy, golden spiral potatoes every time.

Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. It turns a humble potato into something truly special with minimal effort and cleanup.