The hosts almost caught Torquay napping with a simple ball over the top in the first minute, but Woking loanee Delano Sam-Yorke was unable to get his shot on target.
Maidstone continued to force the issue, with Nana Ofori-Twumasi and Jamar Loza also going close before the break, and they got their rewards when Loza found Sam-Yorke in space to fire home from 10 yards in the 53rd minute.
Substitute Brett Williams briefly levelled things up for Torquay after 63 minutes, but Jack Paxman sealed the win which took Maidstone out of the drop zone six minutes later.
Report supplied by the Press Association
Match ends, Maidstone United 2, Torquay United 1.
Second Half ends, Maidstone United 2, Torquay United 1.
Substitution, Maidstone United. James Rogers replaces Jack Paxman.
Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi (Maidstone United) is shown the yellow card.
Substitution, Torquay United. Sam Chaney replaces Ben Gerring.
Substitution, Maidstone United. Alex Flisher replaces Jamar Loza.
Goal!  Maidstone United 2, Torquay United 1. Jack Paxman (Maidstone United).
Goal!  Maidstone United 1, Torquay United 1. Brett Williams (Torquay United).
Substitution, Torquay United. Jamie Reid replaces Luke Young.
Substitution, Torquay United. Brett Williams replaces Shaun Harrad.
Goal!  Maidstone United 1, Torquay United 0. Delano Sam-Yorke (Maidstone United).
Second Half begins Maidstone United 0, Torquay United 0.
First Half ends, Maidstone United 0, Torquay United 0.
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Maidstone ended a run of five National League games without a win by beating Torquay 2-1 at the Gallagher Stadium.