Sweet Potato Fries Onion Dip

My air fryer became my secret weapon last summer when I stopped pretending I'd deep fry at home and discovered these golden sweet potato fries instead. There's something magical about how the air fryer crisps them on the outside while keeping the inside soft and naturally sweet, all without heating up the entire kitchen. The first time I served them with homemade onion dip at a casual dinner, people actually asked for the recipe instead of just eating them—which rarely happens. It felt like I'd cracked some kind of code, and now whenever I need something that looks impressive but requires zero fuss, this is what I make.

I remember making this for my nephew's birthday party and watching him eat fries with both hands while barely coming up for air, which is when I knew I'd nailed something. His friends kept asking if we'd ordered them from somewhere fancy, and I let them think whatever made them happy. That moment taught me that simple food made with actual care beats complicated recipes every single time, and these fries are the proof I needed.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes (2 large, about 600g): The orange ones you find in the regular produce section work perfectly—avoid the pale ones, which are actually yams and cook differently.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp for fries, 1 tbsp for dip): This is where you can use something decent but not your most expensive bottle; the heat and seasoning do most of the work.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Don't skip this—it adds a subtle depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp for fries, 1/2 tsp for dip) and onion powder (1 tsp for dip): These powders are sharper and more concentrated than fresh, so they actually hold their flavor through cooking and mixing.
• Salt and black pepper: Taste as you go, especially with the dip, since salt levels vary wildly between different brands of sour cream.
• Sour cream (1 cup) and mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The sour cream brings tang while the mayo makes it creamy, and this ratio hits that sweet spot between both.
• Yellow onion (1 small, finely diced): Yellow onions turn sweet and mellow when sautéed, which is exactly what this dip needs.
• Fresh chives (1 tbsp, optional): I always add these because they feel like the finishing touch that transforms dip from basic to intentional.

Instructions

Cut and season your sweet potato fries:

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into fries about the thickness of your pinky finger—consistency matters here because thin ones turn into chips while thick ones stay soft inside. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and all your seasonings, making sure every piece gets coated.

Get your air fryer ready:

Preheat to 200°C (400°F) while you're prepping, which takes about 3 minutes. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket without crowding—this is the moment where patience pays off, and cooking in batches if needed actually gives you crispier results.

Air fry until golden:

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown evenly. You'll know they're done when the edges look almost caramelized and they sound crispy when you move them around.

Sauté your onions:

While the fries are cooking, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add your diced onions. Let them soften for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they're golden and smell absolutely incredible.

Mix your dip:

In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, the warm sautéed onions, both powders, chives if you're using them, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and taste it—this is your moment to add a pinch more salt or garlic if it needs it.

Serve immediately:

Transfer the hot fries to a serving plate and set your dip alongside them. The warmth of the fries against the cool creaminess of the dip is part of what makes this work so well.

Save to Pinterest

There was an afternoon when I made these for myself on a random Tuesday, no occasion at all, and sat on my kitchen counter eating them straight from the air fryer basket while catching up on my phone. That's when I realized this recipe had become something I make for myself, not just for impressing other people—and honestly, that's how you know something is truly good.

Why Your Air Fryer Is About to Become Your Best Friend

The air fryer does something special with sweet potatoes that regular ovens just can't match. The intense, circulating heat creates this exact texture—crispy exterior that shatters when you bite it, tender inside that tastes almost caramel-like from the natural sugars. Once you experience this difference, you'll understand why people actually get excited about this kitchen tool instead of letting it collect dust.

Making Your Dip Taste Like It Came From Somewhere

The secret to dip that people actually rave about is sautéing the onions first instead of using them raw. Raw onions are sharp and overwhelming, but when you cook them gently in olive oil, they transform into something sweet and mellow that blends beautifully with the tangy sour cream. This one small step is what separates homemade dip that tastes intentional from something that tastes like you just mixed ingredients together.

Small Changes That Make a Real Difference

Once you master the basic version, there are endless directions you can take this. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat that sneaks up on you, smoked paprika in the dip itself creates complexity, or swapping in Greek yogurt makes the whole thing lighter without losing creaminess. The best part about this recipe is how forgiving it is—you can play around and make it yours.

• Soak cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes if you want maximum crispiness and have time to plan ahead.
• Always taste your dip before serving and adjust salt last, since it's easy to oversalt but impossible to fix.
• Serve everything hot and cold respectively—warm fries with cool dip is part of the whole experience.

Save to Pinterest

This is the kind of recipe that lives in the space between effort and reward—simple enough that you'll actually make it, impressive enough that people will remember it. Make it once and it becomes your go-to, the thing you reach for when you want something that feels easy but tastes like you tried.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get extra crispy sweet potato fries?

Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings to ensure crispness when air frying.

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the onion dip?

Yes, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter and tangier dip without compromising flavor.

→ What temperature and time should I use for air frying?

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and air fry the fries for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.

→ How can I add a spicy kick to the fries?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix before air frying to introduce some heat.

→ Are these fries suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the fries and dip use naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always check packaged items for possible cross-contamination.