Sweet Potato Fries Onion Dip

My air fryer sat on the counter for months before I realized it could transform humble sweet potatoes into something genuinely crave-worthy. One lazy Sunday afternoon, I was rifling through the crisper drawer when I spotted two large sweet potatoes that needed rescuing, and instead of roasting them for forty minutes, I wondered what fifteen minutes in that gadget might do. The result was so unexpectedly golden and crispy that my teenager actually asked for seconds, which never happens. That moment taught me the air fryer wasn't just for frozen chicken wings—it was a shortcut to restaurant-quality sides made with real ingredients.

I made this for my partner's coworkers during a casual work-from-home happy hour we hosted on the patio, and watching people reach for thirds while debating whether these were homemade genuinely delighted me. The dip disappeared faster than the fries, and someone asked if I'd consider catering, which felt absurdly kind but also like the highest compliment a bowl of onion dip could receive. That afternoon cemented this recipe as my go-to when I want to feel like I've put in effort without actually spending my whole day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 600 g), peeled and cut into fries: Choose ones that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly, and don't be shy with how thick you cut them—thinner fries get shatteringly crisp while thicker ones stay creamy inside.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: This is your golden ticket to crispiness, so don't skimp or substitute with cooking spray, which produces a drier result.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: The smoky depth transforms ordinary fries into something that tastes intentional and restaurant-worthy.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Buy it in a spice jar you actually use often, since stale garlic powder tastes dusty and defeats the purpose.
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: These are your baseline seasonings, but always taste as you go because air fryers can concentrate flavors differently depending on the model.
• 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The sour cream brings tang while the mayo brings silkiness, and together they create a dip that's thick enough to cling to fries without being gluggy.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Yellow onions have a natural sweetness that plays beautifully against the salty fries, unlike sharper red onions that can overpower.
• 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing: Cooking the onion softens its raw edge and builds a sweet, mellow flavor that tastes like you've been fussing over this for hours.
• 1 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp garlic powder: These mirror the fries' seasonings and create a cohesive flavor story across both components.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional): If you have fresh chives, they add a delicate onion brightness that jarred options simply cannot match.

Instructions

Cut and coat your sweet potatoes:

Peel your potatoes, then cut them into fries about the thickness of a regular french fry—not pencil-thin, not thick-cut steak fries, but somewhere in the middle where magic happens. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil and all your seasonings, making sure every piece gets a light, even coating, because the ones left uncoated will be bland.

Load the air fryer basket:

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) while you arrange the fries in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece so hot air can circulate. If they're crowded, they steam instead of crisp, so work in batches if you need to.

Fry until golden:

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through so every fry gets time against the heating element. You'll know they're done when the edges are caramelized and deep golden, and a fork pierces them with gentle resistance.

Caramelize your onions for the dip:

While the fries are cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add your diced onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and takes on a light golden color with some caramelized edges.

Blend the dip:

In a medium bowl, combine your sour cream, mayonnaise, and the warm caramelized onion, then fold in the onion powder, garlic powder, fresh chives if using, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed and the onion pieces are distributed throughout.

Serve while fries are hot:

Transfer your crispy fries to a serving dish and set the dip alongside in a small bowl, so people can dip generously. The contrast between hot, crispy fries and cool, tangy dip is what makes this dish actually memorable.

Save

There's something profoundly satisfying about serving homemade dip at a gathering, the way it signals you actually care enough to mix things together rather than opening a package. My grandmother would have called this simple food, and she would have been right, but simplicity done well is how you build moments worth remembering.

The Air Fryer Advantage

Air fryers aren't just a trend if you think about them as countertop convection ovens that happen to fry things beautifully without oil splatters, smudged stovetops, or that lingering fried smell that lingers in your kitchen for days. They're especially brilliant for sweet potatoes because the high heat caramelizes the natural sugars quickly while the circulating air keeps everything from steaming into mushiness. Once you realize you can make restaurant-quality fries at home in the time it takes to watch one episode of something, you'll understand why this tiny appliance earned its permanent spot on my counter.

The Dip That Changes Everything

Homemade dip tastes like a completely different food from store-bought versions because the sour cream and mayo actually taste like ingredients instead of stabilizers and additives, and when you sauté real onions instead of using powder alone, you add depth that transforms a condiment into something people remember. The sautéed onion is the secret that separates this from being just another mayo-based dip—it brings sweetness and body and makes the whole thing taste considered. I've had people ask for the recipe thinking it's complicated, and their surprise when I explain it takes five minutes to assemble is always delightful.

Customizing for Your Crowd

This recipe is forgiving enough to bend to your preferences without breaking, whether that means spice levels, textural tweaks, or dietary swaps that actually work. The beauty is in the flexibility—you're not fighting any finicky techniques, just layering flavors and textures that happen to work brilliantly together.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to either the fries or the dip if heat appeals to you, starting small because cayenne gets louder as it sits.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for half or all of the sour cream if you're chasing something lighter without sacrificing that tangy flavor.
• Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can replace chives for a completely different but equally delicious flavor direction.

Save

These fries and dip became my answer to the question of what to serve when you want something satisfying but not heavy, something that feels like you've made an effort without stress. Every time I make them, someone eats more than they planned to.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings. This removes excess starch and helps achieve a crispier texture when air fried.

→ Can I substitute ingredients in the onion dip?

Yes, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter dip. Adding fresh chives enhances flavor, and cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick if desired.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for best results. Cook the fries in a single layer, shaking halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

→ Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all main ingredients are gluten-free. However, verify that any packaged ingredients like mayonnaise are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

→ How do I prepare the sautéed onion for the dip?

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the diced yellow onion for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and lightly golden, which adds a mellow sweetness to the dip.