Save My air fryer and I have become unlikely allies in the snack department, mostly because I discovered that sweet potato fries don't need a deep fryer to become absolutely irresistible. There was this Thursday evening when I had guests coming over and absolutely no time to fuss—the air fryer turned golden, crispy magic in under 20 minutes, and somehow that simple gesture of hot fries with creamy dip became the thing everyone remembered. It's one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to impress but honest enough to make on a random Tuesday when you're just hungry.
I'll never forget my neighbor peering over the fence as smoke billowed from what she thought was a disaster, only to catch the aroma of caramelized onions and smoked paprika. When I handed her a plate of fries still warm from the basket, she stood there silently eating them one by one, which is how you know you've nailed a recipe. That moment taught me that the best food isn't complicated—it's just thoughtfully seasoned and shared without pretense.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (2 large, about 600 g): The foundation of everything here—seek out ones that are firm and unblemished, as they'll hold their shape better during air frying.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp for fries): This light coating is the secret to crispiness; too much makes them greasy, too little leaves them pale.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): This ingredient is the reason people ask for your recipe—it adds warmth and depth that regular paprika simply cannot match.
- Garlic powder and salt (1/2 tsp and 1/2 tsp): The seasoning duo that makes every bite taste intentional rather than bland.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Fresh ground makes a difference here, though pre-ground works in a pinch.
- Sour cream and mayonnaise (1 cup and 1/2 cup): The creamy base of the dip—use full-fat versions if you can, as they create a richer, more satisfying texture.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely diced): The star of the dip, especially once sautéed until it turns golden and loses its sharp edge.
- Onion powder and garlic powder (1 tsp and 1/2 tsp): These amplify the flavor of the fresh onion, creating layers rather than a one-note taste.
- Fresh chives (1 tbsp, optional): They add a whisper of freshness that makes the dip feel less heavy—honestly worth hunting down.
Instructions
- Cut and season your fries:
- Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into fries about the thickness of a pencil—thinner ones get crispier, thicker ones stay fluffier inside. Toss them with olive oil and all the seasonings in a large bowl until every piece glistens and looks evenly coated.
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) while you finish prepping; this matters more than you'd think for getting that golden exterior. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you'll likely need two batches, and that's perfectly fine.
- Air fry until golden:
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket without crowding—they need room to circulate air and become crispy rather than steamed. Shake the basket halfway through the 15–20 minute cook time, listening for that gentle rattle that tells you they're moving.
- Sauté the onions for the dip:
- While the fries cook, warm olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add your finely diced onion. Let it soften and turn golden for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally—the smell alone will make you hungry.
- Mix the dip:
- Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and the cooled sautéed onions in a bowl, then stir in onion powder, garlic powder, chives if using, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings—this is your chance to make it exactly how you like it.
- Serve while everything is warm:
- Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl or plate and set the dip alongside in a small bowl. There's something about eating them while the fries are still steaming that makes them taste exponentially better.
Save There was a Saturday afternoon when my son declared these fries better than the ones from the restaurant down the street, and I realized it wasn't just about technique—it was about the care that went into each step. That small validation made me understand why people cook, beyond hunger: it's about creating something that lands just right.
The Soaking Trick
If you want fries that are almost impossibly crispy on the outside, soak your cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before air frying. This removes excess starch and moisture, which means they'll crisp up rather than steam, giving you that textural contrast that makes every bite satisfying. It's an extra step that takes no active effort, just patience sitting on the counter while you do other things.
Making the Dip Your Own
The beauty of this onion dip is that it's genuinely flexible without losing its identity. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want something lighter, add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or even stir in a touch of smoked paprika to echo the fries. I've made it with crispy bacon bits for guests who needed meat, roasted garlic instead of garlic powder, and even a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang—each version felt right for its moment.
Timing and Serving Suggestions
These fries are best eaten within minutes of leaving the air fryer, while they still have that warmth and crispness that makes them sing. If you're cooking for a group, you can prep the dip entirely in advance and even cut and season the fries ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated until you're ready to air fry. This makes it an excellent choice for gatherings when you'd rather be present with people than stuck in the kitchen.
- Serve the fries immediately on their own or nestled in a paper cone for that classic snack-stand feeling.
- The dip can be made 24 hours ahead, which actually improves its flavor as everything melds together.
- If you have leftover dip, it keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days and tastes wonderful with vegetables, chips, or crackers.
Save This recipe has become my go-to when I want to feel like I've done something thoughtful without the fuss or the mess. It's the kind of food that brings people together around something simple and genuine.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I make the sweet potato fries crispy?
Soaking the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying thoroughly helps remove excess starch, ensuring crispier fries when air fried.
- → Can I prepare the onion dip without cooking the onions?
Sautéing the onions lightly develops their sweetness and softens their texture, which enhances the dip’s flavor and creaminess.
- → What seasoning is used to flavor the fries?
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are tossed with the fries along with olive oil to create a savory and slightly smoky taste.
- → Is this dish suitable for special diets?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, but be mindful of mayonnaise that may contain eggs if allergens are a concern.
- → Can I add spice to the fries or dip?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fries seasoning provides a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the natural flavors.