Name: Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 sweet potatoes or yams; 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise; 1/2 lime, juiced; 1 teaspoon ground chipotle powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how these fries get perfectly tender inside and crisp outside, and the dip? Oh, that smoky, tangy spicy chipotle lime sauce takes it to a whole new level. Whether you’re kicking back for game day, prepping a fun appetizer, or just need a tasty side, this recipe is a total winner – and I can’t wait to walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet, smoky, and tangy dip complements the natural sweetness of the fries wonderfully.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making it super accessible.
Crispy Oven-Baked Fries: No greasy deep-frying here—just deliciously crispy fries right from your oven.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The chipotle lime sauce can be made early to deepen flavors, perfect for planning ahead.

A white plate filled with many orange-brown crispy sweet potato fries forms the bottom layer, surrounding a clear glass bowl in the center. The bowl is filled with a thick, creamy dip that is light beige with small dark specks. A woman's hand with light pink nail polish is shown dipping one of the sweet potato fries into the sauce, lifting it slightly. In the background, there is a lime half and some green leaves on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully combined to give you that crave-worthy crispy sweet potato fry paired with a smoky, zesty dip. When shopping, look for sweet potatoes that are firm and unblemished for the best results.

Sweet Potatoes or Yams: Choose firm, medium-sized ones for easier cutting and even cooking.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil helps fries crisp up without overpowering flavors.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the fries properly; its coarse texture gives a nice crunch when sprinkled on.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dipping sauce, balancing the spice with richness.
Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and freshness, elevating the dip’s flavor.
Ground Chipotle Powder: Brings smoky heat—don’t skip this for that iconic chipotle flavor!
Chili Powder: Adds depth and a little extra kick to the sauce.
Paprika: Enhances color and mild smokiness.
Cumin: Offers earthiness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Gives just the right garlicky undertone without overpowering.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own sometimes, so feel free to experiment and tweak based on what you like or have on hand. Trust me, the core combo is delicious, but a little customization can make it even more fun.

Lighter Dip: I swap mayo for Greek yogurt when I want a tangier, lighter sauce, especially in warmer months.
Extra Spicy: If you like heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of sriracha really amps things up—my husband swears by it.
Sweet Touch: Mixing a spoonful of maple syrup or honey into the dip creates a fabulous sweet-smoky flavor that my kids absolutely love.
Air Fryer Version: For a shortcut, you can air fry the fries at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, and still get a crisp finish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Flavor-Packed Chipotle Lime Dip

Start by mixing your dipping sauce at least an hour ahead—this is key! Combine mayonnaise, lime juice, ground chipotle, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir it all up, then cover and pop it in the fridge. Giving the dip time to meld lets the smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors blend beautifully, making every bite deliciously harmonious.

Step 2: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes Like a Pro

Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it heats, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into long, even sticks—think classic fries about a quarter-inch thick. I’ve found that keeping them uniform makes all the difference in cooking evenly and crisping up nicely.

Step 3: Oil and Season the Fries Perfectly

Pop the cut fries into a large Ziploc bag, then drizzle in just enough vegetable oil to lightly coat them when you toss—too much oil can mean soggy fries, so a little goes a long way. Seal the bag and shake well to distribute the oil evenly across all the fries. This step is a quick and mess-free way to prep—trust me, I tried oiling on the pan first, and the bag method wins every time!

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Sweet Potato Perfection

Lay the fries out in a single, even layer on a cookie sheet—crowding the pan will steam them, which we don’t want. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, turning the fries often (every 10-15 minutes) to get an even golden crisp all around. You’ll see the edges start to brown and get delightfully crispy—that’s your cue! When they’re done, remove from the oven and generously sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Dive In

Plate up your sweet potato fries alongside that dreamy spicy chipotle lime dipping sauce. I love serving this fresh and warm so the fries are crispy and the dip is cool and refreshing—pairs perfectly!

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Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe

Cut Evenly: I learned the hard way that uneven fries bake unevenly—take time slicing for consistent thickness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Sheet: Give your fries breathing room on the pan to make them nice and crispy without steaming.
Toss Fries Mid-Bake: Turning them a few times during baking ensures even browning all over.
Make Dip Ahead: Preparing the chipotle lime sauce early helps all those flavors meld beautifully; patience really pays off here.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe

A round white bowl filled with crispy orange sweet potato fries arranged around a small clear glass bowl of creamy beige sauce with specks, placed in the center on a light beige paper lining; a lime half sits on the top left edge of the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or a little crushed fresh lime zest on top—it adds an extra pop of color and brightness that pairs so well with the smoky dip. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of extra lime juice just before serving is the perfect finishing touch!

Side Dishes

Sweet potato fries are a versatile side, so I like pairing them with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even burgers for an elevated meal. They also hold their own alongside a fresh green salad if you want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, try serving the fries in individual cones made from parchment paper, with the chipotle lime sauce in small dipping bowls on the side. It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes sharing easy and mess-free!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge. I find they keep well for up to 3 days, but I always recommend reheating to regain some crispness.

Freezing

I generally avoid freezing these fries because the texture takes a hit when thawed, turning them mushy rather than crunchy. The mayo-based dip also doesn’t freeze well, often separating upon thawing.

Reheating

To bring leftover fries back to life, I pop them in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes—this revives their crispiness better than a microwave or stovetop. The chipotle lime sauce is best served cold, so give it a quick stir before dipping.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are the star here for their natural sweetness and color, you can swap in russet or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer. Just know the flavor and texture will be different—the fries will be less sweet but equally tasty, especially with the spicy chipotle lime dip.
How do I make the fries extra crispy in the oven?

Great question! Cutting fries into uniform sizes, not overcrowding the baking sheet, tossing them in oil to coat evenly, and flipping them during baking all contribute to crispiness. You might also try using a convection setting if your oven has one to circulate the hot air better.
Can I make the chipotle lime dipping sauce dairy-free?

Yes! To keep it dairy-free, stick with mayonnaise as the base since it’s usually egg-based but dairy-free. Just make sure to check the labels. Alternatively, some plant-based mayo brands work well here, providing creamy texture without dairy.
What if I don’t have chipotle powder—can I substitute it?

If you don’t have chipotle powder, smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper can mimic the smoky, spicy flavor pretty well. Just adjust the heat to your taste!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The fries themselves are naturally sweet and kid-approved, but if your kiddos are sensitive to spice, you can cut back on the chipotle and chili powder in the dipping sauce or offer a simple ketchup alternative alongside.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my house for a reason—it’s easy, delicious, and just packed with flavor that hits all those craving spots. I love sharing it with friends because it’s always met with rave reviews, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something a little special but fuss-free. You’ll enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and zingy in every bite. So go ahead, grab those sweet potatoes and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite snack or side dish!