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 has just the right amount of kick, you’re going to adore this Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweetness of the fries perfectly balances the smoky heat of the chipotle lime sauce — it’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Whether you’re whipping this up for a casual movie night or a friendly get-together, these fries will quickly become your go-to. Keep reading because I’m going to share all my tips to make these fries crispy and that dipping sauce tangy and smoky every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Perfection: Baking the sweet potato fries at just the right temperature makes them perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Bold Flavor Boost: The spicy chipotle lime dipping sauce adds a smoky, zesty punch that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand — no complicated or fancy ingredients needed.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these fries, and they’re a hit every time I serve them.

A clear glass bowl with three layers of sauce ingredients: a creamy white layer on the left, a dark red powder on the right, and some black seasoning sprinkled on top, all placed on a white marbled surface with a turquoise spatula nearby and a halved lime in the top left corner. Next to it, the same bowl shows the ingredients mixed into a smooth, light brown sauce with specks throughout, the turquoise spatula beside it, and sliced orange vegetable sticks on a wooden board in the top right. Below, the bowl is filled with the same light brown sauce centered on a white plate surrounded by crispy orange vegetable sticks with lime wedges on the side. In the last image, a woman's hand with painted white nails dips one of the orange sticks into the sauce in the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients not only come together easily but really shine when paired. Sweet potatoes provide that comforting sweetness, while the spices in the dipping sauce bring a smoky, tangy twist. When shopping, look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin to ensure the best texture when baked.

Sweet potatoes or yams: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and a great balance of sweetness and texture.
Vegetable oil: This helps the fries crisp up without overpowering the natural sweet potato flavor.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning — don’t skip this, it brings out the best in the fries.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dipping sauce, balancing the heat with richness.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime gives the sauce its bright and zesty kick.
Ground chipotle powder: The star of the sauce, bringing that smoky heat that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
Chili powder: Adds depth and a mild spiciness.
Paprika: Enhances smokiness and color.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the sauce with savory flavor.

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

This recipe is a great canvas for customizing based on your taste or dietary needs. I love trying out little tweaks here and there — it keeps things exciting and versatile.

Spicier Sauce Variation: When I want to dial up the heat, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh jalapeño to the sauce — it really wakes up the flavors.
Vegan Version: Swap the mayo for a vegan mayonnaise and use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a plant-based twist that’s just as tasty.
Air Fryer Upgrade: For quick cooking and extra crispiness, I sometimes air fry the fries instead of baking — it’s a game changer if you’re short on time.
Sweet & Savory Mix: Sprinkling a little cinnamon and brown sugar on the fries before baking creates a sweet-savory combo that’s addictive.

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

Step 1: Mix Up your Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce

Start by giving your dipping sauce a good stir — combine the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, ground chipotle powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder in a small bowl. I like to make this at least an hour in advance so all the flavors harmonize and the sauce thickens up a bit in the fridge. Trust me, this resting step makes a huge flavor difference and it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Prepare and Coat the Sweet Potato Fries

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel your sweet potatoes if you prefer (I often leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients), then cut them into evenly sized sticks, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Even sizing is key for consistent cooking. Place the fries into a large resealable bag and add just enough vegetable oil to lightly coat — usually a couple tablespoons. Seal the bag and toss it around to make sure every fry gets a little love from the oil.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange your fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet — no crowding allowed! Crowding causes steaming, and that’s the enemy of crisp fries. Bake them for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them often (every 10-15 minutes) to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re ready when they get a beautifully golden, crispy exterior and a tender inside. Right after taking them out of the oven, sprinkle kosher salt over the fries while they’re still hot so the salt sticks nicely.

Step 4: Serve with Your Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce

Serve your fries warm alongside the chipotle lime dipping sauce you prepared earlier. The tangy, smoky sauce paired with hot, crispy fries is seriously addictive. I promise, everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds!

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

Cut Evenly: I’ve learned that slicing your fries as uniformly as possible is the key to baking them evenly and avoiding some fries burning while others stay soggy.
Don’t Skip Tossing: Turning the fries every 10-15 minutes helps them crisp up all around and brown beautifully — I usually set a reminder!
Make Sauce Ahead: Preparing the chipotle lime dip at least an hour beforehand gives the spices time to mingle, intensifying the flavor.
Avoid Overcrowding: Using a large enough baking sheet and spreading the fries out in a single layer prevents steaming and keeps them crisp.

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

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, creamy light brown sauce with specks of seasoning sits in the center of a white plate lined with parchment paper. Surrounding the bowl are bright orange, crispy sweet potato fries arranged loosely around it. On the left side of the plate, there are a couple of lime wedges adding a fresh green contrast. A woman's hand with light pink nail polish is dipping one sweet potato fry into the sauce. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh cilantro over the fries just before serving — it adds a fresh herby note that brightens up the whole dish. A quick squeeze of lime over the fries themselves can also amp up the citrus flavor and make every bite pop.

Side Dishes

These fries pair beautifully with everything from grilled chicken sandwiches to burgers and even a crisp green salad. I once served them alongside black bean tacos for a Southwest flavor night, and my guests couldn’t stop raving!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve the fries in a rustic metal basket lined with parchment paper, along with small bowls of the chipotle lime sauce and perhaps a few other dipping options like guacamole or sour cream. It makes the presentation festive and encourages everyone to dig in and share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy them within 2 days. They tend to lose some crispness but still taste delicious when reheated properly.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen homemade sweet potato fries myself (they’re best fresh!), you can try freezing the fries on a baking sheet first then transferring them to a freezer bag. The dipping sauce, however, doesn’t freeze well because the mayo can separate.

Reheating

To bring crispy life back to leftover fries, I reheat them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp. The sauce is best served fresh but can be stirred gently if refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I make this Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, spices, and mayo. Just make sure to confirm that your chili powders and mayonnaise don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
How do I get my sweet potato fries extra crispy?

Cut the fries evenly, toss them well in oil, and make sure to spread them out on the baking sheet so they aren’t touching. Also, flipping them regularly during baking helps all sides crisp up beautifully.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dipping sauce?

Yes! For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
What’s the best way to store leftover dipping sauce?

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving because the spices might settle over time.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I can’t rave enough about this Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so easily, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and fun weekends. I love how the smoky heat of the chipotle lime sauce pairs so perfectly with the sweet, crispy fries — it’s a combo I always crave. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, give this recipe a shot. I have a feeling you’ll be making it on repeat, just like I do!