Name: Sweet Potato Fries with 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 looking for a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try this Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how these fries turn out with just the right amount of crispiness and a smoky, tangy dip that makes everything pop. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner side, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without that chipotle lime combo!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy yet tender fries: The oven baking method gives you fries that are crispy on the outside and perfectly soft inside without frying.
Bold, smoky dipping sauce: The chipotle lime dip brings a smoky heat balanced by zesty lime that elevates every bite.
Simple ingredients + easy pantry staples: You won’t need anything exotic to make this delicious duo.
Versatile and crowd-pleasing: My family goes crazy for these fries, and they’re perfect for entertaining or a casual night in.

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

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and nutrients, while the spices in the dip pack a punch that complements the fries perfectly. When shopping, look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skins for the best texture.

Sweet potatoes or yams: Choose medium-sized ones so they cook evenly, and it’s easiest to cut them into nice sticks.
Vegetable oil: Just enough to lightly coat the fries, which helps them crisp up in the oven.
Kosher salt: Use this for seasoning – it’s coarser and gives a great crunch.
Mayonnaise: The base for the dip; it balances the spicy chipotle with creaminess.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright tang.
Ground chipotle powder: Adds smoky heat to your dip without being overpowering.
Chili powder: Enhances the smoky warmth, layering flavors nicely.
Paprika: For color and a subtle, sweet earthiness.
Cumin: Adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor to complement the chipotle.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle savory depth that ties the dip together.

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 how flexible this recipe is—you can tweak the dip and fries to fit whatever mood you’re in. Adding your own spin makes it feel even more special and fun to share with friends and family.

Spice level adjustment: I usually start mild and add cayenne or sriracha if I want more heat—this way everyone can enjoy it without anyone’s mouth on fire.
Lighter dip: I swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten things up and add a bit of tang, which my kids actually prefer sometimes!
Sweet and smoky: Stirring in a drizzle of maple syrup or brown sugar into the dip gives a delicious sweet heat that’s unexpected but so good.
Air fryer fries: For a quicker fry crisp, you can toss the sweet potato sticks in the air fryer instead of baking.

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

Step 1: Whip Up Your Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Early

Start by mixing all the dip ingredients in a small bowl: mayonnaise, lime juice, ground chipotle, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. I love making this at least an hour before serving because it gives the spices a chance to meld beautifully. Give it a taste before serving and adjust the lime or chipotle if needed — that’s your chance to personalize the flavor!

Step 2: Prepare and Toss the Sweet Potato Fries

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the sweet potatoes (unless you like the skin on, which I actually do for extra texture) and cut them into long, even sticks. I learned from experience that uniform cuts help the fries cook evenly without some burning while others stay raw. Place the sticks in a large Ziploc bag, add just enough vegetable oil to coat them lightly, seal, and shake well. This method ensures the oil is distributed evenly for crispy fries.

Step 3: Bake for Crispy, Golden Perfection

Spread the fries out in a single layer on a cookie sheet — it’s tempting to crowd them, but that leads to soggy fries. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping every 10 to 15 minutes so they brown evenly. You’ll want to watch closely toward the end; the sweet potatoes should be lightly browned but not burnt. When they’re just right, remove from oven and season immediately with kosher salt while they’re still hot — that’s the best time for salt to stick!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate your crispy sweet potato fries alongside the chilled chipotle lime dipping sauce. I like to serve them right away, while the fries are fresh and hot and the dip is cool and tangy — this contrast makes every bite so satisfying.

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

Cut Evenly: I’ve learned that matching the thickness of all your fries helps them cook evenly and prevents burnt edges or undercooked centers.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your fries space to breathe on the baking sheet for real crispness—the crowded fries steam instead of crisp.
Make Dip Ahead: Making the chipotle lime sauce early allows all those flavors to marry beautifully, a little patience yields big rewards.
Salt While Hot: Salt your fries right after taking them out of the oven when they’re hot so the seasoning clings better.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Fries with 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 like to sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro over the fries—its brightness lifts the smoky chipotle flavor beautifully. A squeeze of extra lime juice over the fries just before serving amps up the zestiness and freshness. Sometimes, for a finishing touch, I add a light dusting of smoked paprika on top of both fries and dip.

Side Dishes

These fries pair amazingly well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a juicy burger for a perfect comfort food meal. When I’m in the mood for a vegetarian spread, I serve them alongside black bean sliders or a fresh kale salad with avocado. Honestly, they’re versatile enough to go with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress guests, I serve the fries in rustic cones made from parchment paper, standing upright in a tall glass or vase. Another fun idea is plating the fries on a wooden board with small ramekins of the chipotle lime dip and some extra lime wedges for a casual but chic look. It feels like a fancy street food party right at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have go into an airtight container in the fridge. The fries tend to lose their crispness, but I find that reheating them right keeps the texture decent. The dip stays great in the fridge for up to a week—just give it a quick stir before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the dip because mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate when frozen. The fries themselves also don’t freeze well; their texture becomes mushy. It’s best to enjoy these fries fresh or store them refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat sweet potato fries is in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. This crisps them back up nicely without drying them out. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make fries soggy or chewy.

FAQs

Can I make sweet potato fries gluten-free and healthy with this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses just sweet potatoes, oil, and spices. For a healthier take, you can reduce the oil slightly or use an air fryer to cut back on fat while still achieving crispy fries. The dipping sauce can be made lighter by substituting mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
What if I don’t have chipotle powder for the dipping sauce?

No worries! You can substitute smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the smoky heat of chipotle. Or if you have chipotle in adobo sauce, finely mince a small piece and blend it into the mayo for a fresh smoky flavor.
Can I prepare the dipping sauce without lime juice?

Lime juice adds a fresh tang that balances the smoky heat, but if you don’t have lime, a small splash of lemon juice works in a pinch. You could also add a little vinegar for acidity, but lime is definitely my favorite for that bright flavor.
How do I get my sweet potato fries extra crispy?

Make sure to cut fries evenly, toss them lightly in oil, and avoid crowding the baking sheet. Also, flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Using a hot oven (around 400°F) helps crisp them up without drying them out.
Is it better to bake or air fry these sweet potato fries?

Both methods work great! Baking yields a wonderfully crispy and tender fry without the need for extra equipment, while air frying cuts down cook time and usually results in even crispier fries with less oil. I’ve done both and love each method depending on my mood.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe is hands down a favorite in my kitchen—and for good reason. It’s simple, delicious, and feels a little special thanks to that smoky, tangy dip that keeps you coming back for more. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it. Next time you want a snack that’s bursting with flavor and totally comforting, pull out this recipe and wow yourself and your loved ones. Happy cooking, friend!