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 craving a snack that’s both comforting and a little bit exciting, this Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe will totally hit the spot. I absolutely love how the natural sweetness of the fries plays off that smoky, tangy chipotle lime dip—it’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Whether you’re serving these for a get-together or just a cozy night in, this combo never fails to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The natural sweetness of the fries is elevated with a smoky, tangy chipotle lime sauce.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even for busy weeknights.
Versatile Snack or Side: Great for casual snack time, game day, or alongside your favorite grilled meats.
Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for these fries—they’re always the first thing to disappear at parties!

A clear round bowl contains three layers of sauce: a white creamy base, topped on the right side with a reddish-brown spice powder, and darker seasoning sprinkled on top, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Next to the bowl is a light blue spatula, with green lime halves and orange carrot sticks placed nearby on a white marbled surface. The sauce is mixed into a smooth, light brown, creamy blend in the same bowl, with the spatula resting beside it. The mixed sauce is then shown in a clear round bowl placed in the center of a white plate filled with bright orange sweet potato fries, with lime wedges in the background on the white marbled surface. Finally, a woman's hand with light pink nail polish dips one bright orange sweet potato fry into the creamy sauce, held in the center bowl, all set against the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that perfect flavor and texture, you’ll want to choose fresh sweet potatoes and quality ingredients for the dip. Each element plays its part, so picking ripe potatoes and good mayo really helps!

Sweet potatoes or yams: Look for firm, evenly shaped ones for uniform cooking and the best crispy-to-tender ratio.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the fries crisp without overpowering flavor—olive oil can be too heavy for fries.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the natural sweetness beautifully.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dipping sauce with a touch of richness.
Lime: Freshly squeezed juice adds that bright, zesty punch that wakes up the sauce.
Ground chipotle powder: Smoky and mild heat that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and a bit of complexity to the dip.
Paprika: Brings subtle earthiness; smoked paprika works great if you want to dial up the smoky flavor.
Cumin: Offers a nutty depth without overpowering the sauce.
Garlic powder: A small but mighty addition for a subtle savory note.

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 like to mix things up sometimes with this Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe—because hey, cooking should be fun and flexible! Feel free to tailor the heat level or swap ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Spicy Upgrade: Once, I added a bit of cayenne pepper to the dipping sauce for a kick my family loved—it’s a great way to bring the heat without overwhelming the smoky flavors.
Vegan Version: Swap mayo for a plant-based alternative or blended silken tofu, and the sauce still tastes creamy and delicious.
Oven or Air Fryer: I’ve tried baking the fries as well as air frying them for crispiness—air fryer saves time and gives great results!
Herby Twist: Toss a handful of chopped cilantro into the dip for fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the chipotle lime mix.

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

Step 1: Whip Up the Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce

This step is a must-do way ahead of time—ideally at least an hour before you’re ready to eat. Mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, ground chipotle powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is blended, then pop it in the fridge. This resting time lets the spices mingle and develop those layered flavors you’ll love.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Fries

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel your sweet potatoes (optional if you like the skin) and cut them into long, even sticks. To get them nice and crisp, I put the fries in a large Ziploc bag with just enough vegetable oil to lightly coat them. Then, seal the bag and toss it well to distribute the oil evenly—that little trick really helps with even cooking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Lay the fries out on a cookie sheet in a single layer, giving them enough space so they don’t steam and get soggy. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them often so they brown evenly. You’ll want to keep an eye on them near the end to catch that beautiful light golden crispness. Once out of the oven, sprinkle on kosher salt to taste while they’re still hot—it makes such a difference, I promise!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Grab a bowl of that chipotle lime dipping sauce you made earlier and serve it alongside your crispy fries. I love seeing the smiles when everyone dips in that creamy, smoky sauce with each bite. Trust me—it’s addictive!

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

Even Cut for Even Cooking: Cutting your sweet potato sticks as evenly as possible helps them cook uniformly and avoid some being burnt while others stay soft.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving the fries space on the baking sheet ensures they crisp up instead of steaming.
Make Dip Ahead: Preparing the chipotle lime dipping sauce at least an hour ahead allows the flavors to meld, making it extra tasty.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with the recipe’s spice amounts and adjust next time based on your family’s preference to avoid overpowering the dish.

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

A white plate lined with light brown parchment paper holds a pile of bright orange sweet potato fries that look crunchy on the outside. In the center of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with creamy light tan sauce speckled with darker spices. A woman's hand with pale pink nails is dipping one sweet potato fry into the sauce. Two lime halves rest in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra fresh chopped cilantro and a quick squeeze of lime over the fries just before serving. It adds freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish feel a bit more festive. Plus, a pinch of smoked paprika on top of the dipping sauce makes it look restaurant-quality!

Side Dishes

These fries pair beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a light green salad. On casual days, I serve them alongside my go-to avocado and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast that really hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served the fries in little paper cones lined with parchment, which makes for easy handheld snacking and looks adorable on the table. You can also place the sauce in individual ramekins for dipping—your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store the fries in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found that keeping them separate from the dipping sauce helps avoid sogginess. The sauce keeps well on its own for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing these fries because they lose their crispness. If you want to prep ahead, I’d recommend freezing them raw after cutting (spread them out on a tray first), then bake fresh when you’re ready.

Reheating

To bring leftover fries back to life, reheat them in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps restore that crispy exterior much better than a microwave does.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your spices and mayonnaise don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
What’s the best way to get crispy sweet potato fries?

Cut your fries evenly, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet, and toss them lightly but thoroughly in oil. Baking at 400°F and turning them during baking also helps ensure crispiness on all sides.
Can I use fresh chipotle peppers in this sauce instead of powder?

You can, but I’d recommend blending a small amount finely and adjusting to taste since fresh chipotle peppers are more intense and moist. You might also want to reduce or omit some mayonnaise to keep the sauce from getting too runny.
How long does the chipotle lime dipping sauce last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the dipping sauce should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Stir before serving as some spices may settle.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. The combo of sweet, smoky, and tangy hits all the right notes and always brings smiles to the table. I’m excited for you to try this with your friends and family—I bet it’ll become a go-to, just like it has for me. Don’t hesitate to tweak it and make it your own. Happy cooking!