Smoky & Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Avocado, Cilantro & Lime Dipping Sauce

There are fries, and then there are sweet potato fries—deeply flavorful, naturally sweet, and irresistibly addictive when done right. These smoky and spicy baked sweet potato fries take things to the next level. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor thanks to a bold spice blend that includes smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne. And the best part? They’re oven-baked, not fried, which makes them lighter and easier to make at home without sacrificing taste or texture.

Sweet potatoes have long been praised for their nutritional benefits: high in fiber, rich in vitamins A and C, and lower on the glycemic index than white potatoes. But health aside, what makes this recipe shine is the flavor. A smoky-spicy seasoning rub ensures every fry is packed with bold, savory heat. They’re the kind of fries you’ll keep reaching for until the tray is empty.

No good fry is complete without a dipping sauce, and this one delivers. The avocado, cilantro, and lime sauce is creamy, tangy, and herby. It balances out the spiciness of the fries and adds a cooling element that elevates the whole dish. It’s like guacamole and green goddess dressing had a baby—a luscious, flavorful dip that you’ll want to smear on everything.

This recipe is ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Serve it at a barbecue, movie night, or as a fun weeknight side. It pairs beautifully with burgers, tacos, grilled proteins, or as part of a plant-based spread.

The spice mix on these fries doesn’t just add heat—it brings complexity. The smoked paprika lends a rich, barbecue-like depth, while garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne round things out. A touch of cornstarch is the secret to getting that coveted crispy edge without a fryer.

Another win? They’re incredibly easy to make. No deep frying, no soaking. Just slice, season, and bake. A hot oven and a bit of space between the fries are key to achieving golden, crispy perfection.

If you’ve had limp or soggy sweet potato fries in the past, this recipe will change your mind. Baked right, they can be just as good as fried—crisp, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

The avocado dipping sauce is just as simple. You toss ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth. The result is a bright green, velvety sauce that makes these fries sing.

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based. But again, the real story is the flavor. These fries don’t need labels to prove how craveable they are.

Make them once and you’ll find yourself returning to them again and again. They’re a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a side dish that just might steal the show.

Want a shortcut for game day or party prep? You can slice the sweet potatoes and mix the seasoning ahead of time. When you’re ready to bake, just toss, spread, and roast.

There’s something almost magical about the way the sweet, soft potato contrasts with the smoky spices and the creamy, zesty dip. It’s a balance of textures and flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re making these for yourself, your family, or a crowd, they deliver every time. Crispy, bold, and paired with a sauce that deserves its own spotlight.

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a better way to fry.

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Dipping Sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato matchsticks with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the spice mix over the fries and toss until evenly coated.
5. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheets, leaving space between each fry.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake for another 15 minutes until crispy and browned at the edges.
7. Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt.
8. Serve fries hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tips

• Space is key—don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or the fries will steam instead of crisp.
• For extra crispiness, you can broil the fries for 1–2 minutes at the end.
• Make sure fries are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Leftover dip? Use it as a sandwich spread, salad dressing, or veggie dip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, spicy, smoky fries with a cooling avocado-lime dip. It’s a bold flavor combination that’s easy to make and always a hit. Baked, not fried, but still irresistible.

These smoky and spicy sweet potato fries are oven-baked to crispy perfection and served with a bright, creamy avocado cilantro lime dipping sauce. A flavorful, easy side that steals the spotlight.