1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preparing the sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into fries. Aim for uniform pieces, roughly 1/4-inch thick, so they cook evenly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent sizing.

Once the sweet potatoes are cut, place the fries in a large bowl and rinse them under cold water. This helps remove excess starch, which can make the fries soggy. After rinsing, pat the fries dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up well during baking.

2. Season the Fries

Drizzle the fries with olive oil, making sure each piece is well-coated. This helps them crisp up in the oven and gives them a beautiful golden color. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle the spice mixture over the fries and toss them until they’re evenly coated with the seasonings.

The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor to the fries, while the garlic and onion powder give them a savory depth. If you like a bit of extra heat, the cayenne pepper provides a mild kick, but this is entirely optional depending on your preference.

3. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent the fries from sticking. Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation, which will help them cook evenly and become crispy.

4. Bake the Sweet Potato Fries

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the fries for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, flipping the fries halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Depending on the thickness of your fries and the efficiency of your oven, the cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them toward the end.

You’ll know the fries are done when they’re crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. If you prefer extra-crispy fries, you can leave them in the oven for a few more minutes, but be careful not to burn them.

5. Make the Spicy Mayo Dip

While the fries are baking, you can prepare the spicy mayo dip. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined. Taste the dip and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you like it hotter, or more lime juice for a tangier flavor. If the dip is too spicy, a small amount of honey or maple syrup can be added to balance the heat and give the dip a touch of sweetness.

The sriracha sauce adds a fiery kick, while the lime juice brightens the dip and enhances the overall flavor. The mayonnaise serves as a creamy base that cools down the heat from the sriracha, making the dip rich and flavorful.

6. Serve the Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Mayo Dip

Once the sweet potato fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Transfer the fries to a serving platter and serve them with the spicy mayo dip on the side. You can garnish the fries with chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra touch of freshness if desired.

This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the fries are hot and crispy, but it can also be served at room temperature for a more casual snack. The creamy, spicy dip complements the sweetness of the fries, making every bite a perfect combination of flavors.