I’m so happy to share this Baked Chili-Lime French Fries recipe with you! These fries are crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and coated in bright lime juice with a warm chili kick. They are baked instead of fried, so they feel a little lighter but still packed with bold flavor. If you love fries with a little heat and a lot of zing, this one is for you.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 55 minutes
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I added lime and chili powder to homemade fries. The smell coming from the oven was amazing. It was simple, but it felt like something special.
These fries start with basic russet potatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Then we add fresh lime juice, chili powder, salt, and a small pinch of cayenne for extra heat. They bake in the oven until golden and slightly crisp. They are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or just eating straight from the pan.
How to Make Baked Chili-Lime French Fries
This recipe takes classic oven fries and gives them a bright, spicy twist. Here is how it all comes together:
• Fresh russet potatoes cut into wedges or thin fry shapes
• A drizzle of olive oil to help them crisp up
• Fresh lime juice squeezed right over the top
• Chili powder for warm, smoky flavor
• Salt to bring everything together
• A little cayenne pepper for gentle heat
• A hot oven that turns them golden and tender
It is a simple oven recipe with bold flavor and very easy cleanup.
Ingredients
• 2 russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 limes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat helps the fries turn golden and slightly crisp. - Cut the Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the russet potatoes.
Cut them into wedges or thin matchstick shapes, trying to keep the pieces close to the same size so they cook evenly. - Season the Fries:
Place the cut potatoes on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
Squeeze the juice from the limes evenly over the potatoes. - Add the Spices:
Sprinkle the chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper over the fries.
Toss gently with your hands or a spatula so everything is coated. - Arrange for Baking:
Spread the fries out again so they are not stacked on top of each other.
This helps them roast instead of steam. - Bake the Fries:
Bake for about 45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the inside is soft.
If you like them extra crisp, you can bake a few minutes longer while watching closely. - Serve Warm:
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve warm, with extra lime wedges if you like.
Process Details
• High Heat Baking: Baking at 450 degrees helps the outside brown while the inside stays soft.
• Even Cutting: Similar sized pieces cook at the same rate, so you do not end up with some burnt and some undercooked.
• Olive Oil Coating: The oil helps the spices stick and encourages light crisping in the oven.
• Fresh Lime Juice: The lime adds bright flavor that balances the heat from the chili and cayenne.
• Single Layer on the Pan: Spreading the fries out gives them space to roast properly.
Tips for Success
• Use firm russet potatoes for the best classic fry texture.
• Do not overcrowd the pan, use two pans if needed.
• If you want less heat, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper.
• For extra crispiness, flip the fries halfway through baking.
• You can also try this recipe with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Serving Ideas
• Burger Night: Serve next to cheeseburgers or spicy burgers.
• Taco Plate: Add them to a plate with tacos and fresh salsa.
• Dipping Fun: Pair with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or ketchup.
• Party Basket: Serve in a lined basket with lime wedges on top.
• Lighter Meal: Enjoy with a simple green salad for balance.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Let the fries cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheating in Oven: Bake at about 375 degrees until warmed through and slightly crisp again.
• Reheating in Air Fryer: Heat for a few minutes to bring back some crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked fries in a sealed container for up to 2 months, but the texture may be softer after reheating.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~160
• Protein: ~2g
• Carbohydrates: ~23g
• Fat: ~7g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Sugar: ~1g
These Baked Chili-Lime French Fries are crispy, bright, and just a little spicy. The mix of warm chili powder and fresh lime makes them stand out from regular fries, while still being easy enough for any night of the week.
I hope you give this recipe a try soon. Once you taste that tangy, spicy flavor, you may never want plain fries again. Enjoy every bite!
