Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Crunchy on the outside, soft within, and bursting with smoky Italian flavors, these eggplant fries are the best guilty pleasure-free snack!

Farewell, potato fries these Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries are here to change your snack game! Imagine this: fat, golden batons of eggplant, their crusts shattering with an irresistible crunch to reveal a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center. Each fry is encased in a rich, umami-flavored crust of toasted sesame seeds, nutty vegan Parmesan, and fragrant Italian herbs, and a hint of smoked paprika for added depth. The sorcery occurs in the oven, where the addition of cornstarch turns plain eggplant into jaw-droppingly crispy perfection no deep-frying needed.

But the MVP? The refreshing, creamy tahini-yogurt sauce they come with. Picture a rich mixture of nutty tahini, plant-based yogurt tanginess, and zesty lemon that balances out the richness of the fries, with a flavor combination so addictive, you’ll be licking the bowl. These aren’t merely another veggie side dish, they’re an experience: the crunchy satisfaction of taking a bite, the way the crispy breading yields to smooth eggplant, and that finishing touch of additional sesame seeds for texture.

What makes these fries truly special is their dual personality: they’re healthy enough to feel virtuous (packed with fiber and nutrients from the eggplant), yet indulgent enough to satisfy even the most dedicated french fry lover. They’re:

👉 Naturally vegan and gluten-free—no compromises on flavor or texture

👉 Perfect for meal prep—reheat beautifully in the air fryer

👉 Endlessly versatile—serve as appetizers, snack, or even a main with salad

👉 Kid-approved—a genius trick for getting more veggies into finicky eaters

Whether you’re having a game night and require crowd-pleasing finger food, seeking a healthy weeknight side dish, or simply in the mood for something crispy without the grease, these eggplant fries are the answer. One taste of that golden, herbaceous crunch followed by the refreshing tahini sauce, and you’ll see why these are sure to become your new go-to snack addiction! The best part? They’re all assembled in just 30 minutes showing that healthy eating can be simple, tasty, and even fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍆 Crispy without frying: Baking + cornstarch = perfect crunch.

🌿 Bold Italian flavors: Garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika make these irresistible.

🥣 Creamy tahini sauce: The perfect cool, tangy contrast to the crispy fries.

⏳ Ready in 30 minutes: Faster than takeout fries!

🥢 Meal-prep friendly: Reheat in the oven or air fryer for later.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Eggplant Fries

👉 2 medium eggplants, cut into ½-inch thick fries

👉 6 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

👉 2 tbsp sesame seeds

👉 2 tbsp vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast

👉 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness!)

👉 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (mix of garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary)

👉 ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

👉 Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Tahini Sauce

👉 3-4 tbsp tahini

👉 2 tbsp plain plant-based yogurt (unsweetened)

👉 ½ lemon, juiced

👉 ¼ tsp garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced)

👉 4 tbsp water (adjust for thickness)

👉 Salt, to taste

Instructions

📌 Step 1: Prep the Eggplant

👉 Cut eggplants into ½-inch thick fries (leave skin on for texture).

👉 Toss with 1 tsp salt and let sit for 10 mins (to remove bitterness). Pat dry.

📌 Step 2: Season & Coat

👉 In a bowl, mix olive oil, sesame seeds, vegan Parmesan, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

👉 Toss eggplant fries in the mixture until evenly coated.

📌 Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

👉 Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a tray with parchment.

👉 Arrange fries in a single layer (no crowding!).

👉 Bake for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crispy.

📌 Step 4: Make the Tahini Sauce

👉 Whisk tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt until smooth.

📌 Step 5: Serve

👉 Sprinkle fries with extra sesame seeds & vegan Parmesan.

👉 Dip into tahini sauce and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

🍔 Burger side: Swap for regular fries.

🥗 Bowl topping: Add to grain bowls or salads.

🍷 Party snack: Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Storage Tips

🗄️ Fridge: Keeps for 2 days (re-crisp in oven/air fryer).

❄️ Freezer: Freeze before baking (add 5 mins to cook time).

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Can I air-fry these?

Yes! Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 mins, shaking halfway.

💬 No cornstarch?

Use arrowroot or tapioca starch.

💬 Eggplant too bitter?

Soak fries in salted water for 10 mins, then pat dry.

Final Thoughts

These fries are crispy, flavorful, and shockingly healthy—perfect for snacking without guilt!

👉 Tag @VeganEatsAndTreats if you make it—I’ll feature your creation!