Za'atar Eggplant Fries With Tahini Sauce

Have you ever made Baked Eggplant Fries? This recipe is so good you'll want to double or triple it! Crispy breading coats the eggplant for a nice crunchy exterior. Inside, the eggplant gets melt-in-your-mouth creamy.

We've seasoned these delicious fries with Za'atar. This recipe is going to make your mouth water just thinking about it, and the dish will find its way back to your table over and over again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let's talk fries. Yummy, crunchy, salty, addicting fries. I don't think I've ever met anyone on this planet who doesn't love them. Soooo good... yet not so good for you. And not because they're bad per se (meaning when properly cooked), but how many people actually make french fries at home, from scratch, the "proper" way? Most of the time, we eat them out, where they're drenched in heaven-knows-how-old oil. Still, taste delicious, but it will leave your body wondering what the heck you were thinking.

Not these fries, though.

These baked eggplant fries will make your mind and body super happy. First, because you're sneaking in veggies in your meal. The eggplant becomes nice and creamy soft, similar to the texture of potatoes. Second, you'll get the crunch from the panko, with a touch of saltiness and tang from the za'atar coating. And third, because they're baked, so no greasy mess to deal with. There is a lot to love about this recipe.

Ingredients for this Recipe

• Eggplant. If you are in a summer produce membership, it seems there is always eggplant in the box. Learn to love it!
• Eggs. You may use a vegan egg substitute or plant-based milk
• Panko bread crumbs. Light and flaky crumbs, you can find these regular or gluten-free.
• Za'atar. A Mediterranean spice blend your family will love.
• Salt.
• Non-Stick Spray. This is how you get baked eggplant fries crunchy on the outside without soaking them in hot oil in a deep fryer. You can use any oil spray olive oil, avocado oil, or whatever you have handy.

Homemade Tahini Sauce Ingredients

• Tahini (sesame paste). This comes in a jar and might be found near the peanut butter, near the international foods section, or with the condiments depending on your grocery store.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice.
• Salt.
• Water.

How to Bake Eggplant Fries

Start by preheating your oven and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then prepare the eggplant.

Cut the ends of the eggplant off to form a base that will be more stable for slicing. Use a sharp knife and slice the eggplant in half. Turn it, and slice in half again.

Cut long vertical strips from each slice of eggplant, then cut them in half to get a French Fries shape.

Next get out your mixing bowls and prepare them with flour in one, eggs in another, and the panko mixture in a third. Coat each eggplant stick in flour.

Then dip it in egg or plant-based milk, if vegan.

Finish by dipping it in the panko mixture.

Spray each fry with non-stick spray. Bake the tray of breaded eggplant for fifteen minutes, flip the fries and bake them for a final 15 minutes.

Mix and prepare your tahini sauce and serve it with your hot baked fries.

Dips to Serve With Eggplant Fries

You can dip our crunchy baked eggplant fries in your favorite sauce, but we LOVE the tahini here because it just goes perfectly with the za'atar and gives that extra punch of flavor. Whether you serve this dish as an after-school snack, an impressive appetizer, or as the perfect side dish for veggie burgers, make sure to offer at least one dipping sauce!

• Tahini Sauce - One bowl, three ingredients
• Romesco Sauce
• Chimichurri - A Fresh Sauce from Argentina
• How to make Pesto Sauce
• Moroccan Matbucha

How to Make Ahead and Store Eggplant Fries

Prepare your eggplant fries to the point of dipping them in the panko breadcrumb mixture and placing them on a lined baking sheet. Then place the baking sheet in the freezer for two to four hours until the fries are each frozen. Move the individual fries into an airtight container where they can be kept frozen for up to six months.

Expert Tips, Tricks, and Variations

• If you aren't a fan of the za'atar flavor profile, you could use two tablespoons of Italian seasoning, one tablespoon of garlic powder, and three tablespoons of crushed parmesan cheese mixed together in place of the spice for a completely different seasoning. Serve this variation with a yummy marinara sauce or a garlic aioli.
• Make sure to spread your coated eggplant strips in a single layer on the sheet pan with room between, and use two sheet pans if necessary. You don't want to overcrowd the eggplant fries in the oven.
• If you have a convection bake setting or an air fryer setting on your oven, this is a great time to use it! The movement of hot air over the fries will help them get even more crunchy and delicious! If you make small batches, you could even make air fryer eggplant fries and avoid heating your oven but still get that perfect crispy texture.
• Don't put all of the panko breadcrumbs in a bowl at once and start dipping fries. This is a recipe for disaster since the panko mixture will get wet, sticky, and gummy very fast. Instead, use small amounts at a time on a plate and replace them as needed.

FAQ

How do I reheat eggplant fries?

Place the fries in an air fryer basket. Reheat the fries in the air fryer for five minutes and check them. This is the easiest method for crispy fries. If you don't have an air fryer, use your oven. Use convection bake if possible and check the fries at five minutes.

How do I store leftover eggplant fries?

Place the fries in an air-tight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can I freeze eggplant fries?

Yes. Freeze the fries individually by spreading them out on a lined baking sheet in your freezer. Once they are frozen you can take them off the baking sheet and put them in a container together. Freeze for up to six months and bake from frozen or air fry to reheat them. You can freeze baked or unbaked fries in this manner for use at a later time.

Other Crunchy Appetizer Recipes You'll Love

Our crispy eggplant fries make a beautiful appetizer!

Check out our other eggplant recipes.

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.

Did you like this dish?

If you enjoyed this recipe, it would help us tremendously if you left us a star rating in the comments below or on the recipe card. Do you have any questions about the recipe? Do you need a swap for any of the ingredients? We are here to help, just leave us a question in the comments below.