Heat the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment for easy cleanup and better browning.
Prep the parsnips: Peel and trim the ends. Cut into fry shapes: about 1/2-inch thick and 3–4 inches long. Keep pieces similar in size for even cooking.
Season: In a large bowl, toss parsnips with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin (if using).
Coat well but don’t drown them in oil.
Arrange on sheets: Spread fries out in a single layer with space between pieces. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
Roast and flip: Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then roast another 10–15 minutes until the edges are deeply golden and the centers are tender. Total time: 25–30 minutes.
Make the dip: While the fries roast, stir yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust.
Add a little honey if you want a sweet-tang balance.
Finish: Sprinkle the fries with a pinch more salt right out of the oven. Serve hot with the yogurt dip on the side.