Air-Frying Cabbage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, tasty, and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It can be served as steaks or wedges, with a slightly crispy outside and tender inside. It's a versatile dish that can be paired with proteins, salads, grains, roasted veggies, or pretty much anything else!

The process is simple: cut the cabbage into wedges or slices, season with your choice of spices and oil, and air fry for 8-10 minutes. You can also add water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to help cook the cabbage and prevent burning.

So, if you're looking for a new way to enjoy cabbage, give air frying a try! It's a convenient and tasty option that might just become your new favourite.

How to cook cabbage in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to cook cabbage in an air fryer:

• Cabbage (green or red)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)

Method

• Start by removing any loose or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage and trim the very bottom of the core.
• For cabbage steaks, slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices. Alternatively, cut the cabbage into wedges by slicing it in half through the core, and then cut one of the halves into 4 or 5 equal-sized wedges.
• If you are using lemon juice, coat both sides of the cabbage steaks or wedges with it.
• Sprinkle the cabbage with salt and pepper, as well as any other desired seasonings or spices. You can also mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasonings in a small bowl and toss the cabbage wedges in this mixture.
• Place the cabbage in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the air fryer.
• Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook the cabbage for 8-10 minutes, or until it is tender and slightly crispy. You may need to flip the cabbage halfway through the cooking time, depending on your air fryer model.
• Serve the cabbage hot with an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Tips

• You can add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer or pan to reduce smoke and help steam the cabbage.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cabbage slices and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the cabbage while it is cooking and adjust the time as needed.
• If you are using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the cabbage after cooking.
• You can also add bacon or sausage to the cabbage to make it a main dish.
• Leftover cooked cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to cut cabbage for the air fryer

There are two popular ways to cut cabbage for the air fryer: wedges or shreds.

Wedges

Wedges are ideal if you prefer larger pieces of cabbage with a bit of crunch. To cut wedges, first, remove the cabbage core. Then, cut the cabbage in half and then into quarters or eighths, depending on the size of the cabbage. You can also cut the cabbage into "steaks" by slicing it into 1-inch-thick slices from the top down. It's easiest to start near the centre and work your way out.

Shreds

Shredded cabbage is better if you want to use the cabbage for dishes like coleslaw or stir-fries. To shred the cabbage, thinly slice it using a sharp knife or a shredder.

When cutting the cabbage, you can choose to keep the core in or remove it. Leaving the core in will help the cabbage wedges hold together, but it won't affect the taste.

Air fryer cabbage wedges

Ingredients:

• Half a medium head of green cabbage (about 12 ounces)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Your choice of seasoning (e.g. Cajun, Za'atar, curry powder, chilli powder, cumin, harissa, onion powder, garlic powder)

Optional Ingredients:

• Any type of cheese (e.g. Parmesan, Cotija)
• Spices (e.g. paprika, Italian seasoning)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Grainy dijon mustard

Steps:

• Remove the grate from the bottom of your air fryer basket and add ½ cup of water. Put the grate back in and preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
• Cut the cabbage into wedges. Start by removing any loose or wilted leaves from the exterior and trim off the very bottom of the core. Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut one of the halves into 4 or 5 equal-sized wedges, ensuring each piece has some core to hold it together.
• Coat both sides of the wedges with lemon juice, then sprinkle with your choice of seasoning and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
• Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer.
• Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cabbage is crisp and tender. There is no need to flip the wedges, but you can do so halfway through if desired.
• Serve hot with an extra squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the cabbage wedges in the oven instead. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes, carefully flipping the wedges at the halfway point.
• You can also add oil (e.g. avocado oil, olive oil) to the outside of the wedges before adding the seasonings if desired.
• If you are making a larger batch, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• If you want to add cheese, sprinkle it on top of the cooked cabbage wedges.

Air fryer cabbage steaks

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cabbage
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• Lemon wedges
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon harissa
• 1 teaspoon za'atar
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Method

• Cut the stem off the cabbage and then cut the cabbage into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. You should end up with around 4 flat discs of cabbage steaks.
• Brush both sides of the cabbage with oil.
• Add the spices to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle over each side of the cabbage.
• Place the cabbage in a greased air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Air fry at 360-400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the cabbage is cooked to your liking, golden brown and tender.
• For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

Tips

• To make this recipe keto/low-carb, swap the brown sugar for your favourite sweetener.
• To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.
• To store, place in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Air fryer cabbage sides

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and ideas for making delicious air fryer cabbage:

Choosing the Right Cabbage:

There are several types of cabbage that can be used, including green cabbage, red cabbage, Napa cabbage, Savoy cabbage, and even Brussels sprouts. Green cabbage is the most common type and becomes soft and slightly sweet when cooked. Red cabbage is often used in coleslaw and stir-fries, while Napa cabbage is oblong in shape and is great for egg rolls and spring rolls. Savoy cabbage is the most tender and sweet, perfect for cabbage rolls.

Preparing the Cabbage:

Start by removing any loose or wilted outer leaves and trimming the very bottom of the core to create a flat base. You can then cut the cabbage into "steaks" or wedges. For steaks, slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices from the top down, starting near the center and working your way out. For wedges, cut the cabbage in half through the core, then slice one half into 4-5 equal-sized wedges, ensuring each piece has some core to hold it together.

Seasonings and Flavors:

Air fryer cabbage can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for seasonings and additional ingredients:

• Lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice over the cabbage wedges or steaks before cooking.
• Spices: Try Cajun seasoning, za'atar, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, harissa, onion powder, or garlic powder.
• Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil can be added for a neutral flavor, or you can use a flavored oil to add extra flavor.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese or Cotija cheese can be sprinkled on top of the cooked cabbage.
• Italian-inspired: Toss the cabbage with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
• Bacon: Add cooked bacon pieces to the cabbage for a savory twist.
• Vinegar: Toss the cabbage with apple cider vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper before air frying.
• Spicy kick: Add some dry Sriracha or chili powder to the seasonings for a spicy kick.

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to add a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to create steam and prevent burning. Place the seasoned cabbage in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is cooked to your desired doneness. For crispier edges, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Air fryer cabbage is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:

• Proteins: Chicken, salmon patties, pulled pork, or burgers.
• Breakfast: Cooked crumbled bacon and eggs.
• Sauces: Hummus, salad dressing, white bean peanut dip, or zhoug sauce.
• Sides: Roasted vegetables, grains, salads, or roasted potatoes.

Frequently asked questions