Frying Cabbage In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air-fried cabbage is a quick, tasty, and healthy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It can be served as steaks or wedges, with crispy edges and a tender interior. It is a great side dish, pairing well with proteins, salads, grains, and roasted vegetables.

There are a few simple steps to preparing cabbage in an air fryer. First, cut the cabbage into wedges or slices. Then, brush or toss the cabbage with oil, vinegar, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard. Finally, air fry at around 350-400°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is cooked to your desired level of crispness.

How to cut cabbage for air frying

To cut cabbage for air frying, start by removing the outer leaves and rinsing the cabbage thoroughly under cold water. This step ensures that any dirt or debris is removed from the vegetable. After rinsing, pat the cabbage dry with a clean towel.

Next, decide whether you want to cut the cabbage into wedges or shred it. Cutting it into wedges is ideal if you prefer larger, crunchier pieces, while shredding is suitable for dishes like coleslaw or stir-fries. If you opt for wedges, cut the cabbage into quarters or eighths, depending on its size. For shredded cabbage, use a sharp knife or a shredder to thinly slice it.

When cutting the cabbage, ensure that the wedges or slices are of equal size to allow for even cooking in the air fryer. The thickness of the slices can vary depending on your preference, but it's important to note that thicker slices will take longer to cook. Aim for a thickness of around 1 to 1.5 inches.

Additionally, leaving the core intact while cutting the cabbage helps hold the wedges together. However, even if the wedges fall apart a little, it won't affect the taste.

Once you've cut the cabbage to your desired size and shape, you can proceed with seasoning and air frying according to your chosen recipe.

How to season cabbage for air frying

There are many ways to season cabbage before air frying it. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

First, you need to cut the cabbage. You can cut it into wedges, or, for cabbage "steaks", slice it from the top down into 1-inch-thick slices. You can also cut it into 1 to 1.5-inch slices.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

There are many ways to season the cabbage. Here are some ideas:

• Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
• Lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic powder and paprika.
• Olive oil, whole-grain dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the Cabbage and Seasoning

Now, you need to combine the cabbage and the seasoning. You can either toss the cabbage with the seasoning in a bowl or brush the seasoning onto the cabbage wedges.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cabbage

Finally, place the cabbage in the air fryer and cook it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender, flipping it over halfway through. You can air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 375 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your air fryer model.

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)
• Grainy dijon mustard (optional)
• Smoked paprika (optional)

Method

• Start by removing the loose or wilted leaves from the exterior of the cabbage and trim off the very bottom of the core.
• For cabbage steaks, slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices from the top down. Alternatively, cut the cabbage into wedges by slicing it in half through the core, and then slicing one of the halves into 4 or 5 equal-sized wedges.
• If desired, coat the cabbage wedges or steaks with lemon juice, olive oil, or a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and spices.
• Place the cabbage in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the air fryer.
• Cook the cabbage at a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. For crispier edges, cook for a longer duration.
• Flip the cabbage halfway through the cooking process, if desired.
• Serve the cabbage hot with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired. Enjoy the cabbage leaves, but discard the core if it is too tough.

Tips

• Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help to steam the cabbage and prevent burning.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cabbage slices and the model of the air fryer, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• For a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese.

How to reheat cabbage in an air fryer

If you have leftover cooked cabbage, you can reheat it in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F to 375°F. Let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Place the leftover cabbage in the air fryer basket. You can add a little water to the bottom of the basket to help prevent the cabbage from drying out or burning.

Step 3: Reheat the Cabbage

Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is heated through.

Tips:

• For best results, consume leftover cabbage within a few days and do not freeze it.
• You can also reheat cabbage in a skillet or in the microwave.
• If you're reheating a cabbage dish with other ingredients, adjust the temperature and timing as needed.

How to store cooked cabbage

Yes, you can fry cabbage in an air fryer. Here's how to store cooked cabbage:

• Allow the cooked cabbage to cool to room temperature.
• Place the cabbage in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate the cabbage for up to 3 days.

Additional Tips for Storing Cooked Cabbage:

• It is best to store cooked cabbage in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days to maintain its flavour and texture.
• If you wish to keep the cabbage for a more extended period, you can freeze it. However, freezing may alter its texture slightly.
• Label the container with the date and try to consume the cabbage within a month for the best quality.

Frequently asked questions