Air-Fryer Cabbage: Is It Possible?

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, tasty, and healthy dish that can be served as a side or a snack. It is also suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those on gluten-free, low-carb, keto, paleo, and Whole30 diets. The cabbage can be cut into steaks or wedges and is cooked in the air fryer for around 15 minutes. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook cabbage, and it can be paired with various other ingredients such as lemon juice, cheese, and bacon.

How to cut cabbage for an air fryer

First, remove any loose or wilted leaves from the exterior of the cabbage and trim off the very bottom of the core. This will give you a flat base to rest the cabbage against the cutting board for stability.

Next, decide whether you want to cut the cabbage into "steaks" or wedges. For "steaks", slice the cabbage from the top down into 1-inch thick slices. It is easiest to start near the centre and work your way out. For wedges, slice the cabbage in half through the core, and then cut one of the halves into 4 or 5 equal-sized wedges, ensuring that each piece has some core holding it together.

You can also cut the cabbage into rough chunks, or thin strips/wedges about 0.5-1 inch wide. Alternatively, for a different presentation, cut the cabbage into thick "steaks" and then rough-cut the slices into large chunks.

Finally, if you are adding other ingredients such as bacon or onion to your air fryer cabbage, you will need to cut these into small pieces.

How long to cook cabbage in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook cabbage in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on how you cut your cabbage, how much you're cooking, and the type of air fryer you're using.

For example, if you're making cabbage wedges, you'll want to cut each wedge so that it's about 1 inch thick in the middle. This ensures that the wedges cook evenly in the air fryer. If you're making cabbage steaks, you can cut 1-inch-thick slices from the top of the cabbage head down—it's easiest to start near the center and work your way out.

When air-frying cabbage, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will reduce the circulation of hot air around the food, resulting in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches.

• For cabbage wedges, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is crisp on the edges and tender in the middle.
• For cabbage steaks, air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then toss and air fry for 6 to 8 more minutes, or until the cabbage is cooked to your desired level of crispness.
• For finely shredded or grated cabbage, preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your food while it's cooking.

How to reheat cabbage in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat cabbage in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it is important to note that air fryer cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the model. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the food when trying a new recipe and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

To reheat cabbage in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the cabbage by cutting it into your desired size. It is recommended to cut the cabbage into thin wedges or strips, about 1/2-inch wide, for even cooking and crispy edges.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the cabbage in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is in a single layer with enough space to crisp up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches. Close the air fryer, and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is heated through.

If you are reheating cabbage that has been cooked with other ingredients or sauces, such as a glaze, you may want to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, if you are reheating a large amount of cabbage, you may need to stir or flip it halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.

Finally, it is important to note that while you can reheat cabbage in an air fryer, it may not be as crisp as freshly cooked cabbage.

Enjoy your reheated cabbage as a tasty and nutritious side dish!

What to serve with cabbage

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be served in many ways and paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with cabbage:

As a Side Dish

Cabbage is a great low-carb side dish and goes well with various main courses. It can be served alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled fish, or pot roast. For a St. Patrick's Day dinner, pair it with corned beef. Cabbage is also a tasty addition to tacos, burrito bowls, grain bowls, or scrambled eggs. Try adding it to an omelet for a veggie-packed breakfast.

In Soups and Stews

Cabbage is an excellent ingredient for soups and stews. Try making a cabbage veggie soup with tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, onions, celery, carrots, peas, and lentils. For a heartier option, add sausage or chicken. Another option is to make a butter cabbage soup by cooking chopped cabbage with butter, salt, and pepper in an instant pot.

In Salads

Shredded raw cabbage adds a satisfying crunch to salads and lasts longer than other salad greens. Try a cabbage salad with apples, walnuts, and a dressing of your choice. Asian-inspired cabbage salads with mirin and five-spice powder are also delicious.

With Meat

Cabbage pairs well with different types of meat. For a classic combination, cook cabbage with bacon or sausage. You can also add potatoes, onions, and spices like caraway seeds. Corned beef and cabbage is another traditional pairing, especially for St. Patrick's Day. Cabbage rolls, stuffed with ground meat and rice, are another tasty option.

In International Dishes

Cabbage is a versatile ingredient used in various international dishes. Try making okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancakes), deconstructed cabbage rolls, or egg roll bowls. Cabbage is also a key ingredient in dishes like haluski (cabbage, noodles, bacon, and onions) and kielbasa (Polish sausage with sautéed cabbage and potatoes).

As a Snack

Cabbage can be a healthy and tasty snack option. Air-fried cabbage wedges or steaks are a quick, tasty, and healthy snack. They can be served with hummus or your favorite salad dressing.

How to store air-fried cabbage

Storing air-fried cabbage is simple and will keep it fresh and tasty for a few days. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to store air-fried cabbage:

• Allow the cooked cabbage to cool down: It is important to let the cabbage reach room temperature before storing it. Spread it out on a plate or tray to speed up the cooling process.
• Choose an airtight container: Place the cooled cabbage in an airtight container. If you plan to store the cabbage for more than a day, choose a container with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh for longer.
• Refrigerate: Put the container of cabbage in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: When you are ready to enjoy your cabbage again, you can reheat it in the air fryer, in a skillet, or even in the microwave.
• Avoid freezing: Freezing cooked cabbage is not recommended as it can affect the texture and taste.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your air-fried cabbage multiple times throughout the week!

Frequently asked questions