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

Air-fried cabbage is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. It can be served as a main course or a side dish, and pairs well with a variety of flavours and ingredients. The cabbage can be cut into wedges, steaks, or strips, and is typically seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. It can be cooked in an air fryer in as little as 15 minutes, making it a convenient and tasty option for a healthy meal.

Choosing the right oil

When it comes to choosing the right oil for air-frying cabbage, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select an oil with a high smoke point, as air fryers typically cook at temperatures above 350°F (176°C). Oils with lower smoke points may burn and produce harmful compounds. Some examples of oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, olive oil, and peanut oil.

Another factor to consider is the flavour of the oil. Since cabbage has a mild taste, choosing an oil that complements its flavour can enhance the overall dish. For example, olive oil has a fruity and slightly bitter taste that can add a subtle richness to the dish. Avocado oil, on the other hand, has a mild flavour and will let the taste of the cabbage shine through.

The type of oil you choose can also impact the texture of the dish. Oils with a higher fat content, such as avocado oil and olive oil, can help create a crispier exterior on the cabbage. This is because these oils have a higher monounsaturated fat content, which promotes browning and crisping.

Additionally, it's worth considering any dietary restrictions or preferences when selecting an oil. For example, if you are following a keto or low-carb diet, you may prefer to use avocado oil or olive oil, as they are higher in healthy fats and lower in carbohydrates.

Lastly, the availability and cost of the oil may be a factor in your decision. Olive oil is widely available and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for air-frying cabbage. Avocado oil may be slightly more expensive, but it offers a neutral flavour and high smoke point, making it a good investment if you plan to use it for various dishes.

Seasoning options

When it comes to seasoning your air-fried cabbage, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with different herbs and spices. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and Pepper: These classic seasonings are a must-have for any dish, and they can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
• Garlic: You can use either fresh garlic or garlic powder. Fresh garlic burns easily, so it's best to add it towards the end of cooking. Garlic powder, on the other hand, can be tossed with the cabbage before air frying.
• Onion: Thinly sliced onions, such as Vidalia or red onions, can be tossed with the cabbage and cooked together in the air fryer. The onions will caramelize and turn sweet, balancing out the slight bitterness of the cabbage.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme, or basil can be used to infuse your cabbage with flavour. You can garnish the cooked cabbage with these herbs or mix them with the cabbage before air frying.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning are just a few of the spices you can use to add a kick to your dish. A simple sprinkle of paprika or brown sugar can give your cabbage a touch of sweetness.
• Cheese: Parmesan, Cotija cheese, or any other favourite cheese can be sprinkled on top of the cooked cabbage.
• Lemon: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your cabbage before air frying can brighten up the flavour of the dish.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard, in particular, can be mixed with oil and brushed onto the cabbage wedges before air frying.
• Bacon: Small pieces of cooked bacon or pancetta can be mixed into the cabbage for a smoky, hearty flavour.

Remember, you can always experiment with different combinations of seasonings and ingredients to find your perfect flavour profile. The beauty of air-fried cabbage is that it's a versatile dish that can be dressed up however you prefer.

Cutting techniques

When preparing cabbage for an air fryer, there are several cutting techniques you can use, depending on the desired shape and size of the cabbage pieces. Here are some common methods:

Cutting Cabbage into Wedges

Start by removing any loose or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Trim the very bottom of the core to create a flat base, which will provide stability when cutting. Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut one of the halves into 4 or 5 equal-sized wedges. Each wedge should have some core left intact, helping to hold the pieces together. You can cut larger cabbages into 6 wedges, but remember to increase the other ingredients accordingly.

Cutting Cabbage into Steaks

For this method, start by removing the core and cutting the cabbage in half. Then, slice each half into 1-inch thick steaks, starting from the centre and working your way outwards. This technique results in larger pieces of cabbage that can be served as a main course.

Cutting Cabbage into Strips or Thin Slices

This technique is useful if you want to shred or grate the cabbage. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut each half into quarters. From here, you can shred or slice the cabbage into thin strips or slices. This method is often used when adding cabbage to dishes such as egg rolls or soups.

When cutting cabbage for an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the pieces are thick enough to hold their shape during cooking but not too thick that they don't cook through. The size and thickness of the pieces will also depend on the model of your air fryer, as some have limited space. It is recommended to cut the wedges to a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying cabbage depend on the type of air fryer you have, the size of your cabbage wedges, and your personal preference for how well-done you like your cabbage.

Most recipes recommend cooking cabbage wedges in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F (176°C). However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 5 minutes, then tossing and air-frying for an additional 6 to 8 minutes.

If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, if your cabbage wedges are thicker, they may take longer to cook. It is important to keep an eye on the cabbage while it is cooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

For cabbage steaks, a lower temperature of 360°F is recommended, with a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes. If you are cooking cabbage without oil, adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help to steam the cabbage and prevent burning.

Some people also like to add onions to their air-fried cabbage, which can be cooked at the same time and temperature as the cabbage wedges.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried cabbage is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It can be paired with a creamy sauce or something lighter. Here are some specific serving suggestions:

Main Course

If serving air-fried cabbage as the main course, you can cut the cabbage into thick "steaks" and serve them as is. You can also add bacon or pancetta for a smoky, hearty flavour. Alternatively, you can serve the air-fried cabbage with a dip or drizzle, such as whipped feta, lemon tahini dressing, or miso mayo.

Side Dish

Air-fried cabbage makes a great side dish for proteins, salads, pastas, roasted vegetables, or sandwiches. It pairs well with grain salads, such as Farro Pilaf with Mushrooms, or lentil salads, like Mediterranean Black Lentil Salad with Feta. It can also be served as a side with heartier vegan mains, such as vegan meatballs with tomato sauce, or vegetarian pasta dishes like Mediterranean Tortellini with Pesto.

For breakfast, air-fried cabbage can be served with cooked crumbled bacon and eggs. You can also cook the cabbage in slices and top it with a burger patty, pulled pork, or something with gravy, like beef stroganoff.

Other Suggestions

Air-fried cabbage can also be used as a stuffing for egg rolls or added to soups, such as Beet and Cabbage soup.

Frequently asked questions