Air-Frying Cabbage: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the cabbage, the amount of cabbage being cooked, and the type of air fryer being used. The general rule of thumb is to cook the cabbage for 5 minutes, check it, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The cabbage is done when it is tender and slightly crispy.

Air Fryer Cabbage Characteristics

How to cut cabbage for air fryer

To cut cabbage for your air fryer, start by removing the outer leaves and locating the core. Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise, then cut out the core. From here, you can cut the cabbage into quarters or into 1-inch wedges or chunks. If you're making cabbage steaks, slice from the top down into 1-inch-thick pieces, starting near the centre and working your way out.

If you're adding other ingredients, such as bacon or onion, cut these into 1-inch pieces as well. You can also shred the cabbage or cut it into bite-sized pieces, but be aware that it will fall apart after cooking.

The size of the cabbage pieces will determine the cooking time, so adjust accordingly. If you're cooking wedges, they should be thick enough to hold up in the air fryer but not so thick that they don't cook through. Leaving the core intact can help the wedges hold together.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking cabbage in an air fryer depend on the type of cabbage, the size of the cabbage pieces, and your desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines for air fryer temperature and time:

Air Fryer Temperature:

• Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes.
• The cooking temperature can vary from 350-400°F.
• If you want to cook at a lower temperature, you can cook cabbage at 360°F or 370°F.

Air Fryer Time:

• The cooking time depends on the size of the cabbage pieces and your desired level of doneness.
• For smaller pieces or wedges, 8-10 minutes should be sufficient.
• For larger pieces or steaks, the cooking time can range from 10-20 minutes.
• It's important to keep an eye on the cabbage and adjust the time as needed.
• You can check the cabbage after 5 minutes and then decide whether to cook it for another 5 minutes, and so on, until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• If you're cooking cabbage steaks, you may need to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• It's recommended to use a 5-quart or larger air fryer, especially if you're cooking for more than one person.
• The size of the cabbage pieces should be consistent to ensure even cooking.
• Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help with cooking and prevent burning.
• Brushing the cabbage with oil, vinegar, or lemon juice before cooking can add flavor and enhance crispiness.
• Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper can be added before or after cooking, depending on your preference.
• For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheese, or you can sprinkle Parmesan or Cotija cheese on top after cooking.

Remember to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines, as cooking times may vary between different models.

Oil-free air fryer cabbage

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be prepared without oil. It is a great way to add more vegetables to your plate. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C, beta carotene (vitamin A), folate, and B6.

Ingredients:

• Green cabbage (or red cabbage)
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Water

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F for 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the cabbage. Remove the core and cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick wedges or steaks. The wedges will cook more evenly if they are similar in size.
• Place the cabbage wedges/steaks in a large mixing bowl and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, herbs, or parmesan cheese.
• Transfer the seasoned cabbage to the air fryer basket. If you are cooking wedges, brush the seasonings on all sides of the cabbage, including the nooks and crannies.
• Cook the cabbage for 8-10 minutes. Check halfway through and give the basket a shake or stir to ensure even cooking.
• Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and browned in places with crispy edges. The total cooking time will be around 15 minutes.
• Serve the air fryer cabbage as a side dish or enjoy it as a snack with hummus or a healthy salad dressing.

Tips:

• Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket can help to steam the cabbage, add moisture, and prevent burning.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cabbage wedges/steaks and the model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on the cabbage and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• For extra flavor, try a honey balsamic glaze or a honey mustard glaze.

Seasoning and glaze options

Seasoning and glazing your cabbage wedges or steaks before air frying is a great way to add flavour to your dish.

Seasoning options

A variety of seasonings can be used to enhance the flavour of your air-fried cabbage. Here are some popular options:

• Olive oil: Drizzling olive oil on the cabbage wedges or steaks can help to crisp the edges and make them tender. It also helps the seasonings stick to the cabbage.
• Salt and pepper: This classic combination enhances the natural flavours of the cabbage.
• Garlic powder: This adds a savoury, garlicky flavour to the dish.
• Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika has a slightly sweet, smoky flavour that can complement the other seasonings.
• Whole-grain mustard: Mustard adds a tangy, savoury flavour to the dish.
• Apple cider vinegar: This type of vinegar has a slightly sweet, fruity flavour that can brighten the taste of the dish.

Glaze options

Glazes can also be used to add extra flavour and a glossy finish to your air-fried cabbage. Here are some options to try:

• Honey balsamic glaze: This glaze has a sweet and tangy flavour that pairs well with the savoury elements of the dish. It can be made by combining balsamic vinegar and honey in a saucepan, whisking them together, and heating them over medium to medium-low heat until they simmer and reduce by half.
• Honey mustard glaze: If you're not a fan of balsamic vinegar, you can try making a honey mustard glaze instead. This will also add a sweet and tangy flavour to the dish.

Other toppings and sauces

In addition to glazes, you can also top your air-fried cabbage with other ingredients or serve it with sauces for extra flavour:

• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese added to the cabbage during the last few minutes of cooking can melt over the cabbage and add a savoury, umami flavour.
• Sautéed onions or mushrooms: These can be cooked separately and added on top of the cabbage just before serving, providing a savoury and slightly sweet element to the dish.

Reheating cabbage in an air fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the cabbage in the basket. It is recommended to cook the cabbage for about 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F until it is heated through. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of water to the bottom of the air fryer to reduce smoke and help with the cooking process.

The total cooking time for reheating cabbage will depend on the quantity of cabbage, the size of the pieces, and the specific model of your air fryer. It is advisable to keep a close eye on the cabbage while reheating and adjust the time as needed.

Additionally, you can enhance the flavor of the cabbage by adding seasonings like olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before placing it in the air fryer. You can also experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and glazes to create a unique taste.

Frequently asked questions