Air-Fryer Red Cabbage: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

how to cook red cabbage in air fryer

Air fryer red cabbage is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this nutritious vegetable. It is a low-calorie, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dish packed with vitamins and minerals. The air fryer cooks red cabbage to a perfect crisp, making it a great side dish to accompany a range of meals. With simple preparation and a short cooking time, this is a convenient and tasty way to get your daily dose of veggies.

Characteristics Values
Ingredients Red cabbage, olive oil, avocado oil cooking spray, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, apples, honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar
Preparation Cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick slices or 1/3-inch thick steaks. Marinade the cabbage in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Place the cabbage in the air fryer basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 8-15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Serving Red cabbage is a healthy, flavorful, and low-calorie side dish that goes well with chicken, fish, beef, and pork.
Storage Store leftover red cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months but may lose some crispiness.

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How to cut red cabbage for air frying

To cut red cabbage for air frying, start by removing the top leaves and cutting the cabbage in half. Remove the stem and cut each half into quarters. From here, you can cut each quarter into 5mm or 1-inch thick slices, or for something different, try cutting the cabbage into 'steaks' by slicing it vertically into 1/2-inch or 1/3-inch thick slices.

If you're making a stir-fry, you might want to finely slice or shred the cabbage. You can also add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, onions, or bell peppers, so feel free to cut your cabbage into strips or matchsticks to fit the overall dish.

Remember to cut the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and caramelization. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your dish.

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Seasoning and marinade options

When it comes to seasoning and marinade options for your air-fried red cabbage, there are several delicious routes to take.

A simple and classic option is to season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Don't be shy with the seasoning; a generous amount will enhance the flavour of the cabbage. If you want to add a little more complexity to the seasoning, you can include onion powder as well.

For a heartier dish, you can create a marinade for your cabbage steaks. A vegan option is to brush the steaks with a mixture of honey, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. This marinade will give the cabbage a sharp, tangy taste. You can also experiment with adding different vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, onions, or peppers, to make the dish more colourful and flavourful.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can top your cabbage steaks with tofu or tempeh. Serving them with roasted mushrooms, radishes, or rainbow chard, along with hummus and falafel, will give your meal a Middle Eastern twist.

Additionally, you can get creative with your seasonings by including herbs. Some possible options are rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also experiment with different types of pepper, such as white or red peppercorns, for a unique flavour profile.

Remember, the beauty of air-frying red cabbage is its versatility, so feel free to customise the flavours to your liking!

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Air fryer settings and cooking time

To cook red cabbage in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Then, place the cabbage in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F (180°C) for 7-12 minutes. If you are using a basket model air fryer, arrange the cabbage in a single layer to ensure even cooking and a better crispy texture. You can also cook the cabbage in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

For cabbage steaks, cut the cabbage into 1/3"-1" thick slices. Brush the cabbage steaks with avocado oil or olive oil and season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Place the cabbage steaks in the air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F for 20 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through the cooking time.

If you are using a larger air fryer, such as the NuWave Brio 14qt, the cooking time may be slightly longer. For this type of air fryer, it is recommended to cook the cabbage steaks for about 25 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the cabbage pieces and the model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your cabbage while it is cooking to avoid overcooking or burning.

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Storing and reheating red cabbage

When you're ready to enjoy your meal, reheat the cabbage in the air fryer to revive its crispy texture. Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (190°C) and cook for about 8–12 minutes. This timing may vary depending on the size of the cabbage pieces and your air fryer model.

If you're storing raw cabbage, it can last from three weeks to up to two months in the refrigerator. To extend its lifespan, keep it in a hydrator drawer or a plastic bag to retain moisture. If you're using only a partial head, wrap the remainder tightly before placing it in the fridge. Handle it with care to minimise bruising, as cell damage causes the cabbage to degrade more quickly and lose vitamin C.

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What to serve with red cabbage

Red cabbage is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with red cabbage:

Roasted Meats

Red cabbage, especially when braised or roasted, pairs well with roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. For instance, you could serve red cabbage with air fryer Italian sausage, air fryer ground beef, air fryer corned beef, or air fryer brisket. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider serving it with roasted chicken to balance out the heartiness of the cabbage.

Mash and Sausages

A classic combination is red cabbage with mash and sausages. The sweetness of the cabbage complements the savoury, hearty mash and sausages. For an extra touch, you can add a creamy, apple sauce on the side.

Fish

Red cabbage can also be served with fish. The slight sweetness of the cabbage can balance the savoury flavours of the fish.

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is another hearty option to serve with red cabbage. The richness of the pie is offset by the tangy, vibrant cabbage.

As Part of a Salad

Red cabbage can be used raw in salads, adding a vibrant colour and a crunchy texture. This is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal, as raw cabbage retains all its vitamins and minerals.

With Other Vegetables

Red cabbage can be combined with other vegetables to create a colourful and nutritious side dish. Carrots, onions, peppers, and apples are all great additions. You can either cook these vegetables along with the cabbage in the air fryer or serve them raw alongside the cooked cabbage.

Remember, red cabbage is a very versatile vegetable, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings and spices to customise the flavour to your taste!

Frequently asked questions

Red cabbage typically takes about 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 350°F (190°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the cabbage pieces and the air fryer model.

First, slice the cabbage into 1-inch-thick slices or "cabbage steaks". Then, coat the cabbage slices with olive oil and add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Place the cabbage in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350°F. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip the cabbage and cook for another 3 minutes.

Yes, you can prepare the cabbage and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Air fryer red cabbage is a tasty and healthy side dish that goes well with chicken, fish, beef, or pork. It is also a great option for vegetarians and those on low-carb or keto diets.

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