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

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook cabbage, giving it a tender inside with slightly crispy edges. It can be seasoned in a variety of ways, making it a versatile side dish that goes well with proteins, salads, grains, roasted veggies, and more. Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect air-fried cabbage.

Choosing the right cabbage

First, let's talk about the different types of cabbage that are commonly available:

• Green cabbage: This is the most common type and is characterised by its stiff, tightly wound leaves. It has a mildly peppery and slightly rubbery taste when raw, but becomes sweet and tender when cooked.
• Red cabbage: Also known as purple cabbage, it is often used in colescaws and stir-fries to add a burst of colour. It has a more pronounced peppery flavour and is slightly more bitter than green cabbage.
• Savoy cabbage: This variety looks similar to green cabbage but has softer, frilly leaves that form a looser ball. It is sweeter and tends to blend into dishes better, making it a good choice for picky eaters.
• Napa cabbage: Also known as Chinese cabbage, it has a distinct oblong shape with frilly edges. It is commonly used in Asian dishes such as dumplings and stir-fries. Napa cabbage has a delicate texture and a sweeter flavour compared to red and green cabbage.

When choosing a cabbage, look for one that is firm and heavy for its size, with bright, crisp leaves. Avoid cabbages with wilted, discoloured, or damaged leaves. You can use either green or red cabbage for air frying, but keep in mind that red cabbage may need a little longer to cook and will turn blue in a basic environment; add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to restore the red colour if this happens.

For air frying, you will need to cut the cabbage into wedges or thick slices, so choose a cabbage that is large enough to yield pieces of the desired size. Depending on the recipe, you may also want to remove the core before cooking.

Once you've selected the perfect cabbage, you can follow the air frying instructions provided earlier to create a tasty and healthy side dish!

Preparing the cabbage

First, you will need to choose your cabbage. You can use green cabbage, which is the most common type, or go for red cabbage, napa cabbage, savoy cabbage, or even Brussels sprouts. Keep in mind that you'll need about 1/4 head of cabbage per person if you're serving it as a side dish.

Next, you'll want to cut the cabbage into either "steaks" or wedges. For steaks, simply cut the cabbage into thick slices, making sure to remove and discard the core. If you prefer wedges, cut the cabbage into four wedges, leaving the core intact to help hold it together during cooking. Aim for a thickness of about 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking.

Once you have your cabbage pieces, it's time to season them. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with additions like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, or dijon mustard. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or another favourite cheese for extra flavour.

After mixing your seasonings, it's time to coat the cabbage. Place the cabbage pieces in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or avocado oil for something different). Toss the cabbage to coat it evenly, then sprinkle with your chosen seasonings. Make sure to get the seasoning into all the nooks and crannies of the cabbage for maximum flavour.

Finally, you'll want to arrange the seasoned cabbage in your air fryer basket. Place the pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches.

Now you're ready to start air frying! Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400°F, and cook for 10-20 minutes, flipping the cabbage halfway through. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your cabbage slices.

Choosing your seasonings

When it comes to choosing your seasonings for air-fried cabbage, the possibilities are endless! You can go with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with various herbs and spices. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Italian-inspired seasonings: If you're looking to add some Mediterranean flair to your cabbage, try using Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with other cheeses, such as Cotija.
• Tangy and savory: For a tangy and savory flavor profile, mix together olive oil, whole-grain Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The mustard and vinegar will add a nice tang, while the smoked paprika gives it a savory kick.
• Spicy kick: If you like your food with a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or dry Sriracha to your cabbage. Just a small amount will give it a nice spicy kick.
• Herbs and spices: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill can add a nice touch of flavor to your cabbage. You can also experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, basil, or thyme.
• Other seasonings: Old Bay seasoning is a popular choice for cabbage, adding a unique blend of spices. You can also try onion powder, garlic salt, or a simple blend of salt and pepper.

Remember, the beauty of air-frying cabbage is that you can get creative and experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect combination. Don't be afraid to mix and match, and adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried cabbage will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of your cabbage slices, and your desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer before adding the cabbage. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for about 5 minutes.

Preparing the Cabbage:

• Cut the cabbage into wedges or thick slices, removing the core. The recommended thickness varies between 1 to 1.5 inches.
• Place the cabbage wedges or slices in a large bowl.
• Prepare a seasoning mixture by combining olive oil with your choice of seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, minced or powdered garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, or any other spices you prefer.
• Toss the cabbage with the seasoning mixture, making sure all pieces are well-coated.

Cooking the Cabbage:

• Place the seasoned cabbage pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Cook the cabbage at the preheated temperature for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
• For wedges, it is recommended to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the wedges after about 10 minutes.
• For slices, cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring or flipping halfway through.
• Keep an eye on the cabbage during cooking, as the timing may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your slices.

Serving the Air-Fried Cabbage:

• Air-fried cabbage is best served hot and can be paired with proteins, salads, grains, roasted vegetables, or sauces.
• You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese or your favorite cheese on top before serving.

Reheating and Storing:

• To reheat cabbage in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes, then place the cabbage in the basket and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
• Cooked cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried cabbage. Here are some suggestions:

• As a side dish with proteins, salads, grains, roasted vegetables, or pretty much anything else.
• With air fryer recipes like chicken tenders, crab cakes, or salmon patties.
• For breakfast with cooked crumbled bacon and eggs.
• In slices with a burger patty, pulled pork, or something with gravy or a sauce like beef stroganoff.
• Alongside air-fried pork tenderloin or air-fried chicken thighs.
• With a sprinkle of minced parsley, cilantro, or dill.
• With a slice of precooked bacon, diced into bite-sized pieces.

Frequently asked questions