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

Air fryer cabbage is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook a healthy side dish with minimal preparation. The cabbage comes out tender with a slightly crispy outside. You can add your favourite seasoning, cheese, or bacon, or try an Italian-inspired version with olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.

Choosing the right cabbage

First, look for a cabbage that feels firm and heavy for its size. A good cabbage should have tightly packed leaves with a vibrant colour. Avoid cabbages with loose leaves, discolouration, or signs of wilting, as these may be past their prime.

When it comes to variety, green cabbage is the most commonly used type for frying. It has a mild flavour and holds up well during cooking. However, don't be afraid to experiment with other types, such as red cabbage or Savoy cabbage. Just keep in mind that Savoy cabbage tends to cook faster, so you'll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Before cooking, be sure to remove the tough core from the cabbage and cut it into evenly sized chunks or wedges. This will ensure that your cabbage cooks evenly in the air fryer.

Lastly, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. If you're looking for a tangy flavour, apple cider vinegar is a great addition. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to give your fried cabbage a smoky or garlicky kick.

By choosing the right cabbage and preparing it properly, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and healthy fried cabbage dish in your air fryer.

Preparing the cabbage

Firstly, you will need to cut the cabbage into the desired shape and size. You can choose to cut it into wedges or "steaks" (slices). If you opt for wedges, cut the cabbage into four equal wedges, each about 1-inch thick in the middle. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer. For "steaks", slice the cabbage from the top down into 1-inch thick slices, starting near the centre and working outwards. This method helps keep the slices intact.

Next, you will need to prepare the seasoning for the cabbage. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen oil (extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil) apple cider vinegar (optional), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or Dijon mustard for extra flavour. Mix these ingredients well.

Now it's time to coat the cabbage. Place the cabbage wedges or slices in a large bowl and pour the seasoning mixture over them. Use your hands or a brush to ensure the cabbage is evenly and generously coated. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies!

Finally, arrange the seasoned cabbage in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the cabbage in a single layer, ensuring adequate airflow around each piece.

And that's it! Your cabbage is now ready to be air-fried. Simply follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and you'll have delicious, crispy, tender air-fried cabbage to enjoy!

Choosing and preparing seasonings

Choosing Your Seasonings

When it comes to selecting seasonings for your air-fried cabbage, the possibilities are endless. You can go with a simple option like salt and pepper, or get creative with various spices and herbs. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder can add a punch of flavour to your cabbage. If using fresh garlic, add it towards the end of cooking to avoid burning.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavours in your dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
• Italian Seasoning: If you want to give your cabbage an Italian twist, try using Italian seasoning, which typically includes a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese or Cotija cheese can be added at the end to give your cabbage a savoury boost.
• Spices: Experiment with spices like paprika, smoked paprika, or chilli powder to add some heat and depth of flavour.
• Herbs: Try using fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to add a refreshing touch to your dish.
• Mustard: Grainy Dijon mustard or smooth Dijon mustard can add a tangy and savoury element to your cabbage.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can help to tenderise the cabbage and give it a mild acidic kick.

Preparing Your Seasonings

Once you've chosen your seasonings, it's time to prepare them for use:

• Mixing: Combine your selected seasonings in a small bowl and mix them together. This ensures that the flavours are well distributed and creates a uniform coating for your cabbage.
• Coating: Brush the seasoning mixture onto both sides of the cabbage wedges or steaks. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even flavour.
• Cooking Time: Pay attention to the cooking time, as it can affect the potency of your seasonings. Some delicate herbs or spices may lose their flavour if cooked for too long, so adjust your timing accordingly.

Cooking the cabbage

First, you'll want to cut your cabbage into steaks or wedges. For wedges, cut the cabbage in half through the core, and then slice one half into four or five equal-sized wedges, so that each piece has some core holding it together. For steaks, slice the cabbage from the top down into 1-inch-thick slices, starting near the centre and working outwards.

Now it's time to season the cabbage. For a simple seasoning, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add Italian seasoning, paprika, apple cider vinegar, or Dijon mustard to taste. Brush the seasoning onto both sides of the cabbage wedges or steaks, or place the cabbage in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil and seasoning mixture.

If you're making the optional honey balsamic glaze, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan and heat over medium to medium-low heat until the mixture simmers. Let it simmer until it reduces by half and reaches a syrupy consistency.

Place the cabbage in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the cabbage in batches. Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping the cabbage halfway through. The cabbage is done when it is fork-tender with crispy edges.

Once the cabbage is cooked, plate and drizzle with the balsamic glaze if using. You can also garnish with minced parsley, cilantro, or dill, or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer cabbage is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas for serving this tasty, crispy, and tender dish:

Proteins

• Air fryer cabbage pairs well with various proteins, such as chicken, whether it's air fryer chicken tenders, grilled chicken, or chicken thighs.
• For a hearty meal, serve the cabbage with a steak or some pork chops.
• It also goes well with air fryer brats, sausage, or bacon.
• For a vegetarian option, try serving it with tofu, such as Crispy Breaded Air Fryer Tofu.

Carbohydrates

• You can serve air fryer cabbage with grains like farro pilaf, lentil salads, or Mediterranean chickpea casserole.
• It also goes well with pasta dishes, such as Mediterranean tortellini with pesto.
• For a comforting carb option, try serving it with homemade fried potatoes and onions or simple seasoned rice.

Vegetables

• Air fryer cabbage can be served with other roasted vegetables, such as roasted carrots.
• It also pairs well with salads, such as grain salads or lentil salads.
• Try it with other air-fried veggies like broccoli, tater tots, or avocado fries.

Sauces and Dips

• For an extra layer of flavour, serve the cabbage with a tangy and sweet honey balsamic glaze.
• It also goes well with a variety of dips, such as hummus or white bean peanut dip.
• You can also drizzle your favourite dressing over the cabbage, such as a creamy lemon tahini garlic dressing or a kefir honey mustard dressing.

Frequently asked questions