My air fryer cabbage is super easy and gives this veggie amazing crispy edges with a tender center. I look forward to cabbage season, and honestly eat it all year because it’s affordable, nutritious, and oh-so-tasty when I make it this way!
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My Family Favorite Way to Make Cabbage in the Air Fryer
I’ve tried cabbage steaks boiled, sautéed, roasted, pretty much every way, but never really loved it. One night, when I wanted a quick and nutritious side and had some cabbage in the fridge, I decided to try air fryer cabbage.
I sliced up a head of cabbage, seasoned it, and let the air fryer do the work. When I pulled it out, I was so happy to see the edges were crispy! Plus the centers were tender, and the flavors were way more intense than any other method I’d tried.
Even my husband Ben, who usually associates cabbage with soggy boiled dinners, devoured his entire cabbage steak. Now, this is one of our favorite ways to eat cabbage in my house!
And, if you love air fryer vegetables, try my recipes for sliced potatoes in the air fryer, air fryer carrots, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer roasted veggies.
Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks Ingredients
- Head of green cabbage – I try to find a smaller cabbage head some more slices will fit in the air fryer at once
- Olive oil – To give the cabbage and edges a crispy texture
- Italian seasoning – Herbs give the cabbage steaks amazing flavor
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the cabbage
- Smoked paprika – I use smoked paprika to give the cabbage a subtle smokey depth, but regular paprika will work too
- Black pepper – Adds just the right amount of warmth
How to Make Cabbage in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Place as many cabbage steaks in the air fryer basket that will fit in a single layer. Brush them liberally with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
STEP THREE: Cook them in the air fryer for 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender with some crispy bits on the outside.
Tips for the Best Easy Air Fryer Cabbage
- I do my best to slice the cabbage evenly into ½ inch steaks. When the slices are the same size, each one air fries at the same rate.
- A good brush of olive oil enhances the flavor and helps the cabbage get crispy on the edges. I’m always generous with my olive oil!
- Add plenty of seasoning to give the cabbage that pop of satisfying flavor. This is what keeps my family coming back for more.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. I usually cook one or two cabbage steaks at a time. They only take ten minutes, so it’s easy to cook them in batches.
- I like to top the cabbage steaks with balsamic vinegar, ranch, and bacon crumbles.
Fried Cabbage in the Air Fryer Variations and Substitutions
- I sometimes add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a little heat. I like to toss the cabbage steaks in a bowl with the spices for even coating.
- For a keto or low-carb side dish, I’ll sprinkle Parmesan cheese over air fried cabbage before serving.
- Drizzle with lemon juice just before serving for a fresh, bright finish. This is my favorite way to serve air fryer cabbage when I’m entertaining.
- Experiment with different types of cabbage like red cabbage for a fun twist.
- I like to use sesame oil instead of olive oil for an Asian-inspired dish. I serve this version with soy sauce.
- Swap out Italian seasoning for garlic powder for a more traditional roasted flavor.
What to Serve with Air Fry Cabbage
I grew up eating corned beef and cabbage every St Patrick’s Day, so when I think of this cabbage recipe, I immediately want to pair it with my delicious air fryer corned beef recipe.
But, I do love to make it every time it’s in season (and any time I see it in the front of the store), and love to pair it with air fryer sirloin steak and chicken breasts in the air fryer for a nice protein.
To round out the dinner, I will also add some fluffy white rice, sweet potato cubes, air fryer onions, or mashed potatoes on the side. Soups like white bean soup or potato soup are also super cozy!
Air Fryer Cabbage FAQs
How long to cook cabbage in the air fryer
I try to cut each slice of cabbage into ½ inch pieces. At that thickness, 10 minutes is always the magic number for me! This is the perfect amount of time to give my cabbage crispy edges without over- or under-cooking the inside.
How should I store leftover air fryer cabbage steaks?
I let my leftovers cool completely to avoid trapping any condensation. After that, I store the cabbage steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What are the health benefits of cooking cabbage in the air fryer?
Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s low in calories but super filling, which is why I love cabbage recipes for a healthy side dish. Plus, air frying uses less oil than traditional frying, so it’s a lighter way to enjoy it!
What are some dishes I can incorporate air fryer cabbage into?
This air fryer cabbage recipe is one of my favorite easy vegetables to go with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or seafood. I also love chopping it up and tossing it into stir-fries, soups, or grain bowls. It even works as a tasty topping for tacos or sandwiches when I want something crispy!
More Easy Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Air fryer acorn squash
- Diced potatoes in the air fryer
- Sweet potato in the air fryer
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Easy Air Fryer Cabbage
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head of fresh cabbage sliced into 0.5” “steaks”
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Place as many cabbage steaks in the air fryer basket or tray that will fit in a single layer. Brush them liberally with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Cook them in the air fryer for 10 minutes or until the cabbage is tender with some crispy bits on the outside.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Slice the cabbage evenly into ½ inch steaks. When the slices are the same size, each one air fries at the same rate.
- A good brush of olive oil enhances the flavor and helps the cabbage get crispy on the edges.
- Add plenty of seasoning to give the cabbage that pop of satisfying flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer so each steak cooks evenly.
- I like to top the cabbage steaks with balsamic vinegar, ranch, and bacon crumbles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve as is or chop it up and toss it into stir-fries, soups, or grain bowls. It even works as a tasty topping for tacos or sandwiches!
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
