Name: Air Fryer Cabbage
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 0.5 head Cabbage (cut into wedges); 2 tablespoon Olive Oil; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper; 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Oh, cabbage. For the longest time, it felt like one of those vegetables that just… existed. You know, the kind you’d reluctantly add to a soup or stew, hoping it would just melt away into the background. But then, my friends, I discovered the magic of the Air Fryer, and my whole perspective on cabbage was flipped upside down. This isn’t just about “eating your vegetables” anymore; this is about a crispy, savory, utterly addictive side dish that my family actually *requests*. Seriously! It’s become one of those lifesavers on busy weeknights when I need something delicious and healthy on the table in a flash. Forget soggy steamed cabbage or bland boiled versions; this air fryer cabbage is a revelation, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

What is air fryer garbage?

So, what exactly are we talking about when I say “Air Fryer Cabbage”? Think of it as the humble cabbage getting a serious glow-up. We’re taking regular, everyday cabbage – the kind you can find in any grocery store for a dollar or two – and transforming it into something truly special. It’s essentially sliced cabbage, tossed with a few simple seasonings, and then air-fried until it’s wonderfully tender on the inside and delightfully crispy and caramelized on the edges. It’s not deep-fried, so it’s a lighter option, but it gets that amazing textural contrast that makes fried foods so irresistible. It’s like a healthier, quicker, and frankly, more exciting version of those crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts everyone loves. It’s simple, it’s humble, and it’s ridiculously good.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? This Air Fryer cabbage recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I have a feeling it will in yours too. For starters, the flavor is just incredible. You get this lovely sweetness from the caramelized edges, a hint of savory from the seasonings, and that subtle, almost nutty taste that cooked cabbage develops. It’s so much more nuanced than you might expect! And the texture? Oh, the texture! It’s that perfect balance of tender and crisp that makes every bite a delight. Beyond the taste, the simplicity is a huge win. I mean, we’re talking about a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of actual prep time. The air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. On a busy Tuesday night, when the thought of cooking feels overwhelming, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s also ridiculously cost-effective! Cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables out there, making this an amazing way to add flavor and nutrition without breaking the bank. I also love how versatile it is. While I’ve got my favorite way to serve it (more on that later!), it pairs beautifully with so many different meals, from grilled chicken to pork chops to a hearty lentil soup. What truly sets it apart for me, though, is the pure joy it brings. It’s a side dish that makes people happy, that gets rave reviews, and that proves vegetables can be just as exciting as any main course. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, just like my famous zucchini bread recipe – it’s that dependable and delicious!

How do I make an air fryer?

Quick Overview

This is about as straightforward as it gets! You’ll simply slice your cabbage, toss it with some oil and seasonings, and let the Air Fryer work its magic. The key is getting that perfect balance of tender and crispy, and we’ll achieve that by giving it a good shake halfway through cooking. It’s truly that simple, and the results are always stunning. No complicated techniques, no fancy equipment needed, just pure, delicious simplicity.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage:
1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2 lbs) – Look for a firm, heavy head with bright, crisp leaves. Red cabbage works too for a beautiful color, but green is my go-to for this crispness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Or avocado oil. Use a good quality oil for the best flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that essential savory depth.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds another layer of flavor without any chopping.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – This is my secret weapon for a hint of smoky sweetness and gorgeous color. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste

Optional Enhancements:
A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
A tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami boost.
A sprinkle of your favorite dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

First things first, let’s get that cabbage ready. You’ll want to remove any tough outer leaves that look a bit sad or bruised. Then, cut the cabbage head in half, and then into quarters. Find the tough core in each quarter and carefully cut it out. Now, it’s time to slice! You want slices that are about 1/2-inch thick. You can do this with a sharp knife or even a mandoline if you have one (just be super careful!). Aim for somewhat uniform slices so they cook evenly. Don’t worry if some pieces are smaller or larger; they’ll still be delicious!

Step 2: Season the Cabbage

Grab a large bowl. Add your sliced cabbage to the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the cabbage. Now, sprinkle on your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using any of the optional enhancers like red pepper flakes or nutritional yeast, add them now too. Use your hands (the best kitchen tools!) to toss everything together really well. You want to make sure every single piece of cabbage is lightly coated in the oil and seasonings. This is where all that flavor starts to build!

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

This is a crucial step for getting that perfect crisp! Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Giving it a few minutes to heat up ensures the cabbage starts crisping up right away, rather than steaming. It makes a real difference, trust me!

Step 4: Air Fry in Batches

Now for the fun part! Add about half of the seasoned cabbage to your preheated air fryer basket. Try to spread it out in a single layer as much as possible. If you cram too much in, the cabbage will steam instead of crisping up, and nobody wants steamed cabbage here! You might need to cook in two or even three batches depending on the size of your air fryer. This is the one little quirk, but it’s so worth it.

Step 5: Cook and Shake

Air fry for about 8-10 minutes. About halfway through – so around the 4-5 minute mark – pull out the basket and give it a good shake. This is essential for ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides. You’ll start to see those edges getting nicely browned and caramelized. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes; air fryers can vary, and you want it perfectly crisp, not burnt!

Step 6: Check for Doneness

You’re looking for the cabbage to be tender when you bite into a piece, but with deliciously browned and crispy edges. If it’s not quite there after 10 minutes, give it another minute or two, checking frequently. Once it looks perfectly golden and feels tender-crisp, it’s ready!

Step 7: Repeat with Remaining Cabbage

Once the first batch is done, transfer it to a serving dish and repeat the air frying process with the remaining cabbage. If you want to keep the first batch warm, you can pop them back into the air fryer with the second batch for the last minute or two, or simply cover the serving dish.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

This air fryer cabbage is best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. That’s when it’s at its absolute crispiest! Give it a final sprinkle of salt and pepper if needed, and dig in.

What to Serve It With

Okay, so now you’ve got this glorious pile of crispy, flavorful cabbage. What do you do with it? The possibilities are pretty endless, but here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it!

For Breakfast: I know, it sounds a little unusual, but hear me out! A little pile of this crispy cabbage alongside some scrambled eggs or a breakfast sausage can be surprisingly satisfying. It adds a nice savory element and a little bit of “oomph” to your morning. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies before the day even properly begins. Pair it with a strong cup of black coffee, and you’re good to go.

For Brunch: This is where it really shines. Imagine a beautiful brunch spread: fluffy pancakes, maybe some smoked salmon, a vibrant fruit salad. Add a generous serving of this air fryer cabbage, and it elevates the whole thing. It’s fantastic alongside eggs Benedict or alongside some crispy bacon. It provides a lovely textural contrast and a savory counterpoint to sweeter brunch items.

As Dessert: Okay, okay, not literally *as* dessert, but hear me out! After a hearty dinner, if you’re still a little peckish but don’t want something heavy, a small serving of this cabbage can be surprisingly satisfying. The caramelization brings out a subtle sweetness that, combined with the savory notes, can hit that spot. It’s a much healthier alternative to reaching for cookies!

For Cozy Snacks: This is probably my most frequent use for it! It’s perfect as a side dish for almost any weeknight dinner. It goes brilliantly with roasted chicken, pork chops, grilled steak, or even just a simple baked fish. It’s also amazing piled on top of a hearty lentil soup or a shepherd’s pie. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, gobble this up. It’s become a go-to for us when we need a quick and healthy side that everyone will actually eat. It’s also great alongside some simple pan-fried sausages or even as a filling for some quick lettuce wraps. The versatility is truly one of its best qualities!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Cabbage

I’ve made this air fryer cabbage more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think make all the difference. These aren’t complicated, but they’ll help you achieve that perfect crispy, tender result every single time.

Cabbage Prep: The key here is slicing. You want pieces that are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. If you have some super thick chunks and some paper-thin shreds, you’ll end up with some burnt bits and some undercooked ones. I usually aim for about half an inch thick. Also, make sure to get rid of that dense core; it can be a bit tough and doesn’t soften as nicely as the rest of the cabbage.

Mixing Advice: Don’t be shy with tossing! You really want to make sure every single piece of cabbage is lightly coated in oil and seasonings. This ensures even browning and flavor distribution. Use your hands for the best coverage. If you’re worried about overmixing, just think about coating each piece individually, almost like you’re giving them a little massage. It sounds silly, but it works!

Air Fryer Technique: This is probably the most important tip: don’t overcrowd the basket! I cannot stress this enough. Cabbage releases moisture as it cooks, and if it’s packed too tightly, it will steam instead of crisping. You *will* need to cook in batches. It’s a small inconvenience for perfectly crispy results. Think of it as having multiple “rounds” of deliciousness. Also, shaking the basket halfway through is non-negotiable. It ensures that all sides of the cabbage get exposed to the hot air for that beautiful caramelization.

Seasoning Adjustments: The basic seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper is fantastic. But don’t be afraid to experiment! If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For an extra savory punch, a tablespoon of nutritional yeast is a game-changer (it gives a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy). You can also try a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a bit of Italian seasoning. I’ve also found that a tiny pinch of sugar can really help with caramelization, but it’s usually not needed with the natural sweetness of the cabbage itself.

Baking Tips: While this is an air fryer recipe, some people have success in a conventional oven. If you’re using an oven, spread the cabbage on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast at around 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through, until crispy. It will take longer than the air fryer, maybe 20-25 minutes, and the crispiness might not be quite as intense, but it’s still a good option if you don’t have an air fryer. For the air fryer itself, preheating is key. It ensures that initial blast of hot air starts the crisping process immediately.

Glaze Variations: While this recipe doesn’t include a glaze, if you wanted to add one, I’d suggest a balsamic glaze or a drizzle of honey-sriracha sauce *after* it’s cooked and crispy. Adding it before cooking would likely make the cabbage steam and not crisp up properly. Just a little drizzle at the end really takes it to the next level!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Honestly, the best way to enjoy this air fryer cabbage is fresh and hot right out of the air fryer. It’s at its absolute peak of crispiness then. But life happens, and sometimes you have leftovers! Here’s how I store and reheat it to keep it as tasty as possible.

Room Temperature: I generally don’t recommend leaving cooked cabbage out at room temperature for more than two hours, as with most cooked foods. It’s best to get leftovers put away relatively quickly.

Refrigerator Storage: Let the cabbage cool down completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It should stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The crispiness will diminish a bit with refrigeration, but it will still be delicious, just a little softer.

Freezer Instructions: Freezing cooked cabbage is a bit of a gamble for texture. It can get a bit mushy when thawed. If you absolutely must freeze it, spread the cooled cabbage in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It should last in the freezer for about 1-2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating Advice: This is where you can bring back some of that glorious crispiness! The best method is to reheat it in the air fryer. Place the cooled leftovers in the air fryer basket (again, don’t overcrowd!) and reheat at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisped up again. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can try reheating it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for a few minutes until it’s warmed through and starting to get a little crisp. Microwaving will work for reheating, but it will soften the cabbage considerably, so it’s my last resort!

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to add a glaze (like a balsamic reduction or a drizzle of sauce), always do it *after* reheating. Adding a glaze before reheating can make the cabbage soggy. Just a quick drizzle right before serving is perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all the ingredients are typically gluten-free. The seasonings, oil, and cabbage itself contain no gluten. So, if you’re avoiding gluten, you’re all set with this one!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe is for cabbage, not zucchini, so there’s no peeling required for the cabbage itself! You just need to remove the tough outer leaves and the core, then slice it up. The skin on zucchini isn’t typically peeled for most recipes either, as it contains nutrients and contributes to texture, but for cabbage, it’s just the leaves and core that need attention.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This specific recipe is designed for cabbage, not for muffins. For muffins, you would typically use ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, and leavening agents, with perhaps finely chopped vegetables mixed in. This recipe focuses on the crisp texture of sliced cabbage.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

The sweetness in this recipe comes naturally from the caramelization of the cabbage as it cooks. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a tiny pinch of sugar (like 1/2 teaspoon) to the seasoning mix before air frying, or you can drizzle a touch of honey, maple syrup, or a balsamic glaze over the finished product.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

Since this recipe doesn’t actually call for a glaze, if you’re thinking about adding a drizzle of something extra on top after cooking, you have lots of options! A good quality balsamic glaze is wonderful. A simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing can add brightness. A little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast also adds a savory boost. Or, for a bit of heat, a swirl of your favorite hot sauce or sriracha mayo works great!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite way to make air fryer cabbage! It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and texture, and it’s so incredibly versatile. It’s proof that even the most humble vegetables can be transformed into something truly spectacular with just a little bit of heat and some smart seasoning. I hope you give this a try and love it as much as my family and I do. It’s a testament to how easy it can be to eat well and enjoy delicious food, even on the busiest of nights. If you’re looking for other simple vegetable transformations, you might want to check out my recipe for Crispy Roasted Broccoli – it’s another one that’s a huge hit!

I can’t wait to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments below if you give this air fryer cabbage a whirl, and tell me how you served it. Do you have any favorite spice combinations? I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy cooking!

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