15 Best Air Fryer Cabbage Recipes: Quick, Healthy & Delicious Dishes
Cabbage, a humble yet powerhouse member of the cruciferous vegetable family, is celebrated for its incredible health benefits, boasting high fiber content and a significant dose of Vitamin C. While often overlooked, this versatile green can be transformed into a culinary delight, especially when prepared in an air fryer. The air fryer method unlocks a spectrum of textures, from wonderfully crispy to sweetly caramelized, making cabbage a fantastic option for both nutritious side dishes and hearty main courses.
If you’re looking to elevate your vegetable game and incorporate more wholesome greens into your weekly rotation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated the 15 best air fryer cabbage recipes that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, offering endless possibilities to enjoy this incredibly healthy vegetable. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to cook cabbage!
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Sometimes, the most straightforward recipes yield the most satisfying results! This incredibly easy air fryer shredded cabbage recipe requires only cabbage, a touch of oil, and your choice of seasonings. Its shredded preparation method ensures it cooks rapidly and beautifully, achieving a perfect tender-crisp texture in under 15 minutes.
This simple yet flavorful dish serves as an ideal base or side for almost any main course you can imagine. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even a hearty vegetarian entree. What makes this recipe truly versatile is its adaptability; you can easily adjust the seasonings to perfectly complement your chosen main dish. This flexibility makes it a fantastic addition to your weeknight meal rotation, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and delicious vegetable without much fuss.
Check out this Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions recipe
Continuing with the simplicity of shredded cabbage, this recipe introduces another key ingredient: onions, for a remarkably flavorful air fryer cabbage and onions dish! Everything cooks down beautifully, achieving perfect caramelization and a rich, buttery taste that truly satisfies.
With just five ingredients, including salt and pepper, this seemingly basic dish delivers an astounding depth of flavor. One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is tossed with buttery egg noodles to create a quick and comforting haluski. Without the pasta, it transforms into an excellent gluten-free and low-carb side dish. Ready in about 15 minutes, this versatile recipe can be served alongside grilled sausages, mixed with zoodles for an extra fiber boost, or simply enjoyed on its own as a healthy vegetable side. The culinary possibilities are genuinely endless with this easy air fryer staple!
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For those craving a satisfyingly crunchy, healthy snack reminiscent of popular kale chips, these crispy air fryer cabbage chips are an absolute game-changer! Simple pieces of cabbage are lightly tossed in oil and your favorite seasonings before being air-fried to golden, crisp perfection in under 10 minutes. This recipe is incredibly adaptable; feel free to experiment with different spices to create any flavor profile you desire, from savory garlic and herb to a zesty lemon-pepper blend.
Cabbage chips are an excellent addition to packed lunches, a convenient on-the-go snack, or even a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips served alongside your meal. Their delightful crispy texture is addictive, making it easy to enjoy a nutrient-rich vegetable in a fun and exciting way. Say goodbye to unhealthy snacking and hello to these delicious, guilt-free cabbage chips!
Check out this Air Fryer Red Cabbage Steaks recipe
These magnificent red air fryer cabbage steaks are bursting with flavor and offer a fantastic option as either a vibrant side dish or a satisfying vegetarian entree! In just about 20 minutes, you can have beautifully tender-crisp cabbage steaks, boasting delightful caramelized edges. They are seasoned with a savory blend of Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices, creating a truly irresistible bite.
Of course, the seasoning mix can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences, allowing you to make them uniquely yours. The striking, rich purple hue of the red cabbage makes a stunning visual statement, meaning these steaks are elegant enough to impress guests yet simple enough for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe stands out as one of my all-time favorite air fryer cabbage creations, consistently delivering on both stunning appearance and incredible taste.
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Much like their vibrant red counterparts, these green cabbage steaks offer a hearty and delightful vegetable option, showcasing cabbage’s versatility in the air fryer. In approximately 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll achieve perfectly tender cabbage steaks with beautifully crispy, browned edges that provide an irresistible crunch.
A simple yet effective seasoning blend, combined with the natural sweetness that develops as the cabbage caramelizes, is often all you need for an outstanding dish. However, feel empowered to customize the herbs and spices to truly make this recipe your own, perhaps adding a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for extra zest. These green cabbage steaks are ideal as a flavorful side dish, but they also shine as a satisfying vegetarian or vegan main course. Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, they fit seamlessly into a variety of healthy eating plans, proving that delicious and nutritious can go hand-in-hand.
Check out this Air Fryer Cabbage and Bacon recipe
It’s often said that everything tastes better with bacon, and this air fryer cabbage and bacon recipe proves it deliciously! This Southern-style dish offers a delectable blend of sweet and savory notes, often with a hint of spice for extra character. Bacon, onion, and tender cabbage pieces come together in your air fryer basket in approximately 25 minutes, achieving the perfect level of caramelization and browning.
The rendered bacon grease naturally infuses the cabbage with rich flavor, eliminating the need for additional oil to achieve that perfectly tender texture. This dish is an outstanding side, easily one of my favorite air fryer cabbage recipes to prepare. I particularly enjoy pairing it with grilled chicken and warm cornbread for a complete and comforting meal, but its versatility means it complements a wide array of other main courses as well. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and Keto-friendly!
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Here’s another fantastic air fryer cabbage recipe to add to your repertoire: amazing chicken and cabbage cooked perfectly in the air fryer! This dish features tender shredded cabbage alongside succulent cubes of chicken, all ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes. A blend of simple seasonings enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and complements the juicy chicken, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
You can savor this recipe as a complete meal on its own, or get creative by using it as a versatile base for fresh salads, a hearty addition to soups, or even a flavorful filling for homemade egg rolls. Furthermore, like many air fryer cabbage recipes, this option is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on taste or satisfaction. It’s truly a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal any day of the week.
Check out this Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage recipe
Speaking of convenient, one-pan meals featuring cabbage, look no further than this incredibly satisfying air fryer cabbage and sausage! This dish brings together tender cubed cabbage and flavorful sausage medallions (kielbasa is a particularly delicious choice here), cooking to perfection in just about 15 minutes. You can easily adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of browning and caramelization on the sausage, ensuring every bite is just right.
Cajun seasoning provides a delightful kick and a well-balanced blend of flavors, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the dish to your exact taste. Whether you prefer a smoky paprika, a zesty Italian blend, or a hint of garlic and onion, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. This simple yet robust dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, and with its naturally low-carb and gluten-free profile, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on hearty flavor.
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These delightful red cabbage chunks cooked in the air fryer are a fantastic way to add bright pops of color and incredible flavor to your plate! With just four simple ingredients – including salt and pepper – you can create a gorgeous and delicious red cabbage side dish for any meal. These vibrant chunks can also be a wonderful addition to soups, stews, or casseroles, adding both texture and nutrition.
Achieving crispy browned edges and tender interiors, this easy air fryer cabbage recipe comes together in only about 15 minutes, making it a low-fuss vegetable option perfect for busy evenings. What’s more, these red cabbage chunks are naturally vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb, ensuring they cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy them as a vibrant, healthy, and versatile component of your next meal.
Check out this Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges recipe
For a substantial and unique vegetable side that’s more impressive than a simple steak, try these delectable air fryer cabbage wedges! This flexible air fryer cabbage recipe works beautifully with both red and green cabbage, though I often lean towards green cabbage and then enhance it with a variety of delicious toppings to truly make it sing.
The base recipe is elegantly simple, requiring just olive oil and a dash of seasoning to coax out the gorgeous browning and rich flavors from the cabbage. However, this is where you can get creative! Consider adding fresh herbs like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, or even some tangy elements like a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of whole grain mustard to make it truly shine. In just 15 minutes, you can have this exquisite side dish ready to enjoy, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly flavorful.
Check out this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Cabbage recipe
If the idea of topping your vegetables with a savory, golden cheese crust sounds appealing, then you are absolutely going to adore this Parmesan crusted cabbage recipe! This viral TikTok concept has been expertly adapted for the air fryer, offering a significantly faster cooking method that still delivers an irresistible crunch and incredible flavor. In under 15 minutes, you’ll achieve a beautiful, bubbly cheese crust atop perfectly tender cabbage, creating a savory flavor explosion with every bite.
Feel free to jazz it up with additional seasonings like garlic powder, Italian herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a side dish that everyone will rave about. Best of all, this delicious dish remains low-carb, Keto-friendly, and gluten-free, proving that you never have to sacrifice flavor to adhere to your dietary needs. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying way to enjoy your greens!
Check out this Air Fryer Cabbage and Potatoes recipe
Hearty cubed potatoes and flavorful chunks of cabbage form the perfect pairing in this incredibly satisfying air fryer cabbage and potatoes recipe! With a straightforward seasoning blend, this easy dish comes together quickly, allowing your air fryer to do all the work. The result is perfectly tender, browned potatoes alongside tender-crisp cabbage boasting those delightful crispy edges – a true testament to the air fryer’s capabilities.
Cabbage and potatoes make an excellent and versatile side dish for a wide array of proteins, including pork, chicken, sausages, and many more. For a festive touch, you can even lightly mash them after cooking to create a quick and easy air fryer colcannon, ideal for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration or any time you crave comforting, savory flavors. This recipe proves that simple ingredients can combine to create something truly delicious and comforting.
Check out this Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe
For a truly comforting and hearty meal, take those large outer leaves of your cabbage, lovingly stuff them with a delicious mixture of meats, rice, and vegetables, and then cook them to perfection in your air fryer! These air fryer cabbage rolls are a complete meal in themselves, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience that truly sticks to your ribs.
While this particular recipe features a classic blend of ground beef and sausage, you have the flexibility to swap in your preferred proteins and seasonings, allowing you to personalize the dish to your exact taste. The air fryer works wonders here, dramatically speeding up what is traditionally a more time-consuming dish, cutting the cooking time to nearly half of the conventional oven-baked version. Enjoy them on their own, or pair them with your favorite simple sides for a meal that feels straight out of grandma’s kitchen. Plus, remember to save the smaller, inner cabbage leaves for use in other fantastic air fryer cabbage recipes later in the week!
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For an exciting and flavorful twist on using cabbage in your air fryer, try these delectable cabbage pakodas! This recipe brings together protein-rich lentils, finely chopped cabbage, and onions, bound with a touch of rice flour and generously seasoned with a medley of bold Indian spices. The result is perfectly crispy, dippable fritters or balls that cook up beautifully in under 15 minutes in your air fryer.
A significant advantage of using the air fryer for pakodas is the drastically reduced oil requirement compared to traditional deep frying, making them a much healthier and lighter option without sacrificing that irresistible crunch. These cabbage pakodas are perfect as an appetizer, a satisfying snack, or an excellent side dish to complement any Indian-inspired meal. Plus, they are naturally vegetarian-friendly, offering a vibrant and healthy option for everyone to enjoy.
Check out this Air Fryer Bok Choy recipe
Bok choy, a delightful variety of Chinese white cabbage, presents yet another perfect opportunity to explore the versatility of air fryer cabbage recipes! It’s an excellent choice whether enjoyed on its own as a vibrant Asian-inspired side dish or incorporated as a fresh, crisp filling for soups, salads, and dumplings.
You can season it simply with a dash of salt and pepper, or infuse it with bold Asian flavors such as the sesame, ginger, and garlic found in this particular recipe’s dressing. Regardless of your chosen flavor profile, bok choy emerges from the air fryer perfectly tender with lightly crisped leaves in less than 10 minutes – a truly quick and convenient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable! Furthermore, bok choy is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb, making this cruciferous cabbage an accommodating and healthy option for a diverse range of dietary needs and preferences.
Why Should You Cook Cabbage in the Air Fryer?
Cooking cabbage in the air fryer is a game-changer, offering numerous benefits that make it superior to many other traditional preparation methods. Here’s why you should embrace your air fryer for your next cabbage dish:
- Quick and Efficient Cooking: The air fryer excels at cooking food rapidly and uniformly, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. Cabbage can be transformed into a tender-crisp delight in a fraction of the time it would take to roast in a conventional oven or sauté on the stovetop. This speed means you can enjoy a nutritious vegetable without long waits.
- Crispy Texture & Delicious Browning: One of the air fryer’s standout features is its ability to create incredible textures. The circulating hot air crisps up the outer layers of the cabbage leaves, resulting in beautifully browned, slightly charred edges and a satisfying crunch. This added texture enhances the overall eating experience and brings out deeper, more complex flavors that make dishes like cabbage wedges or chips truly irresistible.
- Minimal Oil Usage for Healthier Meals: For health-conscious cooks, the air fryer is a revelation. It requires significantly less oil compared to deep-frying or even pan-frying, allowing you to achieve wonderfully crispy results with just a light spray or drizzle. This reduction in oil intake helps lower the calorie and fat content of your cabbage dishes, making them a healthier addition to your diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Incredible Versatility: The air fryer is incredibly adaptable for cooking cabbage in various forms. Whether you’re roasting large cabbage wedges, crafting delicate cabbage chips, shredding it for a quick side, or cooking it alongside other ingredients like savory sausages or crispy bacon for a complete, one-pan meal, the air fryer handles it all with ease. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for culinary experimentation.
- Effortless Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets feature non-stick coatings, which means cleaning up after cooking cabbage is a breeze. The contained cooking environment also reduces splattering and mess often associated with frying or roasting in larger ovens. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious, air-fried cabbage creations.
Overall, embracing your air fryer for cabbage offers a fast, healthier, and incredibly delicious way to integrate this nutritious vegetable into your everyday meals. It’s time to rethink how you cook cabbage and discover the amazing possibilities!
So, let’s get to cooking with these amazing air fryer cabbage recipes!
What to Serve With Air Fryer Cabbage
Air fryer cabbage is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value. Here are some fantastic ideas to complement your air-fried cabbage:
- Grilled or Roasted Meat: The savory, often slightly sweet, and caramelized notes of air-fried cabbage make it a perfect companion for grilled or roasted meats. Think succulent chicken breasts, tender pork chops, juicy beef steaks, or flavorful lamb. The natural sweetness of the cabbage beautifully balances the richness of the meat.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the tender-crisp texture of air-fried cabbage. The smooth, velvety potatoes absorb the subtle flavors of the cabbage, creating a harmonious and hearty side dish that’s a staple in many cuisines.
- Hearty Sausages: Cabbage and sausages are a match made in culinary heaven, creating a comforting and robust meal. Serve your perfectly cooked cabbage alongside grilled, pan-fried, or air-fried sausages. My Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brats would be an exceptional pairing for a truly satisfying meal.
- Fluffy Rice or Quinoa: For a complete and filling meal, serve your air-fried cabbage with a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or nutritious quinoa. These grains readily soak up the savory juices and flavors of the cabbage, making for a delicious and wholesome dish that can stand alone or accompany a protein.
- Smoky Bacon or Ham: Incorporating crispy bacon bits or diced ham adds a wonderful smoky, salty, and savory dimension to cooked cabbage. Sprinkle cooked bacon or ham pieces over your air-fried cabbage for an extra burst of flavor and texture. My Air Fryer Ham Steak is another perfect protein that complements cabbage exquisitely.
- Sweet and Tart Apples: Sautéed or roasted apples pair surprisingly well with cabbage, introducing a delightful hint of sweetness and tartness that brightens the dish. Try adding thinly sliced apples directly to your air-fried cabbage or serve some homemade Microwave Applesauce on the side for a lovely flavor contrast.
- Caramelized Onions: Onions, when cooked until caramelized, develop a deep sweetness that wonderfully complements the flavor of cabbage, adding significant depth to the dish. Sauté onions until golden brown and mix them with your air-fried cabbage for a truly delicious side. You can even make Caramelized Onions in the Air Fryer for added convenience!
- Tangy Mustard or Horseradish Sauce: A dollop of tangy mustard (like Dijon or whole grain) or a zesty horseradish sauce can add a fantastic flavorful kick to air-fried cabbage. These condiments provide a piquant contrast that cuts through the cabbage’s richness and elevates its taste profile.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can instantly brighten and enhance the flavor of cooked cabbage. Consider finely chopped parsley, fragrant dill, earthy thyme, or delicate chives. Add them just before serving to maximize their fresh aroma and vibrant taste.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: No comforting meal is complete without something to soak up all the delicious flavors. Serve your air-fried cabbage alongside some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls, perfect for mopping up any savory juices or sauces, providing a satisfying and wholesome element to the meal.
Air Fryer Cabbage Cooking FAQs
Is Cooking Cabbage in the Air Fryer Easy?
Yes, cooking cabbage in the air fryer is remarkably easy and straightforward. It’s one of the simplest and most convenient ways to prepare this versatile vegetable, requiring minimal effort and delivering delicious results every time. Even beginners will find it incredibly simple to master.
What Types of Cabbage Can I Cook in the Air Fryer?
You can successfully cook a wide variety of cabbage types in the air fryer. Popular choices include standard green cabbage, vibrant red cabbage, crinkly Savoy cabbage, delicate Napa cabbage, and even tender Bok Choy. Each type offers its own unique flavor profile and textural characteristics when air-fried, allowing for diverse culinary experiences.
How Do I Prepare Cabbage for Cooking in the Air Fryer?
To prepare cabbage for air frying, begin by removing any wilted or damaged outer leaves and giving the head a thorough rinse under cold water. After patting it dry, your next step depends on the recipe. You can chop it into bite-sized pieces, shred it finely, or slice it into thick steaks or wedges. Ensure pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Do I Need to Add Oil When Cooking Cabbage in the Air Fryer?
While not always strictly necessary, adding a small amount of oil to your cabbage before air frying can significantly enhance its flavor and help achieve extra crispiness. Common choices include olive oil, avocado oil, or even a cooking spray. Cabbage does contain natural moisture that helps it cook and brown, but a little oil promotes better caramelization and spice adherence, leading to richer results.
What Seasonings and Flavors Pair Well with Air Fried Cabbage?
Air-fried cabbage is incredibly versatile and complements a vast array of seasonings and flavors. Classic choices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of chili flakes for heat. For brighter notes, consider lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce or ginger work well with Bok Choy. Don’t forget fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or thyme to add a burst of freshness. Experiment to find your personal favorite combinations!
Can I Cook Other Ingredients Alongside Cabbage in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for cooking cabbage with other ingredients to create complete meals. You can add sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, or hearty potatoes. For protein, consider chicken pieces, sausage medallions, or tofu cubes. Just be mindful of the different cooking times for each ingredient; you might need to add denser or slower-cooking items to the basket a few minutes before the cabbage to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What Are Some Popular Recipes for Cooking Cabbage in the Air Fryer?
Some of the most popular and delicious air fryer cabbage recipes include crispy cabbage wedges, elegant cabbage steaks, hearty stuffed cabbage rolls, savory cabbage and sausage dishes, and addictive cabbage chips. These recipes highlight cabbage’s versatility and offer fantastic ways to enjoy it as a nutritious side or a satisfying main course. Beyond these, the possibilities are vast; feel free to experiment and discover your own favorite air fryer cabbage preparations!
Is Air Fried Cabbage Healthy?
Yes, air-fried cabbage is an excellent healthy option, especially when compared to traditional cooking methods that involve more oil. By requiring minimal oil, air frying helps retain cabbage’s natural nutrients while significantly reducing calorie and fat content. It’s a nutrient-dense, flavorful, and guilt-free addition to any meal, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Cooked cabbage, when stored properly on its own, typically remains fresh for up to 5 days. If combined with meat, it’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.
- You can reheat cooked cabbage using several convenient methods. To reheat it in the air fryer, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket once, until thoroughly warmed through and slightly crisped. Alternatively, you can heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet, or simply pop it into the microwave and heat on high in short bursts until it reaches your desired warmth. Please note that reheating times may vary based on the size and thickness of the cabbage pieces, as well as the specific appliance used, so adjust as needed for best results.
Final Thoughts
Having explored 15 of the absolute best air fryer cabbage recipes, I truly hope you feel inspired to try a new recipe and transform your humble cabbage into something extraordinary and delicious! Whether you’re aiming for an easy side dish, a healthier snack, or a fulfilling main course, the air fryer offers countless ways to harness the potential of this versatile cruciferous vegetable.
No matter if you prefer green, red, Napa, Savoy, bok choy, or any other type of cabbage, there’s a simple, tasty, and efficient method to prepare it in your air fryer. Embrace the ability to bring out all those delightful natural flavors without the need for excessive ingredients, turning these nutritious vegetables into truly exciting culinary experiences. Enjoy discovering the many wonders of air-fried cabbage!
Katie’s Tip
If you’re looking for other methods to cook cabbage beyond the air fryer, make sure to check out my fast and simple recipe for Microwave Red Cabbage as well, featuring a delightful tangy apple, onion, and vinegar dressing!
