Crispy & Caramelized: The Ultimate Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions Recipe

Discover one of the most effortless and flavorful ways to prepare a beloved vegetable duo: air fryer cabbage and onions! This recipe delivers a beautifully roasted flavor with delightful caramelization, all with significantly less effort than traditional stovetop cooking. Whether you’re seeking a simple yet satisfying side dish or a versatile base for a more elaborate meal, this easy air fryer cabbage and onions recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

Preparing this simple vegetable dish couldn’t be easier! Just a few quick steps – chop, season, and let your air fryer do all the heavy lifting. This hands-off approach frees you up to focus on other components of your meal, making weeknight dinners a breeze with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The air fryer creates an irresistible crispy texture and brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and cabbage, transforming them into a savory delight.

Beyond its simplicity, air fryer cabbage and onions is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a standout side dish alongside your favorite protein, or get creative by incorporating it into a variety of meals. Imagine it folded into a hearty pot pie, as a savory filling for homemade egg rolls, or adding depth to your favorite soups and stews. It’s also the perfect, authentic base for crafting classic haluski, offering a taste of tradition with modern convenience.

While we’re starting with a classic, universally loved seasoning blend, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can easily experiment with a wide array of herbs and spices, or even other mix-ins, to craft unique flavor combinations that perfectly suit your palate. I’ll share plenty of exciting options below to spark your culinary imagination and ensure every batch is a new adventure.

Furthermore, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of dietary preferences. For our vegan friends, a simple swap of butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative effortlessly makes this dish 100% vegan-friendly. This means you can enjoy a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that caters to diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality.

Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create such a delicious and satisfying dish. This recipe focuses on fresh, quality produce, enhanced by classic seasonings and a touch of richness. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on your crispy air fryer cabbage and onions:

• ½ small head green cabbage (yielding approximately 2 – 2 ½ cups shredded)
• 1 small yellow or sweet onion (or ½ of a larger onion if preferred)
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted (for that rich, comforting flavor)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to your personal taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (also adjustable to your preference)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions

Achieving perfectly tender and caramelized cabbage and onions in your air fryer is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a consistently delicious result every time. The key is proper preparation and not overcrowding the air fryer basket.

1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by coring and shredding your cabbage. You can achieve this using a sharp chef’s knife for precise strips, or for quicker prep, use a food processor with a shredding attachment or a sturdy box grater. Next, peel your onion, halve it, and thinly slice it into uniform pieces. Aim for slices that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking.

2. Season the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and thinly sliced onion. Pour the melted butter over the vegetables, then sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper. Toss vigorously until all the cabbage and onion pieces are thoroughly coated with the butter and seasonings. This ensures every bite is flavorful and helps with browning.

3. Load the Air Fryer: Carefully transfer the seasoned cabbage and onion mixture into your air fryer’s basket or onto its rack. Arrange the vegetables in as much of a single layer as possible. A slight overlap is fine, but it’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket. If you have a larger quantity, cook in batches to allow for proper airflow and crisping. Overcrowding will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them.

4. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the cabbage and onions on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest high-heat setting your specific air fryer offers). The cooking time will be approximately 10-15 minutes. Make sure to pause every 5 minutes to open the basket and give the vegetables a good stir or shake. This ensures even cooking and promotes that desirable golden-brown caramelization. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender to your liking and have reached your desired level of browning and crispness.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, immediately transfer the hot air fryer cabbage and onions to a serving dish. Serve them piping hot as a delicious side dish, or use them as a flavorful component in your main meal.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions

This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other delicious foods. Here are some ideas to incorporate your air fryer cabbage and onions into a complete meal:

• Classic Comfort: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or beef pot roast for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Breakfast/Brunch: Mix into a savory breakfast scramble, a frittata, or serve with fried eggs and a side of crispy bacon or sausage.
• Sandwich & Wrap Filler: Use as a flavorful base for a Reuben sandwich, a grilled cheese with a twist, or wrapped in tortillas with your favorite protein.
• Soups & Stews: Stir into a vegetable soup, a beef stew, or a hearty lentil soup for added depth and texture.
• Pasta & Noodles: As mentioned in the variations, it’s the perfect foundation for a classic Haluski with egg noodles. You can also toss it with other pasta dishes for a vegetable-rich addition.
• Grain Bowls: Add to a warm grain bowl with quinoa, farro, or rice, topped with a protein and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
• Asian Inspired: With the right seasonings (like soy sauce and sesame oil), it becomes a great side for stir-fries or alongside grilled fish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions

What Exactly Is Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions?

Air fryer cabbage and onions is a wonderfully simple and incredibly delicious dish that features thinly sliced cabbage and onions. These vegetables are lightly seasoned and then cooked in an air fryer until they become tender, slightly sweet, and beautifully caramelized with crispy edges. It’s a quick cooking method that delivers fantastic roasted flavor without deep frying.

To prepare, you simply toss the shredded or sliced cabbage and onions with your preferred oil (like butter or olive oil) and seasonings. Then, they are air-fried, with occasional stirring, until they reach your desired level of tenderness and golden-brown perfection.

Can I Use Any Type of Cabbage for This Recipe?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is a classic choice for its crisp texture and mild flavor, you are welcome to use various types of cabbage for this dish. Red cabbage offers a beautiful color and a slightly earthier flavor, while Napa cabbage provides a softer, more delicate texture. Feel free to choose the cabbage variety that you enjoy most or whatever is freshest and most readily available in your local grocery store.

What Seasonings and Herbs Pair Well With Cabbage and Onions?

The beauty of this dish is its versatility in seasoning! Beyond the basic salt and black pepper, popular seasonings that complement air fryer cabbage and onions include garlic powder, onion powder (to enhance the natural onion flavor), paprika (for color and mild spice), dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic touch. For a little extra zest, a splash of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can brighten the flavors. If you’re leaning towards an Asian profile, a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds work wonderfully.

How Thin Should I Slice the Vegetables for Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions?

For optimal results and even cooking, aim to slice both the cabbage and onions into uniform thin strips or shreds, ideally around ¼ to ½ inch thick. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and evenly in the air fryer, ensuring they become tender throughout and achieve that desirable caramelization and crispy texture. If pieces are too thick, they may take longer to cook and won’t get as crispy.

What Is the Best Cooking Time and Temperature for Air Frying Cabbage and Onions?

An ideal temperature range for air frying cabbage and onions is between 350°F and 375°F (175°C – 190°C). Using higher temperatures within this range will generally result in a deeper level of browning and more intense caramelization. Cook the cabbage and onions for approximately 10-15 minutes, making sure to toss or stir them halfway through the cooking process. This is crucial for ensuring even exposure to the hot air, leading to uniform browning and tenderness.

Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients to Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can easily expand the dish by adding other complementary vegetables or ingredients to enhance both flavor and texture. Consider incorporating bell peppers (sliced), shredded carrots, or thinly sliced mushrooms. Just be mindful of the different cooking times for any additional ingredients you include. For best results, ensure all pieces are cut to a relatively even size to promote consistent cooking. Tougher root vegetables like potatoes or carrots should be cut into smaller pieces than the cabbage and onions so they cook through in a similar timeframe.

Are Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions a Healthy Side Dish Option?

Yes, air fryer cabbage and onions are generally considered a very healthy side dish option. Cabbage and onions are both low in calories and packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins (like Vitamin C and K), and antioxidants. When prepared with minimal oil (especially if you opt for olive oil instead of butter) and moderate seasonings, it’s an excellent way to add nutrient-dense vegetables to your diet. The air frying method uses less fat than pan-frying, making it a lighter alternative.

If you are adhering to a strict diet or have specific health concerns, it’s always recommended to consult with a registered nutritionist or medical professional to ensure this dish aligns with your dietary plan.

Can I Make Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions in Advance and Reheat Them Later?

While air fryer cabbage and onions are at their peak of crispness and flavor when enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, they can certainly be made in advance and reheated. Simply store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend! Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and slightly re-crisped. The exact reheating time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the portion size. You can also reheat them in a microwave or a pan on the stovetop, though the texture might be softer.

Recipe Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions

Follow these expert tips to ensure your air fryer cabbage and onions turn out perfectly crispy, tender, and full of flavor every single time:

• Mind Your Cabbage Thickness: It’s important not to shred or slice your cabbage too thinly. Cabbage naturally shrinks quite a bit as it cooks and releases its moisture. Aim for slices that are generally between ¼” and ½” thickness. This thickness helps it maintain some texture and prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy during the cooking process.
• Batch Cooking Adjustments: If you’re cooking a larger quantity and need to do more than one batch, remember that your air fryer basket will already be preheated from the first round. To prevent overcooking, reduce the cooking time for subsequent batches by about 5 minutes initially, and then adjust as needed until your vegetables reach the desired tenderness and browning.
• Know Your Air Fryer: Air fryers can vary significantly in their cooking performance, even among different models and brands. For instance, in my Ninja air fryer, the first batch typically takes about 15 minutes without preheating. Subsequent batches, with the basket already warmed, often cook perfectly in around 11 minutes. Always use these times as a guideline and adjust according to your specific unit. Keep an eye on your vegetables, especially during the first few times you make the recipe, to find the sweet spot for your appliance.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Don’t let any delicious leftovers go to waste! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your air fryer cabbage and onions to enjoy them again:

• Refrigerator Storage: To store any leftover air fryer cabbage and onions, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
• Freezer Storage: For a longer storage solution, once the cooked cabbage and onions are completely cooled, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat air fryer cabbage and onions is, of course, in the air fryer! Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and slightly re-crisped. The exact timing will depend on your air fryer and the amount you are reheating. You can also reheat them in a microwave for convenience (though they may not be as crispy) or gently warm them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat.

More Amazing Onion Recipes to Explore

Air Fryer Beer Batter Onion Rings: Crispy and Delicious!

Air Fryer Caramelized Onions – Sliced, Browned, and Easy!

Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals: Steakhouse Style App!

Trader Joe’s Pastry Bites in the Air Fryer: Easy App!

• Easy Air Fryer Leeks
• Air Fryer French Onion Chicken

Final Thoughts on This Delightful Cabbage and Onion Recipe

This easy air fryer cabbage and onions recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the power of an air fryer, can create a truly flavorful and satisfying dish. Its quick preparation and minimal cleanup make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, yet its delicious roasted flavor and tender, caramelized texture are impressive enough for any meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can effortlessly adjust the seasonings to match your personal preferences or to perfectly complement whatever main course you’re serving. It stands wonderfully on its own as a healthy and flavorful vegetable side dish, but its true versatility shines through when used as a foundational ingredient. Imagine it adding depth and texture as a base in comforting soups and stews, as a savory filling for homemade egg rolls or pot pies, or combined with egg noodles to create a classic, easy haluski.

As prepared, this dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option that caters to a wide array of dietary needs. For those following a vegan lifestyle, a simple swap of butter for a plant-based oil or vegan butter alternative makes it entirely suitable. It’s a truly inclusive recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste or health benefits.

If you’re looking to add an even more vibrant and visually striking element to your table, don’t miss out on my Air Fryer Red Cabbage recipe. It transforms beautiful reddish-purple cabbage into tender, flavorful steaks that are sure to make a statement and impress your guests!

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions (Shredded)

Servings: 4

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

This air fryer cabbage and onions recipe features caramelized onions and cabbage bursting with flavor and a little crunch in only 15 minutes. It’s great solo as a veggie side, but also perfect for other recipes.

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Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

 

• ½ Small head green cabbage (about 2 – 2 ½ cups shredded)
• 1 Small yellow or sweet onion
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1 Tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ Tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

• Core and shred your cabbage using a sharp knife (you can also use a food processor if you have a shred attachment, or a box grater). Peel, halve, and thinly slice your onion
  ½ Small head green cabbage, 1 Small yellow or sweet onion
• In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and onion with the butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed
  2 Tbsp butter, melted, 1 Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper
• Place the cabbage and onion mixture into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (a little overlap is alright, but don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed)
• Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) for 10-15 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir, until vegetables are soft and desired level of browning is achieved
• Serve hot

Notes

• You could also use napa or red cabbage in place of the green cabbage, but green is a classic for this dish. For reference, I used about ⅓ of a 7” diameter extra large cabbage
• Other types of onions are alright (such as white or red) but they tend to have a more pungent flavor
• You can substitute olive oil in place of the butter if preferred (or if you want to make the dish vegan)
• Seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can definitely add others as desired! Cabbage pairs well with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for heat. Add sesame seeds if it’s going in an Asian-inspired dish, or mustard seeds for pickled dishes!
• Haluski variation (pictured): cook 2 cups egg noodles per package directions and combine with the finished cabbage and onions. Add extra butter if desired (optional) and enjoy a haluski version!
• Don’t shred your cabbage too thin, as it will naturally shrink as it cooks and releases moisture. I generally aim for between ¼” and ½” thickness
• If you do more than one batch, reduce cooking time by 5 minutes to start (to account for the heated basket) and adjust from there
• I made this recipe in my Ninja air fryer. Without preheating, it took me 15 minutes, and my second batch took 11 minutes to come out perfectly. Other air fryers will vary, so adjust as needed for your specific unit!
• Store leftover cabbage and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer term storage, make sure to cool completely and then freeze for up to 3 months
• To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes (depending on your air fryer and portion size) until warmed through. You can also microwave or warm in a pan on the stove
• Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any seasonings or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only

Nutrition

Serving: 158g | Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.8g | Protein: 1.8g | Fat: 5.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.7g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 648mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 3.6g | Sugar: 3.6g | Vitamin A: 181IU | Vitamin C: 44.4mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Vegetarian

Keyword air fry shredded cabbage, air fryer cabbage and onions, air fryer cabbage recipes, air fryer side dishes, ninja air fryer cabbage and onions, roasted cabbage, vegetarian dishes

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