Crispy Air Fryer Red Cabbage Steaks: Your Easy & Healthy Roasted Vegetable Side Dish

One of my absolute favorite vegetables, especially for the crisp autumn season, is humble yet magnificent cabbage! It’s a truly budget-friendly ingredient that effortlessly adds a pop of vibrant color to any meal and can be prepared in countless delicious ways. Among my top choices for transforming this versatile vegetable is making air fryer red cabbage steaks. This method achieves an unparalleled level of tender perfection with beautifully caramelized edges, all in a simple, fuss-free side dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Red Cabbage Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with making cabbage in your air fryer, making it a staple in my kitchen. Firstly, it’s incredibly simple and fast, perfect for busy weeknights. Beyond its ease, air-fried red cabbage is a remarkably healthy choice, overflowing with beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. This delightful side dish only requires about 15-20 minutes to cook, and its hands-off nature means you can devote your attention to other parts of your meal, making dinner preparation a breeze.

What truly sets cabbage apart is its adaptability when it comes to cutting. While today we’re focusing on air fryer red cabbage steaks, you’re by no means limited to this one shape. You can effortlessly transform a single head of cabbage into wedges, thick ribs, thin fries, or even finely shredded pieces, each offering a slightly different texture and culinary experience. The steak format, however, is particularly satisfying as it creates substantial, fork-tender slices with wonderfully browned surfaces.

Furthermore, cabbage serves as an excellent canvas for a diverse array of flavors, ensuring you’ll never grow tired of experimenting with different seasonings. For this specific recipe, we’re embracing bold, savory notes using ingredients like tangy Dijon mustard and aromatic garlic powder. These flavors beautifully complement the natural sweetness that develops in the cabbage as it caramelizes in the air fryer.

But the possibilities don’t end there! You could easily pivot to a more classic, sweet-and-sour profile by incorporating ingredients like apple, onion, and vinegar, much like I do in my popular Microwave Red Cabbage recipe. This versatility makes red cabbage a fantastic vegetable to keep on hand. And speaking of other preparation methods, if your air fryer is already occupied, microwaving is another quick and effective way to enjoy tender cabbage!

Simple Ingredients for Air Fryer Red Cabbage

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can transform into such a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 head red cabbage
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (or more to taste)

Preparing Your Red Cabbage for Air Frying

Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly cooked and delicious red cabbage steaks. Follow these steps for the best results:

• Wash Thoroughly: Always start by washing your cabbage thoroughly under cool running water. This ensures you remove any lingering dirt, debris, or small insects. Gently peel off and discard any wilted, damaged, or discolored outside leaves to reveal the fresh, vibrant layers underneath.
• To Core or Not to Core: This depends entirely on how you plan to cut your cabbage. If you are preparing large steaks, wedges, or thick slices, you generally do not need to core your cabbage. The core acts as a natural binder, holding the slices together during cooking and preventing them from falling apart in the air fryer basket. However, if your recipe calls for shredding the cabbage, then you would core it by cutting out a wedge using a sharp knife from the bottom of the head.
• Cutting Steaks: For these air fryer red cabbage steaks, slice your cabbage head into approximately ½-inch thick rounds. Aim for consistency in thickness as much as possible, as this promotes even cooking and caramelization across all the pieces. Slicing too thin might make them overly crispy or prone to burning, while slices that are too thick might not cook through evenly or caramelize sufficiently.

How to Make Delicious Air Fryer Red Cabbage Steaks

Get ready for a super simple and incredibly tasty side dish! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making perfect caramelized red cabbage steaks in your air fryer:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have an exact 375°F setting, choose the closest temperature available. Preheating ensures the cabbage starts cooking immediately and achieves that desirable crispy exterior.
2. Slice the Cabbage: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut your entire head of red cabbage into slices that are approximately ½-inch thick. Remember, there’s no need to core the cabbage for this method, as the intact core helps to hold the “steaks” together, preventing them from disintegrating during cooking.

3. Prepare the Flavorful Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and you have a smooth, well-blended mixture. This is the savory coating that will infuse your cabbage with incredible flavor.

4. Season and Load the Air Fryer: Carefully arrange the slices of red cabbage into your preheated air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer to allow for optimal air circulation and even cooking. Overcrowding will steam the cabbage instead of crisping it. Once arranged, generously brush the tops of each cabbage steak with half of the prepared mustard mixture.

5. Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the cabbage steaks for 10 minutes on the air fry setting at 375°F. After the initial cooking time, carefully flip each steak to the other side. Brush the newly exposed side with the remaining half of the mustard sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully browned and caramelized around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
6. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve your air fryer red cabbage steaks hot, allowing everyone to enjoy their crispy, tender goodness right away!

What to Serve With Air Fryer Red Cabbage Steaks

These versatile red cabbage steaks can shine as a vibrant side dish or even take center stage as a hearty vegetarian main course. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:

Complementary Side Dishes

If you’re serving the cabbage as a main, or just want to round out your meal, consider these delicious sides:

• Onion petals: Their sweet, crispy texture and savory flavor are a perfect match.
• Caramelized onions: Adding another layer of sweetness and depth that pairs beautifully with cabbage.
• Mashed potatoes: A classic comforting pairing that soaks up all the delicious juices.
• Sweet potatoes: Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes offer a lovely contrasting sweetness.
• Sauteed mushrooms: Earthy and savory, they add a rich umami note.
• Glazed carrots: A touch of sweetness and vibrant color that complements the red cabbage.
• Roasted beets: For a robust, earthy flavor and stunning color contrast.
• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce or for a satisfying crunch.

For quick and easy options, try my Air Fryer Blooming Onion Petals, Air Fryer Brown Sugar Carrots, or Air Fryer Beets and Sweet Potatoes – all fantastic choices that can be made alongside or before your cabbage!

Hearty Entrees

As a side, red cabbage pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins:

• Pork chops: A classic pairing, especially with the savory mustard flavors.
• Fried fish: The tangy notes of the cabbage cut through the richness of fried fish.
• Pot roast: A comforting addition to any slow-cooked meat dish.
• Italian sausage: The spices in the sausage marry well with the seasoned cabbage.
• Corned beef: The traditional St. Patrick’s Day duo can be enjoyed year-round.
• Kielbasa: Another sausage that pairs wonderfully with roasted cabbage.
• Scallops: For a more refined meal, the delicate sweetness of scallops is excellent.
• Soups: A hearty slice of roasted cabbage can be a delightful accompaniment to a warm bowl of soup.

Don’t miss out on my Air Fryer Kielbasa, Air Fryer Leek and Potato Soup, or Air Fryer Breaded Scallops for some truly great main course options that will complete your meal!

Flavorful Sauces to Drizzle

Elevate your cabbage steaks with a finishing sauce:

• Tahini: A creamy, nutty sauce that adds an unexpected but delightful Middle Eastern flair.
• Gremolata: A fresh, bright Italian herb condiment with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley.
• Chimichurri: A vibrant, garlicky, and herbaceous sauce perfect for a fresh, zesty kick.
• Balsamic glaze: A sweet and tangy reduction that enhances the cabbage’s natural flavors.
• Garlic aioli: A rich, creamy garlic mayonnaise that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Herb butter: Melted butter infused with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for aromatic richness.
• Sriracha mayo: For those who love a bit of heat and creamy texture.

As you can see, there are countless delicious pairings to serve with these delightful cabbage steaks! You can serve the air-fried red cabbage as your main course, perhaps with a variety of the suggested side dishes, making it a perfect, wholesome vegetarian option. Alternatively, roasted cabbage is an equally delicious and healthy side when paired with a different protein as your main course. Customize your meal exactly as you like, and don’t forget to add that perfect complimentary sauce to truly top things off!

Recipe Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks

To ensure your air fryer red cabbage steaks turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Uniform Slices are Key: The more evenly you cut your cabbage steaks, the better they will cook. Consistent thickness ensures that each slice becomes tender and caramelizes at the same rate. Don’t fret if they’re not absolutely perfect; slightly uneven slices might just give you some extra crispy, delightfully charred edges, which are often a bonus!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For optimal results and maximum caramelization, arrange the cabbage slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each piece. I typically get about 8 slices from a medium head of cabbage, and I can cook 4 at a time in my 8-quart Ninja air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer or are making a larger batch, cook in multiple batches. Overcrowding will steam the cabbage instead of roasting it, preventing those delicious crispy edges.
• Watch for Loose Leaves: During the cooking process, especially when flipping the cabbage steaks, if you notice any smaller, loose leaves detaching from the main steak, it’s best to remove them from the basket. These smaller pieces can easily get blown around by the air fryer’s fan, potentially coming into contact with the heating element and burning, which can affect the flavor of the entire batch.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your seasoning mixture and adjust salt and pepper levels before brushing it on the cabbage. Cabbage itself is mild, so it can handle a good amount of seasoning.
• The Maillard Reaction: The browning and delicious flavor development on your cabbage steaks are due to the Maillard reaction. This is why a little fat (like butter or oil) and sufficient heat are important. Don’t be afraid of those slightly browned, almost charred bits – they’re where the flavor is!

Storage and Reheating Air Fryer Red Cabbage

Make the most of your delicious air fryer red cabbage by storing and reheating it properly:

• Storing Leftovers: Once your cabbage steaks are completely cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner additions throughout the week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cooked cabbage for up to 3 months. To do this, arrange the cooled steaks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.
• Reheating for Crispiness: To reheat red cabbage and bring back some of its delightful crispiness, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until it’s warmed through and the edges have crisped up again. If reheating from frozen, add an additional 1-2 minutes to the air frying time. For a super quick option, you can microwave the cabbage for about 1 minute on high. However, it’s important to note that while this method is fast, the cabbage will likely lose its crispy edges and become softer.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Red Cabbage

Cooking red cabbage in the air fryer is such a brilliantly simple method that you’ll wonder why you hadn’t discovered it sooner! The result is always a winning dish: tender cabbage with perfectly caramelized, slightly crispy edges that bring out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Whether you choose to serve this air fryer red cabbage as a quick and vibrant side dish or elevate it to a satisfying vegetarian main course, it’s sure to impress with minimal effort.

Cabbage itself is an incredibly versatile vegetable, lending itself beautifully to these easy-to-make “steaks.” But don’t forget its equal deliciousness when prepared as wedges, crispy fries, or even just simply shredded. This flexibility means you can adapt the recipe to fit any meal or preference, and any leftovers can be cleverly incorporated into sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even used as a flavorful topping for grain bowls.

Feel empowered to flavor your roasted red cabbage any way you desire. Embrace bold, savory combinations with garlic, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, or lean into sweeter, tangier profiles using vinegar, cooked apples, and caramelized onions. The beauty is that you truly can’t go wrong. So, go ahead, experiment with your favorite combinations and make this healthy and easy air fryer red cabbage recipe a regular part of your cooking repertoire!