Air Fryer Cabbage: 5 Tips for Irresistibly Crispy Delight

Name: Air Fryer Cabbage: 5 Tips for Irresistibly Crispy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 1, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Have you ever tried making air fryer cabbage? If you haven’t, you’re in for a delightful surprise! This simple and healthy air fryer cabbage recipe transforms plain old cabbage into a crispy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. I love how the air fryer makes veggies like cabbage so incredibly easy to prepare, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Cabbage is packed with nutrients – it’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can easily customize it with different spices or toppings. The best part? This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a speedy addition to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try air fryer cabbage, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cabbage

Getting started with this air fryer cabbage recipe is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges – I usually go for a medium-sized cabbage, which gives you that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps the cabbage crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while adding a bit of richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – It adds such a wonderful flavor without any fuss. You can easily substitute with fresh minced garlic if you prefer!
1 teaspoon salt – This elevates all the flavors and makes the cabbage really pop.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to complement the sweetness of the cabbage.

That’s it! Just these five ingredients, and you’re ready to go. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste—if you love garlic, toss in a bit more! And don’t hesitate to experiment with spices you love; this recipe is all about making it your own!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cabbage

Preparing air fryer cabbage is a breeze, and I’m excited to walk you through each step! It’s all about getting that perfect balance of crispy and tender, and I promise you’ll love how simple it really is.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! This step is key because starting with a hot air fryer helps the cabbage cook evenly and develop that delightful crispy texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. While it’s doing its thing, you can move on to the next step!

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage Wedges

Now it’s time to prep the star of the show! Start by cutting your head of cabbage into wedges. I usually slice it into quarters and then cut each quarter into two or three wedges—this way, they’re big enough to hold up in the air fryer but small enough to get that nice char. Once your wedges are ready, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give them a good mix until every wedge is evenly coated. This ensures all those delicious flavors infuse into the cabbage!

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Next, it’s time to load up the air fryer basket! Carefully place the cabbage wedges in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. If they’re too cramped, they won’t crisp up properly, and we definitely don’t want that! If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to work in batches. Just think of it as a mini cooking adventure!

Step 4: Cooking Time and Technique

Now for the fun part—cooking! Set your air fryer to cook for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give those cabbage wedges a flip. This little trick helps them brown evenly and get that irresistible crunch on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and slightly crispy on the edges. If you like them extra crispy, feel free to add a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them!

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

Once your air fryer cabbage is ready, take it out and transfer the wedges to a serving plate. Trust me, you’ll want to serve these warm for the best texture and flavor! They make a fantastic side dish to any meal, and I love to drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for an extra zing. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Cabbage

When it comes to healthy eating, this air fryer cabbage recipe really shines! Each serving is packed with nutrients while being low in calories, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Sugar: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the specific ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust them to suit your dietary needs. Enjoy this guilt-free side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Tips for Success with Air Fryer Cabbage

Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your air fryer cabbage turns out absolutely perfect every time! These little insights can make a big difference!

Don’t Rush the Preheating

First off, take that preheating step seriously! I know it can be tempting to skip it, but trust me, starting with a hot air fryer is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Just give it those 5 minutes to heat up—it’s worth the wait!

Experiment with Spices

Feel free to get creative with the seasonings! While I love the garlic powder and salt combo, you can try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or even a sprinkle of chili powder if you like some heat. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Check for Doneness

Each air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cabbage as it cooks. If you find that it’s not quite as crispy as you’d like, pop it back in for a couple more minutes. Just remember to flip those wedges halfway through for even cooking.

Serve Right Away

Lastly, serve your air fryer cabbage immediately after cooking. It tastes best when it’s fresh and warm, and you’ll love that delightful crunch with every bite! If you do have leftovers, you can always reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy goodness.

With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’ll make air fryer cabbage that’ll impress everyone at the table!

Variations of Air Fryer Cabbage

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some fun variations to elevate your air fryer cabbage game! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super adaptable, so you can play around with flavors to match your mood or the meal you’re serving.

First up, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. The balsamic gives a lovely tang, while the cheese melts beautifully, adding a savory touch that’s hard to resist!

If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicier, try mixing in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with your spices. This little kick will wake up your taste buds and make the dish even more exciting.

For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some chopped olives or feta cheese after cooking. The brininess pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cabbage and makes for a vibrant side dish.

Lastly, don’t shy away from adding other veggies! Carrots, bell peppers, or even sliced onions can be tossed in with the cabbage for a colorful mix. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add larger or denser vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly.

With these variations, you can enjoy air fryer cabbage in countless delightful ways!

Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Cabbage

Let’s dive into some of the most common questions I get about air fryer cabbage! I want to make sure you have all the information you need to whip up this delicious side dish effortlessly.

Can I use different types of cabbage?

Absolutely! While I love using green cabbage for its sweetness and crispiness, you can also experiment with savoy cabbage or purple cabbage. Just keep in mind that different varieties may have slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on them as they air fry.

Is air fryer cabbage healthy?

Yes, indeed! Air fryer cabbage is a fantastic healthy option. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins. Plus, using the air fryer means you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without needing to deep fry. It’s a great way to add more veggies to your meals!

How can I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply let the cabbage cool down and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat and restore that crispy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This air fryer cabbage recipe is already vegan-friendly since it only contains veggies and olive oil. Just make sure to choose any additional toppings or seasonings that align with your dietary preferences.

What spices work well with air fryer cabbage?

The beauty of air fryer cabbage lies in its versatility! Besides the classic garlic powder and salt, you can try adding cumin, smoked paprika, or even curry powder for a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find your favorite flavor combinations!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can have this delicious side dish ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Health Benefits: Air fryer cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, helping you feel full while adding essential nutrients to your diet.
Versatility: Customize it with your favorite spices and toppings, whether you prefer a classic garlic flavor or something more adventurous!
Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives the cabbage that irresistible crunch we all love without the need for frying.
Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to everyone, from kids to adults, making it a great addition to any meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Air Fryer Cabbage

If you find yourself with any leftover air fryer cabbage (which is quite the accomplishment!), storing it is super easy! Allow the cabbage to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to maintain its freshness.

When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, the best way to reheat them is to pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). This will help restore that crispy texture we all love! Just keep an eye on them while they warm up, and you’ll have perfectly reheated cabbage that tastes just as good as when it was freshly made. Enjoy every bite!