This Air Fryer Cabbage is the perfect side dish: quick, easy, tender, and incredibly delicious. Ready in under 30 minutes with just three simple ingredients (plus four different seasoning options to keep things interesting!), this tasty veggie dish pairs well with nearly any main.
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When it comes to winter produce, cabbage is one of my all-time favorites. Though it’s usually available year-round, this cooler-weather veggie tastes even sweeter during winter months when it’s in season and makes the best tender air-fried cabbage recipe! The air fryer browns the edges of the cabbage pieces so they get slightly crispy while the inside stays tender.
The hearty side dish can be made simply with fresh cabbage, avocado or olive oil, and sea salt, or you can elevate it with one of the optional seasoning recommendations listed in this recipe: Garam Masala, Italian, or a Sweet and Sour to complement your meal. With so much versatility, you can serve up air fry cabbage as a flavorful side for any occasion, from easy weeknight dinners to dinner parties.
For more cabbage recipes, check out my Braised Creamed Cabbage with Bacon, Roasted Cabbage and Cauliflower Salad, or Kale Slaw with Cabbage.
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Cabbage
- Quick & Easy. Prepare cabbage in the air fryer in less than 30 minutes and with minimal hands-on preparation! Perfect for healthy meals on busy weeknights.
- Versatile. This air fryer cabbage recipe includes four different ways to season so you can pair it with a variety of different flavored dishes!
- Healthy & Nutritious. Enjoy a veggie dish that tastes as good as it will make you feel! This recipe is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Crispy & Tender. The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked cabbage with crispy edges and tender centers. Bon appetit!
Which Cabbage is Best for This Air Fry Cabbage Recipe?
For air fryer cabbage recipes, green or purple cabbage are my go-to options because they hold up well during cooking to deliver the best texture and taste.
However, for a slightly different twist, Napa cabbage will also work. Just keep in mind that Napa cabbage will require less cooking time as it is more delicate–start with 10-15 minutes and add more time only if needed.
Ingredients
- Cabbage: I recommend using green or purple cabbage for the best texture. Choose heads that are heavy for their size with deep green and smooth outer layers.
- Oil: Avocado or olive oil helps the cabbage air fryer recipe cook evenly and develop crispy edges. Use avocado oil for a more neutral flavor or olive oil for a richer taste.
- Salt: Fine sea salt or kosher salt enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and adds a delicious savory depth of flavor.
- (Optional) Garam Masala Seasoning: A combination of garam masala powder, an Indian spice blend, and honey or maple syrup offers a rich, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- (Optional) Italian Seasoning: Dried Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, and grated parmesan cheese provide a herby, tangy flavor with an umami-rich finish.
- (Optional) Sweet and Sour Seasoning: A balanced blend of sweet honey or maple syrup, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a subtle spicy kick of hot sauce add an Asian-inspired flair.
How to Make Air Fryer Cabbage
For the complete recipe and measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Prepare the cabbage by rinsing it under cold running water and patting it dry with a clean dishcloth or paper towel. Core the head of cabbage then cut it into even 1 ½ inch pieces.
Step 2: Place the chopped cabbed in a large mixing bowl with the oil and toss until well combined. Then sprinkle the cabbage with the salt and toss until evenly covered. *If using optional seasoning variations, add only the DRY ingredients here (saving any liquid ingredients to add later) and toss until well combined.
Step 3: Add the seasoned cabbage to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing the cabbage every 5 minutes until it is fork-tender and golden brown around the edges.
Step 4: Serve hot! If using optional seasoning variations, immediately transfer the cooked hot cabbage to a clean mixing bowl and toss with the seasoning liquids or cheese in your chosen seasoning option. If needed, add additional seasoning liquid or cheese to taste.
Seasoning Variations
- Simple: Let the mild, slightly sweet cabbage flavors shine with minimal (and delicious!) ingredients. Season with 1 ½ tablespoons of avocado or olive oil and ½ teaspoon savory sea salt.
- Garam Masala: For an Indian flair, season the cabbage with 1 ½ teaspoons of Garam Masala. Toss the hot cooked cabbage with ½ teaspoon of honey before serving.
- Italian: For the ultimate Italian-flavored side dish, season the cabbage with 1 ½ teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning. Then toss the cooked cabbage with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Sweet and Sour: Enjoy an Asian fusion by tossing the hot cooked cabbage in 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of sriracha or hot sauce of choice for your desired heat level.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Cut even cabbage chunks. Ensure the cabbage pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. This prevents smaller pieces from burning while larger ones remain undercooked.
- Toss or stir the cabbage throughout the cooking time. I recommend tossing or stirring this cabbage in air fryer recipe every 5 minutes while cooking to evenly brown all sides of the vegetables.
- Cook to your desired tenderness. Check for doneness by piercing a piece of cabbage with a fork–it should be tender but not mushy. The strength of the air fryer can depend on the manufacturer; add more time if needed in 2-3 minute increments until you achieve your desired texture.
- Increase cooking time for a larger volume. When cooking a larger volume (9-10 cups), increase the cooking time in 3-5 minute increments. Toss every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Add additional seasonings to taste before serving.
- Make vegan-friendly. The basic seasoning option is naturally vegan. To adapt the seasoning variations for cabbage recipes in the air fryer, use maple syrup instead of honey in the Garam Masala and Sweet and Sour options. For the Italian variation, omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free or vegan alternative.
Making this Recipe with Cabbage Steaks
To make this recipe using cabbage steaks, cut the cabbage into 1-inch thick slides and brush them generously with avocado or olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt and any additional dry seasonings from chosen seasoning variations if you’re using them.
Air fry the steaks at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes, carefully flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Then, drizzle the cooked steaks with the liquid seasonings from the seasoning variations as relevant. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage Directions
- Storing/Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for 2-5 minutes, or until hot, to restore the crispiness.
FAQs
Yes! I recommend cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Green or purple cabbage will cook for 15-20 minutes at 375º, but different types of cabbage may take a little less time depending on the texture.
This recipe pairs well with a range of main dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or seared tofu. It is also delicious as a side for hearty comfort foods like meatloaf or mashed potatoes. Or mix it into grain bowls or salads!
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Tools Needed to Make This Recipe
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
- Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Fryer Vegetables
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Cabbage (4 Seasoning Options!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ large head cabbage, cored and cut into 1 ½ inch pieces (8-9 cups)
- 1 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt fine sea salt or kosher salt
- black pepper to serve
Seasoning Option 1: Garam Masala
- 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Seasoning Option 2: Italian
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese optional
Seasoning Option 3: Sweet and Sour
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1-3 drops sriracha or other hot sauce, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped cabbage with the oil until covered.
- Sprinkle the cabbage with salt and toss until evenly covered.
- If using an optional seasoning option (see ingredients section above), toss the cabbage with your desired seasoning blend until combined. Note: If using optional seasoning variations, add only the DRY ingredients here (saving any liquid ingredients to add later) and toss until well combined.
- Add the cabbage to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing the cabbage every 5 minutes. The strength of an air fryer depends on the manufacturer, so the cooking time can vary. Cook the cabbage until it is fork-tender and golden brown around the edges.
- If not using an optional seasoning variation, season the cabbage to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot!
- If using the optional seasoning variations, immediately transfer the cooked hot cabbage to a clean mixing bowl and toss with the seasoning liquids or cheese in your chosen seasoning option. If needed, add additional seasoning liquid or cheese to taste.
Notes
- Storing/Refrigeration: Leftovers keep covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for 2-5 minutes, or until hot, to restore the crispiness.
- Cut even cabbage chunks. Ensure the cabbage pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer. This prevents smaller pieces from burning while larger ones remain undercooked.
- Toss or stir the cabbage throughout the cooking time. I recommend tossing or stirring this cabbage in air fryer recipe every 5 minutes while cooking to evenly brown all sides of the vegetables.
- Cook to your desired tenderness. Check for doneness by piercing a piece of cabbage with a fork–it should be tender but not mushy. The strength of the air fryer can depend on the manufacturer; add more time if needed in small increments (2-3 minutes) until you achieve your desired texture.
- Increase cooking time for a larger volume. When cooking a larger volume (9-10 cups), increase the cooking time in 3-5 minute increments. Toss every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Add additional seasonings to taste before serving.
