Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

The Best Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe for Crispy Veggie Lovers

Crispy air fryer cabbage changes this humble vegetable into a delectable side dish that surprises even the most skeptical eaters.

Packed with potential, this versatile recipe elevates simple ingredients through clever cooking techniques.

Nutrition enthusiasts appreciate the health benefits hidden within each golden, caramelized bite.

Light and crunchy textures emerge when applying precise heat and strategic seasoning methods.

Home cooks love how quickly this dish comes together, requiring minimal preparation and maximum flavor impact.

Sizzling edges and tender centers create a mouthwatering contrast that makes vegetables genuinely irresistible.

The magic happens when heat meets fresh produce, unlocking unexpected culinary possibilities.

Simple Ingredients That Make Air Fryer Cabbage Stand Out

Main Ingredients:

Cabbage:
  • Cabbage: Fresh green or white cabbage with crisp texture, perfect for air frying and creating a tender yet slightly crispy side dish.
Seasoning Base:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: Flavor enhancer that helps create a golden brown exterior and adds rich, aromatic taste to the cabbage.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning combination that brings out the natural cabbage flavor and provides balanced taste.
Finishing Touches:
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds depth and Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile to the cabbage.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a nutty undertone and helps create a light crispy crust when melted.

Toss and Crisp Air Fryer Cabbage with Just Minutes to Spare

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer

Plug in the air fryer and set the temperature to 350°F. Allow the appliance to preheat for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Whisk all ingredients until thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Coat Cabbage

Place cabbage wedges in a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoning mixture over the wedges. Gently toss to ensure even coating, making sure each piece is well-covered with the flavorful blend.

Step 4: Arrange In Air Fryer Basket

Carefully place the seasoned cabbage wedges into the air fryer basket. Ensure wedges are not touching or overlapping to allow proper air circulation.

Step 5: Cook To Perfection

Slide the basket into the air fryer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning wedges halfway through cooking time. Look for edges that are golden brown and crispy with a tender interior.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove cabbage wedges from the air fryer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving plate immediately while hot and crisp. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Golden Edges on Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

  • Slice Evenly: Cut cabbage wedges with consistent thickness to ensure uniform cooking and crispy edges.
  • Pat Dry Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from cabbage to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Space cabbage wedges with room between them for optimal air circulation and better browning.
  • Check Midway: Peek and rotate wedges halfway through cooking to guarantee even caramelization and prevent burning.
  • Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs, spices, or cheese blends to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Cabbage Without Losing the Crunch

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover air fryer cabbage in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating in Air Fryer: Warm cabbage wedges at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, ensuring they crisp up without becoming soggy or dried out.
  • Microwave Option: Reheat cabbage quickly on medium power for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain its original texture.

Delights to Pair with Air Fryer Cabbage

  • Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon complement the crispy cabbage perfectly, balancing the vegetable's earthy flavor with lean protein.
  • Wine Wonderland: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio cuts through the cabbage's richness and enhances its garlic-herb notes.
  • Hearty Companion Dish: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa to create a balanced, satisfying meal that adds texture and warmth to your plate.
  • Zesty Side Kick: A tangy tzatziki or fresh chimichurri sauce can brighten the dish, adding a cool, herbal contrast to the air-fried cabbage's warm, crispy edges.

Ideas to Make Air Fryer Cabbage New Again

  • Spicy Korean Kick: Swap Italian seasoning with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and add a drizzle of sesame oil for a bold, fiery flavor profile that transforms the cabbage into a zesty side dish.
  • Herb Garden Medley: Replace Parmesan with fresh chopped herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, creating a vibrant green-forward version that brings garden-fresh taste to your air fryer cabbage.
  • Smoky Bacon Infusion: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the cooked cabbage wedges and use smoked paprika in the seasoning blend, delivering a rich, savory experience with deep smoky undertones.
  • Citrus Bright Blend: Add lemon zest and a splash of fresh lemon juice to the olive oil mixture, introducing a bright, tangy dimension that cuts through the cabbage's natural earthiness and adds refreshing complexity.

Air Fryer Cabbage That’s Crispy, Savory, and Shockingly Addictive

  • Speedy Vegetable Transformation: This air fryer cabbage recipe turns a humble vegetable into a crispy, flavorful side dish in just 20 minutes, making healthy eating super quick and delicious.
  • Flavor-Packed Simplicity: The combination of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese creates an incredibly tasty coating that elevates plain cabbage into a restaurant-worthy accompaniment without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Perfect Texture Magic: Air frying delivers an amazing contrast between tender interior and crispy, caramelized edges, giving cabbage an unexpectedly crunchy and appetizing texture that even vegetable skeptics will love.
  • Foolproof Cooking Method: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and anyone wanting a hassle-free, nutritious side dish that requires almost no kitchen skills to prepare perfectly.
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Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe

Air Fryer Cabbage Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer cabbage delivers a delightful twist on a classic vegetable side dish. Seasoned with garlic and herbs, this quick recipe offers a crunchy, golden-brown treat that elevates your dinner table with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Produce:

  • ½ medium head of cabbage (about 5 inches in diameter, sliced into 4 wedges)

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Oils and Cheese:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 350°F (175°C) for a precise 5-minute warm-up period.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese in a mixing vessel until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Transfer cabbage wedges into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each piece receives an even, luxurious coating of the aromatic seasoning mixture.
  4. Carefully position the seasoned cabbage wedges inside the air fryer basket, maintaining strategic spacing to prevent overcrowding and promote optimal air circulation.
  5. Execute cooking process for 15-20 minutes, implementing a mid-cycle rotation at the 10-minute mark to guarantee uniform caramelization and tenderness.
  6. Upon completion, conduct a final sensory evaluation, adjusting seasoning profile if necessary to elevate taste complexity.
  7. Present the golden-edged cabbage wedges immediately, celebrating their crisp exterior and succulent interior as a delectable side dish ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

  • Prep the air fryer in advance to ensure even cooking and optimal temperature for crispy cabbage wedges.
  • Blend seasonings thoroughly to create a flavor-packed coating that infuses every inch of the cabbage.
  • Space cabbage wedges carefully in the basket to prevent steaming and promote perfect caramelization.
  • Flip wedges midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and prevent burning.
  • Check doneness by testing tenderness with a fork and looking for golden-brown crispy edges.
  • Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain its crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 575mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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