Cabbage in the Air Fryer
Cabbage is cheap and filling, but boiled cabbage is soft and has a strong smell. Air fryer cabbage steaks get crisp, browned edges and a sweet, tender center in about 13 minutes at 375 °F. The same method works for wedges and for shredded cabbage, so you can turn one head into several dishes.
- Temperature
- 375°F190 °C
- Total time
- 36min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 115kcal
Why the air fryer works for cabbage
Cabbage is layers of thin leaves wrapped tightly around a firm core. When it is boiled, the leaves soften quickly and release the sulfur compounds that give it a strong smell. When it is roasted in the air fryer, the dry heat crisps the outer leaves and caramelizes the sugars, while the layers inside steam and turn sweet and tender.
A thick slice, or cabbage steak, is the best way to show this contrast, with dark crunchy edges and a soft center. The air fryer cooks cabbage in less than half the time of an oven, and it needs just two tablespoons of oil for the whole head. Cabbage in the air fryer is also one of the cheapest sides you can make.
How to make cabbage steaks in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut the steaks Remove any wilted outer leaves. Set the cabbage on its side with the core facing you and cut ¾-inch thick slices from the center, so the core holds each slice together. A medium head gives 4 good steaks; save the loose trimmings for slaw or soup.
- Oil and season Brush both sides of each steak with the oil. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika in a small bowl and sprinkle it over both sides, pressing it into the leaves so it stays on.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 375 °F for .
- Cook Place 2 steaks in the basket side by side, without overlapping. Cook for , flipping carefully with a spatula after . Cook the other 2 steaks the same way, or cook all 4 together in a large oval basket.
- Check and serve The steaks are done when the edges are dark and crisp and a knife slides through the center. Serve hot with the lemon wedges.
Times and temperatures
| Cabbage | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Steaks, ¾ inchFlip halfway | 375 °F (190 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Wedges, 1½ inchesTurn once | 375 °F (190 °C) | 15–18 min |
| Thin steaks, ½ inch | 375 °F (190 °C) | 10 min |
| Red cabbage steaks | 375 °F (190 °C) | 12–14 min |
| Shredded, 4 cupsShake twice | 375 °F (190 °C) | 6–8 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Leave the core in. The core holds each slice together, so cut through the center and do not trim it out.
- Press the seasoning in. Loose leaves can shed the spices. Pat the seasoning into the surface after oiling.
- Use the trimmings. The outer slices that fall apart can be shredded, tossed with oil and cooked as the shredded version.
What to serve with cabbage
Cabbage steaks are a good side for pork chops, sausage and brats, and also work as a vegetarian main with a spoonful of ranch or a mustard sauce. For a hearty dinner, serve them with baked potatoes or meatloaf, and add carrots on the side.
Storing and reheating
Cooked cabbage keeps in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat steaks or wedges in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes, until hot all the way through. Cold roasted cabbage is also good chopped into sandwiches, fried rice or soup.
Variations
- Parmesan: Sprinkle each steak with 1 tbsp grated Parmesan in the last 2 minutes of cooking (not vegan or dairy-free).
- Bacon and onion: Top the cooked steaks with chopped crisp bacon and sliced scallions (not vegan).
- Asian-style: Brush the cooked steaks with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds (not gluten-free).
- Cabbage and sausage: Cook cabbage wedges for 10 minutes, then add sliced precooked smoked sausage for the final 6–8 minutes, until the sausage is hot at 165 °F (not vegan).
If it does not turn out right
- The steaks fall apart
- They were cut too thin or the core was cut out. Keep the slices at ¾ inch and leave the core in, since it holds the leaves together. Flip with a wide spatula.
- The center is still crunchy
- The steaks were too thick. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, or cut them to ½ inch next time and shorten the time to 10 minutes.
- The edges burned
- Loose leaves on the outside dry out first. Brush them well with oil, and lower the temperature to 350 °F if your air fryer runs hot.
Questions and answers
How long do you cook cabbage steaks in the air fryer?
¾-inch cabbage steaks take 12–14 minutes at 375 °F, flipped halfway. Thinner ½-inch steaks take about 10 minutes.
How long do cabbage wedges take in the air fryer?
Wedges cut 1½ inches thick, with the core attached, take 15–18 minutes at 375 °F, turning once. Check by piercing the thickest part with a knife.
Can you cook shredded cabbage in the air fryer?
Yes. Toss 4 cups of shredded cabbage with 1 tbsp oil and salt, and cook at 375 °F for 6–8 minutes, shaking twice. The edges get crisp and the cabbage wilts. Red cabbage steaks cook in the same time as green.
Can you make a cabbage boil or cabbage and sausage in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook the wedges for 10 minutes, then add sliced precooked smoked sausage and cook 6–8 minutes more, until the sausage is hot at 165 °F.
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