Air Fryer Cabbage: Crispy and Delicious

Air Fryer Cabbage is a fantastic side dish to make for any meal you’re cooking up in the air fryer. With just a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, you have a crispy, flavorful cabbage.

Get ready to completely reimagine the humble cabbage with this tasty, simple, and healthy air fryer recipe. Using minimal ingredients, you’ll achieve maximum flavor, transforming an often overlooked vegetable into a delicious side dish or meal component.

I used to make cabbage in a pan on the stovetop or Instant Pot, but it’s just so simple in the air fryer that it’s not even worth getting out the pan anymore. I just toss the cabbage into the air fryer basket and in a few minutes, it’s perfect.

Crispy edges and a soft, sweet interior to the leaves is just the way I like it. If you cook it at a lower temperature, you’ll skip the crispy edges and just have a nice soft cabbage. Add some bacon and onion for even more flavor and texture.

» You might also like Air Fryer Roasted Garlic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this air fryer cabbage recipe, you will need:

• A head of cabbage – Choose any type of cabbage you want. It can be cut into wedges or roughly chopped.
• Olive oil – I like the flavor of olive oil. You could use another oil such as coconut oil or avocado oil instead.
• Apple cider vinegar – Gives it a little acidic punch.
• Seasoning – I typically just use salt and pepper for seasoning, but feel free to get as creative as you want.

Helpful Tips

• If you like the crispy edges on your cabbage, cut it into chunky pieces rather than slices or wedges, so there’s more surface area to crisp up.
• If your air fryer tends to produce smoke while cooking with oil, you can put 2 tablespoons of water in the base of your air fryer basket to keep the smoke down.
• Every air fryer cooks at a different rate and speed, so your timing might vary. You might also choose to cook your cabbage more or less than I’ve cooked mine. Just keep an eye on it and stop the cooking when it’s reached the level you enjoy.

Oven Directions

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem!

The best way to mimic the crispy char of the air fryer is to cook the cabbage in the oven. You can try cooking it in a pan on the stovetop but you will probably end up with a soggy mess.

Follow the directions below to season and prepare the cabbage. Then preheat your oven to 400°F(205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the cabbage out on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Stir is well and return it to the oven for 5-10 more minutes. It should be slightly crispy and golden brown at the edges, but tender in the middle.

What Type of Cabbage to Use

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use any cabbage variety for this air fryer side dish. Green or red cabbage is the most common and easily accessible. Savoy cabbage, with its ruffled, tender leaves, is also an excellent choice due to its slightly sweet flavor.

If you want a colorful, antioxidant-rich dish, go for purple cabbage. It holds up well in the air fryer and has a slightly earthier flavor than its green counterpart.

How to Store It Properly

If you have leftover air fryer cabbage, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Transfer the cooled cabbage to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, you can use the air fryer again to restore its crispy texture. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and reheat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Whether you’re a cabbage connoisseur or a skeptic, this air fryer recipe is sure to please your palate. Simple, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious, it’s a quick way to turn everyday cabbage into something truly special. Enjoy!

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