Cabbage in the Air Fryer
Cabbage is cheap and filling, but boiled it turns limp and smelly. Cabbage in air fryer baskets does the opposite, with sweet, tender layers and crisp, almost crunchy edges. Cut into thick steaks or wedges, it is ready in around 13 minutes with only a little oil and a few spices, and the method also works for shredded and red cabbage.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 21min
- Prep
- 8min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 85kcal
Why the air fryer works for cabbage
Cabbage in air fryer baskets gets the best of both worlds. The outer leaves dry out and crisp quickly in the circulating air, while the dense inner layers stay moist and soften. A roasted slice has a sweet, almost nutty flavour that you do not get from boiling, and there is no smell of cooking cabbage in the kitchen.
An air fryer cabbage dish is also very cheap. One small head feeds four people as a side, and a little oil, paprika and garlic is all it needs. Thickness matters more than anything else. Steaks 2 cm thick are done in about 13 minutes, while full wedges with the core need a few more minutes at a slightly lower temperature.
How to make cabbage in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut the steaks Remove any damaged outer leaves. Stand the cabbage upright and cut it into 4 steaks about 2 cm thick, cutting through the core so each slice holds together. The outer slices can be shredded for another dish.
- Season Mix the oil, smoked paprika, garlic granules, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over both sides of the steaks, working it between the layers as far as you can.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 190 °C for .
- Cook Lay the steaks in the basket in a single layer. If they do not fit, cook them in two batches. Cook for , turning them over after , until the edges are crisp and a knife slides through the core.
- Finish Sprinkle with the cider vinegar and a little more salt, if you like, and serve straight away while the edges are still crisp.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Cabbage | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage steaks, 2 cmTurn halfway | 190 °C | 12–14 min |
| Cabbage wedgesCut with the core in | 180 °C | 16–18 min |
| Shredded cabbageShake every 3 minutes | 180 °C | 8–10 min |
| Red cabbage steaks | 190 °C | 13–15 min |
| Cabbage with sausage slicesSausage 75 °C (not vegetarian) | 190 °C | 14–16 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Cut through the core. The core holds the leaves together, so every steak or wedge keeps its shape in the basket.
- Season between the layers. Pull the leaves apart slightly and push a little oil and spice into the gaps, so the inner layers do not taste plain.
- Use the offcuts. Shred the outer slices for coleslaw, stir-fry or soup, or air fry them as crisps for 6–8 minutes at 160 °C.
Serving
Serve cabbage steaks with a spoonful of garlic yoghurt or melted cheddar, or alongside sausages, pork chops or crispy potato wedges for a full dinner. For a sweeter, more tender alternative, try hispi cabbage. Cooked cabbage in the air fryer also works chopped into bubble and squeak. More vegetable sides are on the vegetables page.
Storing and reheating
Cooked cabbage keeps for 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat it, cook it in the air fryer at 180 °C for 3–4 minutes, until it is steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). The leaves crisp up again, though not as much as on the first cook.
Variations
- Cheesy cabbage steaks: Sprinkle 40 g grated cheddar or parmesan over the steaks for the last 2 minutes (not vegan or dairy-free).
- Spiced Indian-style: Swap the paprika for ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cumin and a pinch of chilli.
- Lemon and caraway: Brush the steaks with oil, sprinkle ½ tsp caraway seeds on top, and finish with lemon juice instead of vinegar.
Troubleshooting
- The outer leaves burn before the core is soft
- The steaks are too thick or the heat is too high. Cut them 2 cm thick and lower the temperature to 180 °C for 14–16 minutes, or cover them loosely with foil for the first 6 minutes.
- The cabbage is limp and watery
- Too much water on the leaves, or too many slices in the basket. Dry the cabbage after cutting, cook in a single layer and do not cover it with lots of oil.
- The steaks fall apart
- They were cut away from the core. Always cut through the base so the core holds the leaves together, and turn the steaks with a fish slice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cabbage take in an air fryer?
Steaks 2 cm thick take 12–14 minutes at 190 °C, turned halfway. Wedges take 16–18 minutes at 180 °C, and shredded cabbage 8–10 minutes.
Can you roast cabbage in an air fryer?
Yes. Cut it into steaks or wedges, brush with oil and cook at 190 °C. The edges roast and the middle stays tender. Smaller wedges roast more evenly than a whole head.
How do you cook shredded cabbage in an air fryer?
Toss 300 g shredded cabbage with 1 tbsp oil and salt, and cook at 180 °C for 8–10 minutes, shaking every 3 minutes. Watch it closely, as the thin strands scorch quickly.
Can you cook red cabbage in an air fryer?
Yes, as steaks or wedges, in the same time as green cabbage. Add a splash of vinegar after cooking to keep the colour bright.
Can you do a cabbage boil in an air fryer?
Not in the traditional way, because that needs liquid. You can air fry wedges with sausage slices and baby potatoes instead, cooked together at 190 °C for about 15 minutes.
Rate this recipe
5.0 out of 5 · 80 ratings
