Air Fryer Cabbage
Air fryer cabbage wedges come out with crisp, lightly charred edges and a tender centre, using just two tablespoons of oil for the lot. It is a quick side dish that sits happily next to a roast dinner or sausages, and it needs nothing more than garlic powder, salt and pepper. A thorough dry before cooking is the secret to leaves that crisp rather than steam.
- Total
- 23 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 115kcal
How to get air fryer cabbage crisp and tender
Cabbage is mostly water, so the leaves need to start dry. After rinsing, give the wedges a good pat with a tea towel. The hot air then caramelises the natural sugars at the edges and gives a savoury, slightly sweet flavour.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan (not vegetarian), smoked paprika or onion powder all make good additions to the seasoning. If you have no air fryer, roast the oiled wedges on a baking tray at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for about 25 minutes, turning once.
Preparing air fryer cabbage
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut the wedges Peel off any tatty outer leaves and cut the cabbage into wedges about 2cm thick at the widest point, keeping the core in so the leaves hold together. Rinse the wedges, shake off the water and pat them completely dry with a clean tea towel.
- Season Put the wedges in a large bowl with the oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss gently with your hands, working the oil between the outer leaves until every wedge is coated.
- Preheat and cook Heat the air fryer to 190°C for . Lay the wedges in the basket, in one layer if you can, though a little overlap is fine. Cook for , until the edges are beginning to brown.
- Turn and finish Turn the wedges over with tongs and cook for another , in total. The edges should be crisp and charred, and the thick end tender when pierced with a knife. Check from , as the leaves can darken quickly.
- Serve Transfer to a plate and serve straight away, with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
What to serve with it
The wedges are a good match for roast chicken, sausages or pork chops, and a squeeze of lemon lifts them. For a richer side, try creamed sweetheart cabbage, and for something raw and crunchy, sweetheart cabbage salad is good with the same meals.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Cabbage
- The cabbage turns out soft and watery instead of crisp.
- It was either not dry enough or too crowded. Dry the wedges thoroughly after rinsing and, if your basket is small, cook half at a time, allowing 15 minutes for each batch.
- The edges burn before the centre is tender.
- The wedges were cut too thin. Cut them at least 2cm thick, and tuck any leaves that are darkening towards the middle when you turn them.
- The wedges fall apart in the basket.
- Leave the core in. It holds the leaves together, and you can slice it off on the plate.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Cabbage
How long does cabbage take in the air fryer?
Wedges 2cm thick take 15 minutes at 190°C, turned halfway. Shredded cabbage cooks faster, in about 8–10 minutes at the same temperature if you shake the basket twice.
Do you need to boil the cabbage first?
No. The wedges cook through in the air fryer and need no parboiling.
What type of cabbage is best?
White and green cabbage are the sturdiest, and hispi or sweetheart cabbage also work. Cut hispi in half or into quarters and check it after 10 minutes.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, put them in the fridge within 2 hours and eat within 2 days. Reheat them at 180°C for 3–4 minutes, until they are steaming hot all the way through.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 76 ratings
