Are you searching for a deliciously simple, unbelievably crispy side dish that won’t keep you tethered to the kitchen all night? Look no further than these Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges! In just 15 minutes, you can transform humble cabbage into a golden-brown, tender-crisp delight that’s perfect as a side, a light meal, or a healthy snack. This recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone wanting to add more vegetables to their diet with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this incredibly easy and deeply satisfying dish.
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Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
To create these irresistible Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.
- 1 medium green cabbage head (about 2-3 pounds): Choose a firm, dense head of cabbage.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Or your preferred cooking oil like avocado oil.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smoky note and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Or to taste.
- Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
How to Make Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
This recipe for Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges is incredibly easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying. Its simplicity is its superpower , with minimal effort, you achieve perfectly tender-crisp cabbage. The magic happens in the air fryer, delivering a delightful texture that’s hard to beat, making it an ideal side dish ready in just 15 minutes of cooking time once prepped.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage: Start by removing any bruised or loose outer leaves from the cabbage head. Rinse the cabbage under cold water and pat it thoroughly dry. Place the cabbage on a sturdy cutting board. Carefully cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut each half into 4-6 equal wedges, ensuring a portion of the core remains attached to each wedge to help hold the leaves together during cooking. Aim for wedges that are about 1-inch thick at their widest point.
- Season the Cabbage: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir well to create a uniform seasoning mixture.
- Coat the Wedges: Arrange the cabbage wedges in a single layer on a large baking sheet or in a shallow dish. Drizzle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the cabbage wedges. Using your hands or a pastry brush, gently rub the oil and spice mixture into all surfaces of the cabbage, ensuring each wedge is well coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Cabbage: Carefully place the seasoned cabbage wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Do not overlap the wedges.
- Cook to Perfection: Air fry the cabbage wedges for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (around the 6-7 minute mark). Cook until the edges are beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes as air fryer wattages can vary and cook times may differ slightly.
- Serve Immediately: Once cooked, carefully remove the Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges from the air fryer basket. Transfer them to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges Recipe
You’ll quickly fall head over heels for these Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges because their main highlight is the incredible transformation from humble vegetable to crispy, flavorful bite! The air fryer creates a remarkably tender interior with perfectly caramelized, slightly charred edges that deliver an irresistible crunch. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it also offers fantastic cost-saving benefits; cabbage is an affordable vegetable, making this a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gourmet-tasting side at home.
The delightful blend of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika creates a savory, aromatic profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage, making it anything but boring. This recipe stands out from traditional steamed or boiled cabbage, offering a texture akin to roasted potatoes but with fewer carbs. If you love the crispy edges of roasted Brussels sprouts, you absolutely must give these Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges a try! They’re proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
What to Serve Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges With
These versatile Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, making them a fantastic addition to almost any meal.
- Roasted Chicken or Pork Chops: The savory, slightly sweet flavor of the cabbage complements rich meats beautifully.
- Grilled Fish or Shrimp: A lighter, healthier option that provides a crisp contrast to flaky fish.
- Sausage and Peppers: The cabbage adds another layer of texture and flavor to this classic combination.
- As a Vegetarian Main: Serve alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or some roasted sweet potatoes for a complete vegetarian meal.
- Burgers or Sandwiches: A healthier, flavorful alternative to fries or chips.
- Dipping Sauces: A side of sriracha mayo, a creamy dill sauce, or even a simple vinaigrette can elevate these wedges further.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
Achieving perfect Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges is easy with these insider tips!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. For maximum crispiness, ensure the cabbage wedges are in a single layer with space between them. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Overcrowding will steam the cabbage instead of crisping it.
- Dry Your Cabbage Thoroughly: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing, pat the cabbage wedges very dry with paper towels to ensure the oil and spices adhere well and they crisp up beautifully.
- Cut Even Wedges: Try to cut your cabbage into wedges of similar thickness. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to customize the spice blend. Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Prefer a touch of sweetness? A tiny dash of brown sugar can create amazing caramelization.
- Flip for Even Browning: Flipping the wedges halfway through cooking promotes even browning and crispiness on both sides. Don’t skip this step!
- Check for Doneness: Cabbage cooks relatively quickly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. It’s ready when the edges are golden brown and slightly charred, and the center is tender but still has a slight bite.
- Slight Char is Good: Don’t be afraid of a little browning or char on the edges; that’s where a lot of the delicious, caramelized flavor comes from.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating will help you enjoy these Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges even after the initial meal.
- Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Storing them in an airtight container helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Reheating for Optimal Taste: To bring back some of that delicious crispiness, reheating in an air fryer is your best bet. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cabbage wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the edges are re-crisped. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until hot and slightly crispy. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as this will make them soft and soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for these cabbage wedges. The texture of cooked cabbage can become very soft and watery upon thawing and reheating, losing its coveted crispiness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or reheated from the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges are more than just a side dish; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of the air fryer, can create something truly spectacular. From their effortless preparation to their irresistible crispy-tender texture and savory flavor, these wedges are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight vegetable, a healthy snack, or a surprisingly elegant side, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Give them a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy cabbage!
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
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Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges FAQs
Q1: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Red cabbage can also be used and will result in a beautiful vibrant color and a slightly sweeter flavor. The cooking times will remain similar.
Q2: My cabbage isn’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?
A2: The most common reasons for non-crispy cabbage are overcrowding the air fryer basket (which steams the cabbage instead of crisping it) or not drying the cabbage thoroughly before seasoning. Ensure wedges are in a single layer and very dry.
Q3: Can I add other seasonings to the cabbage?
A3: Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder, cumin, herbs de Provence, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Q4: Do I need to remove the core of the cabbage?
A4: No, it’s best to keep a small portion of the core attached to each wedge. This helps to hold the cabbage leaves together during cooking, preventing them from falling apart in the air fryer.
Q5: What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I roast them in the oven?
A5: Yes, you can roast cabbage wedges in a traditional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange seasoned wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized. The crispiness might be slightly different but still delicious!