Air fryer cabbage wedges turn humble cabbage into crispy, caramelized perfection that rivals any restaurant side dish. I stumbled upon this technique during a particularly crazy weeknight when I needed something healthy but satisfying – and discovered my new favorite way to eat vegetables.
The first time I made these, I watched through the air fryer window as the edges transformed into golden, crispy perfection while the centers stayed tender. My teenage son, who usually avoids vegetables, grabbed three wedges straight from the basket. Now these disappear faster than any “regular” side dish at our dinner table. The best part? Just 25 minutes from prep to plate with almost zero cleanup required.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
I always keep a head of cabbage in my fridge because it’s incredibly versatile and keeps well for weeks. My go-to approach is selecting firm, heavy heads with bright green outer leaves that feel solid when you tap them.
- 1 head of cabbage (cut into 6-8 wedges)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – I recommend using extra virgin for better flavor and higher smoke point
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika – My preference is smoked paprika for extra depth, but regular works perfectly
- Salt to taste – I usually use about 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper to taste – I usually use freshly cracked black pepper
Pro tip: When cutting your cabbage, I always slice straight down through the core, leaving about an inch of core attached to each wedge. In my experience, this core acts like a natural “handle” that keeps everything together during flipping. Cut each wedge to roughly the same thickness – about 1.5 inches works best for even cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend preheating your air fryer while you prep the cabbage – this ensures even browning from the moment they go in.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Remove outer damaged leaves from cabbage, then cut into 6-8 even wedges, keeping about 1 inch of core intact on each piece. Each wedge should be roughly 1.5 inches thick for optimal cooking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the cabbage wedges and use your hands to coat every surface – this is key for even browning. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then massage the seasonings into all the crevices.
Step 3: Arrange seasoned wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cut-side down first. Leave space between each wedge for proper air circulation – work in batches if your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts.
Step 4: Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip using tongs. The first side should show golden edges. Cook another 6-8 minutes until both sides are crispy and caramelized with tender centers.
Step 5: Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part – it should go in easily while edges remain crispy. Remove immediately and serve warm for best texture.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
These versatile wedges complement both hearty proteins and lighter dishes with their sweet, caramelized flavor and satisfying crunch.
Grilled Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl: The mild, slightly sweet cabbage balances perfectly with seasoned chicken while adding essential fiber and nutrients to create a complete, satisfying meal.
High Protein Creamy Garlic Cheesy Chicken Potatoes: These crispy wedges cut through the richness of creamy chicken dishes beautifully, providing a fresh, lighter element that prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.
Turkey Chili: The caramelized cabbage adds wonderful texture contrast to hearty chilis, while the paprika seasoning complements southwestern flavors perfectly.
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad: Serve these warm wedges alongside cold chicken salad for a temperature and texture contrast that makes both components more interesting.
Cottage Cheese Wraps: These make an excellent healthier alternative to traditional fries when paired with protein-rich wraps, adding satisfying crunch without heavy oils.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store leftover air fryer cabbage wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and absorbing moisture.
For reheating, I always use the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore that crispy exterior – the oven works too at the same temperature for about 8 minutes. Pro tip: avoid the microwave as it makes them soggy and eliminates the best part – that crispy texture.
These wedges are incredibly versatile beyond just serving as a side. Try drizzling them with balsamic glaze for an elegant touch, sprinkling with parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking, or serving them as an appetizer with ranch or cottage cheese alfredo for dipping.
Conclusion
These air fryer cabbage wedges prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. With just a few simple seasonings and 25 minutes, you’ll have a crispy, satisfying side dish that even veggie skeptics will love. Give this recipe a try tonight – I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to way to enjoy cabbage!
Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cut the cabbage into 6-8 even wedges, keeping the core intact to hold each piece together.
- In a large bowl, toss the cabbage wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned cabbage wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each wedge for proper air circulation.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 6-7 minute mark, until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove carefully with tongs and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
