Introduction
Hey there, it’s Clara from Cooking Inspired! Let me tell you a little secret. For years, cabbage was just…there. I never thought much about it, just another green in the grocery store. Then one day, I decided to experiment with my air fryer, and, oh my goodness, the magic that happened! That’s how these Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges were born, and they’ve become a total game-changer in my kitchen.
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, ready in under 15 minutes! And let’s not forget the health benefits; these cabbage wedges are a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your diet without sacrificing taste. As women, wives, and moms we all need to stay healthy and focused, and the air fryer is the perfect way to enjoy this iron rich recipe. I promise you, even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with cabbage all over again!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
These aren’t just any cabbage wedges; they’re the best cabbage wedges! Here’s why I know you’ll absolutely love them:
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 15 minutes. Dinner doesn’t get much faster than that!
- Effortless Cleanup: The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze. Say goodbye to scrubbing pans for hours!
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. A guilt-free way to enjoy a satisfying side dish or light lunch.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and mustard creates a savory, smoky flavor that will blow you away.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cabbage wedges:
- 1 lb green cabbage ((see note 1))
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions and variations to try:
| Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil | Adjust cooking time slightly based on oil. |
| Whole Grain Mustard | Dijon Mustard, Yellow Mustard | Flavor will vary slightly. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | White Vinegar, Balsamic Vinegar | Balsamic will add sweetness. |
| Garlic Powder | Garlic Salt, Fresh Garlic (minced) | Adjust amounts when using garlic salt as it contains salt. |
| Smoked Paprika | Regular Paprika, Chipotle Powder | Chipotle Powder will add heat |
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make these crispy, flavorful cabbage wedges. It’s so easy, you’ll be amazed!
- Cut cabbage: Use a sharp knife to cut 4 (1-inch/2.5cm thick) wedges of cabbage. (Keep any extra cabbage for another use). Spread the cabbage wedges in a single layer in an air fryer basket (see note 2).
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Brush cabbage: Brush the seasoning mix onto both sides of the cabbage wedges.
- Bake and serve: Bake cabbage in an air fryer (no need to preheat) at 375°F (190°C) until crisp on the edges and tender in the middle, 8 to 10 minutes (time varies by air fryer). Serve hot (see note 3).
Clara’s Top Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cabbage
Want to make sure your cabbage wedges turn out perfect every time? Here are my top tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure the cabbage wedges are in a single layer. This allows for even air circulation and crispy edges.
- Brush generously with seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasoning mix! It’s what gives the cabbage its amazing flavor.
- Check for doneness: Air fryers can vary, so start checking the cabbage at 8 minutes. You want the edges to be crisp and the inside to be tender.
- Prevent sticking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the cabbage. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup even easier.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
These cabbage wedges are so versatile! Here are a few ways I love to serve them:
- As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal. For another fantastic way to prepare cabbage, consider these Amazing Oven Roasted Garlic Cabbage Steaks.
- With a grain bowl: Add the cabbage wedges to a quinoa or rice bowl with your favorite protein and veggies. This makes a perfect addition to many delicious and healthy lunches.
- As a snack: Enjoy them on their own as a healthy and satisfying snack.
How to Store Leftover Cabbage Wedges
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store the cabbage wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cabbage wedges in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat the cabbage wedges in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Want to get a head start on dinner? You can definitely prep these cabbage wedges in advance! The seasoning mix can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to cook, simply brush the cabbage wedges with the seasoning mix and pop them in the air fryer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is super simple, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Burning: To prevent burning, check the cabbage wedges halfway through cooking and reduce the air fryer temperature if necessary.
- Uneven cooking: Make sure the cabbage wedges are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Soggy cabbage: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can lead to soggy cabbage.
Recommended Equipment
Here are a few tools that I find helpful when making these cabbage wedges:
- Air Fryer: Any air fryer will work, but I love models that have a large basket and multiple cooking settings.
- Sharp Knife: A good knife makes it easy to cut the cabbage into even wedges.
- Silicone Brush: A silicone brush is perfect for applying the seasoning mix to the cabbage wedges.
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
Per serving (approx. 1 wedge):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about air frying cabbage:
- Can you use other types of cabbage (red, napa, savoy)? Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of cabbage.
- Do you need to preheat the air fryer? No, you don’t need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- What temperature is best for air frying cabbage? I find that 375°F (190°C) is the perfect temperature for air frying cabbage.
- How do you keep cabbage from smoking in the air fryer? Make sure your cabbage isn’t dripping with oil. A light coating is all you need!
- Why is my cabbage soggy? Overcrowding the air fryer can cause the cabbage to steam instead of crisp up. Make sure the cabbage wedges are in a single layer.
- Can I use frozen cabbage? I would not recommend it, because frozen cabbage tends to be more watery.
Recipe Card
Simple Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut cabbage: Use a sharp knife to cut 4 (1-inch/2.5cm thick) wedges of cabbage. (Keep any extra cabbage for another use). Spread the cabbage wedges in a single layer in an air fryer basket (see note 2).
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Brush cabbage: Brush the seasoning mix onto both sides of the cabbage wedges.
- Bake and serve: Bake cabbage in an air fryer (no need to preheat) at 375°F (190°C) until crisp on the edges and tender in the middle, 8 to 10 minutes (time varies by air fryer). Serve hot (see note 3).
Notes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
So there you have it! Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges that are quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a fantastic way to add more vegetables to your diet.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below with your questions or share your results. I always love seeing what you create in your kitchen!
