Introduction

Remember those days when side dishes felt like an afterthought? Well, get ready to have your mind blown! This Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s so ridiculously simple, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. Imagine this: tender, slightly sweet cabbage with wonderfully crispy edges, all made with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe – and you’ll be able to say, “Oh, that? It’s so easy!”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: Seriously, from prep to plate in under 20 minutes!
Effortlessly Easy: If you can toss a salad, you can make this.
Perfect for Gifting: While it’s best fresh, the recipe is so quick you can whip up a batch anytime.
A True Crowd-Pleaser: Even cabbage skeptics will be begging for more of these crispy delights.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, kitchen adventurers! Here’s what you’ll need to make these magical cabbage wedges:

1 head Cabbage, cut into wedges: I like to use green cabbage for its classic crunch and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment! Just make sure to cut it into wedges that will stand up nicely in the air fryer.
1 tsp Garlic powder: This is your flavor foundation, giving that savory punch we all love.
1 tsp Paprika: For a little warmth and a beautiful color. Smoked paprika is also a fantastic choice if you’re feeling fancy!
1 tsp Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best for that vibrant zing.
1 tsp Salt: Don’t be shy with the salt, it really brings out the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
2 tbsp Olive oil: This helps everything crisp up beautifully and makes sure those seasonings stick. Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Grab your apron, and let’s do this together.

Preheat your air fryer: This is key for crispy results! Pop it on according to your air fryer’s manual. Usually, around 375°F (190°C) is a good starting point.
Toss for flavor: Grab a medium bowl. Add your cabbage wedges, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Get your hands in there (or use tongs!) and toss everything until those cabbage wedges are beautifully coated. You want every nook and cranny to have that yummy seasoning.
Single layer is the way to go: Carefully arrange your seasoned cabbage wedges in your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer, not piled on top of each other. This allows the hot air to circulate all around, giving you that perfect crispiness. If you have a lot of cabbage, you might need to do this in two batches.
Air fry to perfection: Now, let your air fryer do its thing! Cook for 10-15 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake or carefully flip the wedges with tongs. You’re looking for that delightful tender-crisp texture with lovely browned, crispy edges. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to make sure they don’t get too dark.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling inspired? I love that about you! Here are a few ways to put your own spin on these crispy cabbage wedges:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Herbalicious: Toss in some dried herbs like Italian seasoning or thyme before air frying. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top after cooking is also lovely!
Cheesy Goodness: For an extra layer of indulgence, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese over the wedges during the last few minutes of air frying.
A Squeeze of Citrus: A little squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving adds a bright, fresh finish.
Different Oils: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can also work beautifully as a substitute for olive oil.

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure these turn out absolutely perfect every single time!

Don’t Overcrowd: I can’t stress this enough! Give those wedges space to breathe and crisp up.
Wedge Size Matters: Try to cut your wedges to a similar size so they cook evenly.
Prep Ahead: You can cut your cabbage and toss it with the oil and seasonings a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it another quick toss before air frying.
Know Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer is a little different, so your cooking time might vary slightly. It’s always best to check on your food a few minutes before the suggested time.

How to Store It

These crispy cabbage wedges are truly at their best right out of the air fryer. However, if you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, I know!), here’s how to store them:

Let the wedges cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they might lose some of their crispness, they’re still delicious reheated! I find popping them back in the air fryer for a few minutes or even in a hot oven is the best way to revive them.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this without an air fryer? Absolutely! You can roast these in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) on a baking sheet until tender and crispy, flipping halfway through. It will take a bit longer than the air fryer, but the results are still wonderful.
What kind of cabbage should I use? Green cabbage is fantastic for its sturdy texture and mild flavor. However, red cabbage works too and will give you a beautiful vibrant color!
How do I cut the cabbage into wedges? Simply cut the cabbage head in half through the core, then cut each half into wedges. You can trim off the very tough core piece if you prefer.

Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Tender, slightly sweet cabbage with wonderfully crispy edges, made with minimal effort and maximum flavor in the air fryer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Air Fryer Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
Medium bowl
Tongs

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 head Cabbage cut into wedges (green cabbage recommended)
2 tbsp Olive oil Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika is also a fantastic choice
1 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground is always best
1 tsp Salt

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, toss the cabbage wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
1 head Cabbage
Arrange the seasoned cabbage wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
Cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp with browned, crispy edges. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Notes

These are best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheated in the air fryer or oven to revive crispness.