Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite vegetable side: Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges. These crispy, golden, and flavor-packed wedges are the easiest way to transform humble cabbage into a showstopper. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, every bite is a marriage of caramelized edges and tender centers, all kissed with a smoky, garlicky seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or an unexpected holiday star, these wedges are practically effortless—but deliver huge on taste and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges keeps things beautifully simple while ensuring bold, crave-worthy flavor. Every element here brings something unique, adding depth, fragrance, and crispy color to the finished dish.

• Cabbage: One fresh head of cabbage is the star; choose a firm, vibrant one for best results and easy slicing.
• Olive oil: This coats every layer, promoting gorgeous browning and adding rich, silky flavor.
• Garlic powder: A little goes a long way here, infusing the wedges with irresistible garlicky warmth.
• Paprika: This brings subtle smokiness and a touch of color that makes the wedges pop.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out the cabbage’s natural sweetness and maximizing flavor.
• Pepper: Just enough to add a gentle heat and lift all the other seasonings.

How to Make Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes. Preheating is key for jumpstarting the caramelization process, ensuring your Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges emerge crispy and evenly cooked.

Step 2: Season the Cabbage

Place your cabbage wedges into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all over. Gently toss everything together, making sure every surface gets a good coating—this generous seasoning is what really makes these wedges shine.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Lay the seasoned cabbage wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; a bit of space around each wedge helps air circulating and ensures that signature crispness. If you need to, cook in batches so every wedge gets equal love.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the cabbage for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the time. You’ll want that deep golden color and crispy edges, but tender insides. Peek in at the 10-minute mark to judge your preferred doneness—each air fryer is a little different!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges are gorgeously roasted and fragrant, carefully remove them from the basket and serve immediately. Best enjoyed warm, when their caramelized flavor and texture are at their peak.

How to Serve Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can add a burst of color and freshness. For even more flavor, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of flaky salt right before serving.

Side Dishes

These wedges pair like a dream with grilled meats, roasted fish, or a hearty grain bowl. Use them to round out a veggie platter, tuck them into wraps, or pile them alongside a juicy steak. Their versatility makes them perfect for just about any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges into a star by presenting them on a rustic wooden board, topped with toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. For a party-ready snack, serve with a creamy dipping sauce or spicy aioli. They’re so pretty, you’ll be proud to show them off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover wedges, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavor even if their crispiness softens a bit.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges if needed. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about a month, though they’ll be softer once reheated.

Reheating

To perk up your wedges, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes. This brings back a good bit of the original crunch, much better than the microwave!

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works just as well and brings a spectacular pop of color to the table. Just keep in mind it may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early.

Do I need to core the cabbage before slicing into wedges?

Yes, it’s best to remove the tough central core before slicing. This helps the wedges cook evenly and makes them easier to eat once crisped up.

Can I add different seasonings to the Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges?

Definitely! Feel free to customize. Try adding cumin for a warm note, chili flakes for heat, or even sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving for a cheesy finish.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries—you can roast the cabbage wedges in a hot oven (about 425°F) on a baking sheet. Flip once, and roast until crispy and browned, though air fryers give the crispiest results with less oil.

Why are my wedges not getting crispy?

This usually means the air fryer basket is overcrowded, or the wedges are too thick. Give them space, don’t be afraid to cook in batches, and make sure to use enough oil for browning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into a plateful of Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges. Once you taste their sweet, savory crunch, you’ll find every excuse to make them again and again. Give this easy recipe a try—you might just fall in love with cabbage all over again!

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