Crispy Air Fryer Red Cabbage Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Red Cabbage is a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Easy to make, tender inside with perfectly crispy edges, this recipe elevates simple cabbage into a delicious treat.

Crispy Air Fryer Red Cabbage takes a humble vegetable and turns it into a flavorful, crunchy side dish that’s anything but ordinary.

With minimal prep and just a few simple seasonings, this recipe delivers tender, caramelized cabbage with crispy edges in minutes. It’s perfect as a healthy weeknight side, a vibrant addition to your meal prep, or a colorful plate upgrade for any dinner.

If you love cabbage recipes, try my recipes for:

Air Fryer Chicken and Cabbage

Air Fryer Cabbage Chips

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks

Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Quick and easy to prepare for weeknights.
• Naturally healthy, low-calorie, and packed with nutrients.
• Crispy edges with tender, flavorful cabbage inside.
• Perfect as a side or meal prep option.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Air fryer makes cooking faster and mess-free.
• Adds vibrant color and flavor to any plate.
• Ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Ingredients Needed

• Red cabbage: Shredded for tender, flavorful, and crisp results
• Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps cabbage crisp
• Salt: Enhances natural cabbage flavor with subtle seasoning
• Black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth of flavor
• Garlic powder: Adds savory, aromatic flavor to the cabbage
• Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet taste and color
• Optional chili flakes: Adds a touch of spicy kick

Recipe Variations

• Asian-Inspired: Toss the cabbage with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before air frying.
• Sweet & Tangy: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet-sour twist.
• Smoky & Spicy: Mix in smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for extra heat and depth.
• Herb-Infused: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an herby flavor profile.
• Cheesy Crunch: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the cabbage halfway through cooking for a golden, cheesy finish.

How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Red Cabbage

Step 1: Slice your cabbage into 1 inch thick slices, or cut it into cabbage steaks. Coat your cabbage slices with olive oil and sprinkle your spices onto them.

Step 2: Place the coated and spiced cabbage pieces into the air fryer, set the air fryer temperature to 350 degrees F, set the air fryer setting, and set the cook time for 4 minutes. When the time is up, flip the cabbage and set the temperature for another 3 minutes.

Crispy Air Fryer Red Cabbage Recipe Tips

• Cut Evenly: Slice the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
• Use a Light Coating of Oil: Lightly coat the cabbage with oil to achieve a crispy texture without making it greasy.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. A mix of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices can enhance the flavor.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the cabbage in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
• Toss Midway: Shake the basket or toss the cabbage halfway through cooking to promote even crisping.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing Instructions: Store leftover crispy red cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in the oven until warmed and crisp again.

Air Fryer Red Cabbage Recipe Faqs

Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage? Yes, you can use green cabbage in place of red cabbage. The cooking time and method will be similar.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating the air fryer is recommended to ensure even cooking and better crispiness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cabbage ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

How to season air-fried red cabbage: Use seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

Can I freeze red cabbage? While you can freeze cooked red cabbage, it may lose some of its crispiness. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the air fryer to improve its texture.

What To Serve With Air Fried Red Cabbage

Serving Suggestions: Fried red cabbage goes well with chicken, fish, beef, and pork! Some of my favorite recipes to serve this with are Air Fryer Italian Sausage, Air Fryer Ground Beef, Air Fryer Corned Beef, Air Fryer Brisket, or even a simple Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER 2 INGREDIENT OREO MUG CAKE
• BEST AIR FRYER MUG CAKE RECIPES FOR A SUPER EASY TREAT
• AIR FRYER LEMON MUG CAKE
• AIR FRYER M&M MUG COOKIE

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!