Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in under 40 minutes, they make a comforting, flavorful dinner without the fuss of traditional oven-baked rolls.

These Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls take a classic comfort food and make it quick and fuss-free.

Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then cooked in the air fryer until perfectly done.

They’re a cozy, flavorful meal that’s ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you love cabbage recipes, try my recipes for:

Air Fryer Chicken and Cabbage

Air Fryer Cabbage Chips

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks

Air Fryer Red Cabbage Recipe

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Easy: Traditional cabbage rolls take hours, but the air fryer speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor.
• Tender & Flavorful: Each roll is perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with a savory meat and rice filling.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Loaded with protein and veggies, this dish is hearty without being heavy.
• Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer means less mess compared to stovetop or oven methods.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for quick, satisfying dinners all week.

Ingredients Needed

• Cabbage Leaves: Use large, untorn leaves
• Ground Meat: Use lean ground beef, either 90/10, or 80/20, you can also prepare these with ground turkey, or chicken, for a healthier option.
• Rice: Use cooked white or brown rice.
• Onions: Use diced onions, either sweet or regular.
• Egg: Use large, room temperature eggs, which will bind the filling together.
• Milk: You can use any milk or milk alternative, such as oat milk, almond milk, or lactaid-free milk.
• Tomato Sauce: Find your favorite tomato sauce, homemade or store-bought.
• Diced-Tomatoes: Add some diced tomatoes for some texture.
• Seasonings/Spices: Salt, Black Pepper, and Sweet Paprika.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step One: Start by blanching the cabbage leaves, and cook for about 3 minutes in boiling water.  In a large bowl, add the ground beef, rice, onions, egg, sweet paprika, black pepper, salt, and milk.  Mix well. 

Step Two: Add about 3 tablespoons of beef filling to your cabbage leaf, rolling the cabbage leaf up.

Step Three: As you make your cabbage leaves, place them onto a greased oven-safe dish.

Step Four: Once you make all of your cabbage leaves, add all of the sauce ingredients to a small bowl, and then pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls. Place the oven-safe dish into the air fryer, set the air fryer temperature to 330 degrees F, air fryer setting, and set cook time for 20-30 minutes until the beef is cooked through. 

Step Five: Serve with a garnish of fresh herbs and tomato sauce.

Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Tips

• Choose the right cabbage: Look for firm, large green cabbage leaves that are easy to roll without tearing.
• Pre-cook or soften leaves: Boil or steam the cabbage leaves for a few minutes to make them pliable for rolling.
• Even filling: Use about 3 tablespoons of the beef and rice mixture per leaf to avoid overstuffing and ensure even cooking.
• Grease the dish: Lightly spray your air fryer-safe dish or pan to prevent sticking.
• Check doneness: Cabbage rolls should be tender and the meat fully cooked; use a meat thermometer if needed (internal temp of 160°F for beef).
• Sauce options: Drizzle tomato sauce or a light broth over the rolls before air frying for extra flavor and moisture.
• Rest before serving: Let the rolls sit for a few minutes after cooking to firm up and make serving easier

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions for Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
• Storing: Allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled cabbage rolls in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 5–7 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating is also an option for a quicker meal, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute works well in this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the cabbage rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls? Yes, freeze uncooked rolls individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Do I need to pre-cook the cabbage leaves? No, the air fryer softens them during cooking, but blanching slightly can make them easier to roll.

Can I add extra vegetables to the filling? Definitely! Finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed in for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but par-cook the brown rice first, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER NATHAN’S ONION RINGS:
• AIR FRYER PORK SHU MAI
• AIR FRYER VEGGIE CHIPS

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