Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges: 3 Easy Steps to Crispy Bliss

Name: Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

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Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that surprise you. And let me tell you, Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges fall right into that category. Who knew that a humble head of cabbage could transform into something so crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive? If you’re looking for a side dish that’s quick, healthy, and a little unexpected, this recipe is about to be your new weeknight hero.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Picture this: it’s Tuesday night, you’re tired, and the fridge is looking a little… uninspiring. You grab that cabbage you bought with good intentions and think, now what? That’s where these air fryer cabbage wedges swoop in to save the day.

They’re:

Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle.
Seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic for a kick of flavor.
Ready in under 20 minutes (because none of us have time for fussy sides on a weeknight).
Surprisingly kid-friendly—yes, even for the picky eaters who usually side-eye veggies.

In short, this recipe proves cabbage is way more exciting than coleslaw and soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Just six simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

How to Make Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating might feel like an optional step, but it makes a world of difference. A warm basket means your cabbage starts crisping right away instead of steaming.
Cut your cabbage into wedges – Trim off any wilted outer leaves, slice the cabbage in half, and then cut each half into 3–4 wedges. Try to keep the core intact—this helps the wedges hold together instead of falling apart into shreds.
Season the cabbage – Toss those wedges in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a brush to really get that seasoning into all the nooks and crannies of the leaves. (This is where the flavor magic happens!)
Load the air fryer basket – Arrange the wedges in a single layer with a little space between each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Overcrowding = steamed cabbage instead of crispy cabbage.
Cook and flip halfway through – Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping the wedges carefully at the halfway mark. This helps both sides get those irresistible golden-brown edges. If you like yours extra crispy, let them go a minute or two longer.
Serve warm – Once the edges are nicely browned and the centers are tender, they’re ready. Transfer to a serving plate and dig in right away while they’re hot and crunchy.

That’s it! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a veggie side dish that’s as easy as it is impressive.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Don’t overcrowd the basket – Airflow is the secret to crispiness, so give those wedges some breathing room.
Spice it up – Feel free to add chili flakes, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
Love a little char? Let them go a couple minutes longer. The crispy, slightly caramelized edges are the best part!

Personal note: The first time I made these, my house smelled like a cozy steakhouse—but all I cooked was cabbage. My husband even asked if there was a hidden grill in the kitchen (spoiler: there wasn’t). That’s how good these are.

Crispy seasoned air fryer cabbage wedges on a white plate, sprinkled with paprika and herbs. — Golden, crispy air fryer cabbage wedges seasoned with garlic and paprika make the perfect quick and healthy side dish.

FAQs About Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works just as well and adds a pop of color to your plate.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.

Can I make these without oil?

Yes, but they won’t crisp up quite the same. A light spray of cooking oil is a good compromise if you’re watching calories.

A Cozy, Easy Side Dish You’ll Crave Again

These Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges are proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal feel special. They’re fast, flavorful, and just different enough to break you out of the weeknight dinner rut. Next time that head of cabbage is staring you down in the fridge, you’ll know exactly what to do—pop it in the air fryer and let the magic happen.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these crispy cabbage wedges, here are some other recipes that pair beautifully with them or make a great addition to your dinner rotation:

Try these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites for a zesty protein that complements the crispy cabbage perfectly.
If you’re craving hearty comfort food, these Steakhouse Burger Sloppy Joes are a flavor-packed main dish that the whole family will love.
For another cozy slow cooker option, check out Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls—it’s like a cousin to these wedges, but in a hearty one-pot meal.
And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, whip up some Stuffed Zucchini for a veggie-forward main dish that pairs beautifully with this side.

These links will keep your meal plan fresh and full of delicious variety!