Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges

Okay, hear me out: crispy, golden cabbage wedges from the air fryer that actually taste like something you’d brag about at a dinner party. Sounds too good for a vegetable that most of us relegated to boring slaws, right? I used to think cabbage meant boiled sadness until I discovered the air fryer. Now I make these when I want a crunchy side that doesn’t scream “I gave up on life.”

I’ll walk you through why this works, what you need, the exact steps, and a few fun twists I swear you’ll love. Also, if you get bored, check out my quick sweet fix with 10-Minute Air Fryer Blueberry Tartlets for dessert — FYI, the air fryer moonlights as a wizard.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and fuss-free: You get crispy wedges in about 15 minutes. No deep frying, no babysitting.
• Healthy-ish comfort: You keep the cabbage intact, so you get fiber, vitamins, and a satisfying crunch without drowning it in oil.
• Versatile flavor base: You can keep it simple with salt and pepper or go wild with spices, cheeses, or citrus.
• Minimal cleanup: Air fryer basket, a bowl, and a tray if you’re topping with parmesan. Done.
• Crowd-pleaser: Even the kale-haters at my last dinner asked for seconds. Shocking, I know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese or your choice of seasoning

Yes, that’s it. See why I said this recipe plays nice with whatever spices you love?

How to Make (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes so it hits 375°F (190°C) before the wedges go in. That initial heat jump helps the edges crisp right away. Ever wondered why fast searing makes better crust? Same idea.

2. Cut the cabbage into wedges and remove the core.

Slice the cabbage into 8 wedges by cutting it into quarters and then halving each quarter, or adjust size to fit your basket. Remove the core so each wedge cooks evenly. Keeping the leaves attached helps everything hold together—no drama, no falling-leaf mess.

3. In a bowl, toss the cabbage wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the wedges and sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss until each wedge looks lightly coated. Don’t drown it in oil; you want crisp, not greasy.

4. Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Arrange the wedges in a single layer so air circulates. If your basket looks crowded, cook in two batches—your future self will thank you. Overlap, and you end up steaming instead of crisping.

5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Set a timer for 10 minutes, flip each wedge, then check around 12–15 minutes. You’re aiming for golden-brown edges and a tender interior. Thicker wedges take the full 15; thinner ones may finish faster. Taste as you go—yes, I do that.

6. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.

If you love savory cheese, grate Parmesan over the wedges during the last 2 minutes. The cheese melts and crisps into irresistible little pockets of umami. Try smoked paprika or a dash of lemon zest instead if you want a different vibe.

7. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy cabbage wedges!

Serve immediately while they stay crisp. I like them with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of yogurt-based dip. Hungry yet?

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Cut wedges evenly so they cook at the same speed. Uneven cuts mean uneven crisping.
• Don’t over-oil. Use just enough to coat. The air fryer does the heavy lifting.
• Flip halfway to get both sides evenly browned.
• Space the wedges in a single layer or use two quick batches—crowding equals soggy.
• Add cheese last so it crisps instead of burns.
• Use high smoke-point oil if you want to substitute olive oil (avocado oil works well).
• Check early the first time you try this; air fryer models vary wildly—mine runs hot, yours might be chill.

Fun Variations & Topping Ideas

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and a pinch of cayenne. Heat up your life.
• Asian-Inspired: Toss with sesame oil, a splash of soy sauce, and finish with sesame seeds.
• BBQ Style: Rub with BBQ spice mix and serve with smoky aioli.
• Italian Twist: Add oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Toppings:

• Fresh lemon juice & parsley for brightness.
• Crumbled bacon or pancetta for salty crunch.
• Garlic aioli or tzatziki for dipping.
• Hot honey drizzle for sweet-spicy contrast.
• Everything bagel seasoning because why not? 😏

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat like a pro:

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.
• Oven: 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for 7–10 minutes.
• Microwave if you’re desperate, but expect softer edges—still tasty, just less crunchy.

Pro tip: Don’t cover with foil while cooling; you’ll trap steam and lose crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I prevent the wedges from falling apart?

Cut through the core but leave most of it intact until you finish cooking. The core holds layers together. Also, avoid flipping too roughly.

Can I use a small cabbage or pre-cut cabbage?

Yes—adjust cooking time. Smaller or thinner wedges cook faster; check around the 8–10 minute mark.

Will this work in a convection oven?

Absolutely. Use a tray and set the convection oven to 375°F (190°C) and watch closely—it may need a few extra minutes depending on your oven’s airflow.

Can I make this vegan?

Yep. Skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese instead.

Is this kid-friendly?

For sure—kids love the crunch. Let them pick a dipping sauce to make it fun.

Conclusion

If you want a quick, crunchy side that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, this recipe hits the sweet spot. You get golden edges, a tender inside, and endless options for flavor—aka a win-win. Try the basic version, then play around with toppings and seasonings. If you loved this idea and want another tiny air-fryer win, check out Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges – Evergreen Kitchen for a different take and extra inspiration.

Drop a comment and a rating if you try this—tell me which topping stole your heart. I’ll probably judge you lightly if you skip the parmesan. 😉