📝 About This Recipe
Transform the humble cabbage into a gourmet side dish that boasts a spectacular contrast between tender, buttery hearts and crispy, caramelized edges. This air-fried technique mimics the high-heat char of a wood-fired oven, infusing the layers with a smoky depth and a savory garlic-herb crust. It is a modern, low-carb revelation that turns a budget-friendly vegetable into the star of your dinner table.
🥗 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head Green Cabbage (approx. 2 lbs, firm and heavy)
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
The Seasoning Rub
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds a lovely color and depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Finishers and Garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (finely grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 piece Lemon (for a fresh squeeze of juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for at least 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for maximum caramelization.
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2
Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Place the cabbage on a sturdy cutting board.
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3
Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Cut each half into 4 equal wedges, ensuring a piece of the core remains attached to each wedge to hold the leaves together.
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4
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano until well combined.
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5
Using a pastry brush or your hands, generously coat all sides of each cabbage wedge with the oil and spice mixture. Be sure to get some of the oil between the layers of the leaves.
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6
Place the wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
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7
Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes. The edges should start to look golden and slightly charred.
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8
Carefully flip each wedge over using silicone-tipped tongs to prevent tearing the tender leaves.
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9
Continue air frying for another 8-10 minutes. The cabbage is done when the core is fork-tender and the outer leaves are crispy and dark brown at the tips.
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10
Two minutes before the time is up, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each wedge and finish air frying until the cheese is melted and golden.
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11
Remove the wedges from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter.
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12
Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot wedges and garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always keep the core intact when slicing; it acts as the 'glue' that prevents your wedges from falling apart in the air fryer. Don't be afraid of a little char; those dark, crispy edges are where the most concentrated flavor resides. If using a smaller air fryer, do not overlap the wedges, as they will steam rather than roast and lose their crispiness. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with more olive oil or a vegan butter alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. To ensure even cooking, try to select a cabbage that is medium-sized and dense rather than very loose-leafed varieties.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a juicy grilled ribeye steak or roasted chicken for a complete, low-carb meal. Drizzle with a creamy Garlic Aioli or a Tahini-Lemon dressing for an extra layer of richness. Pair with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light pilsner to cut through the buttery richness of the cabbage. Use as a base for a hearty bowl, topped with a poached egg and crispy bacon bits. Serve as a unique vegetarian main course with a side of herbed quinoa or farro salad.