Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks

Thick slices of cabbage are seasoned and air fried until golden and crispy on the edges. They are then brushed with a melted garlic butter mixture combining fresh garlic and parsley for a rich, savory finish. This straightforward method offers a delicious, vegetarian-friendly dish with a flavorful punch, perfect as a side or main. The process is quick and easy, using common seasonings like smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to elevate the natural cabbage flavors.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:01:52 GMT
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter, golden and caramelized, served with a glossy herb-infused garlic butter drizzle.  Save to Pinterest
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter, golden and caramelized, served with a glossy herb-infused garlic butter drizzle. | yummywithmia.com

Discover how the air fryer transforms a humble vegetable into a gourmet side with these Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter. Thick-cut rounds of green cabbage are seasoned to perfection and air-fried until the edges are golden and caramelized. The final touch of herb-infused garlic butter elevates the dish, making it a savory delight that works as a healthy side or a light vegetarian main.

Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter, golden and caramelized, served with a glossy herb-infused garlic butter drizzle.  Save to Pinterest
Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter, golden and caramelized, served with a glossy herb-infused garlic butter drizzle. | yummywithmia.com

This recipe is an excellent way to add more vegetables to your diet without sacrificing flavor. The combination of smoked paprika and fresh garlic creates a deep, smoky, and aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of roasted cabbage.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 medium green cabbage, outer leaves removed
  • Garlic Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 3 cloves garlic (finely minced), 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds, forming steaks. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Step 4
Brush both sides of each cabbage steak with olive oil.
Step 5
Sprinkle both sides with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
Step 6
Arrange cabbage steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
Step 7
Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 8 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges.
Step 8
Immediately brush hot cabbage steaks with garlic butter.
Step 9
Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a sharp knife to ensure clean, even slices. Patting the cabbage steaks dry before brushing with oil is essential for achieving that signature crispy texture. If your air fryer is smaller, cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of roasting.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. For a vegan version, use a high-quality plant-based butter. If you want an extra boost of umami, sprinkle the hot steaks with grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast immediately after applying the garlic butter.

Serviervorschläge

These cabbage steaks are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, they make a hearty main course when served over a bed of quinoa or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter.

Crispy air-fried cabbage steaks, perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and topped with rich, melted garlic butter for irresistible flavor.  Save to Pinterest
Crispy air-fried cabbage steaks, perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and topped with rich, melted garlic butter for irresistible flavor. | yummywithmia.com

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight side or a healthy vegetarian alternative, these Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the perfect crunch and savory garlic finish!

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Common Recipe Questions

How do I achieve crispiness on cabbage steaks?

Brush both sides with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 375°F, flipping halfway through, to get golden crispy edges.

Can I make a vegan version of this dish?

Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives to keep the garlic butter topping vegan-friendly.

What spices complement the cabbage steaks best?

Smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder balance the sweetness of cabbage and enhance its flavor.

Is it necessary to remove outer cabbage leaves?

Removing the outer leaves ensures tender, clean steaks for even cooking and better texture.

How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Optional additions like grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast can impart extra savory notes to garlic butter.

Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks

Thick cabbage slices air fried to crispy perfection, topped with savory garlic butter and herbs.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
18 minutes
Overall Time
28 minutes
Created by Mia


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium green cabbage, outer leaves removed

Garlic Butter

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1 teaspoon sea salt
03 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Oil

01 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F

Step 02

Prepare cabbage: Slice cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds to form steaks. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 03

Create garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 04

Oil cabbage steaks: Brush both sides of each cabbage steak generously with olive oil using a pastry brush.

Step 05

Season steaks: Sprinkle both sides of each cabbage steak evenly with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

Step 06

Arrange in air fryer: Place cabbage steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 07

First air fry phase: Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until edges begin to crisp.

Step 08

Flip and finish cooking: Flip steaks using tongs and continue air frying for 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy at the edges.

Step 09

Apply garlic butter: Remove hot cabbage steaks from air fryer and immediately brush with prepared garlic butter mixture.

Step 10

Serve: Transfer to serving platter while warm. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Tools Required

  • Air fryer
  • Sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Tongs

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential allergen cross-contamination

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 142
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams