Oh my goodness, have you ever tried air fryer cabbage steaks? They are seriously one of my favorite healthy side dishes! I mean, who knew cabbage could be so delicious? The air fryer gives them such a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy texture that just makes my taste buds dance. It’s like magic! I love how easy they are to whip up – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a fancy gathering. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Whenever I serve these, my friends and family can’t believe how tasty they are and always ask for the recipe. Honestly, if you’re looking for a way to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor, air fryer cabbage steaks are the way to go! Trust me, you’ll want to keep these in your regular rotation.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks
- 1 large head of cabbage – Look for a firm, green head for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps to crisp up the edges and adds a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Trust me, this elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – It adds a beautiful color and a touch of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy; season it to your liking for maximum deliciousness!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks
Preparing air fryer cabbage steaks is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of it! Let’s dive into the magic of making these delicious little wonders.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps to crisp up the edges of the cabbage steaks and ensures they cook evenly. No one wants soggy cabbage, right? So, give it a few moments to reach that perfect temperature while you prep the rest.
Prepare the Cabbage Steaks
Now, grab your large head of cabbage. Start by removing the outer leaves; we want the freshest part for our steaks! Then, slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick steaks. Make sure to keep them thick enough to hold up during cooking but not too thick that they won’t cook through. You’ll get around four hearty steaks from one head, perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!).
Seasoning the Cabbage Steaks
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is where the magic happens! Brush this mixture generously on both sides of each cabbage steak. Make sure they’re well-coated to lock in all that flavor. You might be tempted to lick the bowl – I know I am!
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Now it’s time to cook! Place the seasoned cabbage steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd them; let them breathe! Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for that even golden brown perfection. Keep an eye on them as they cook; you’ll want them crispy but not burnt. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to make sure your air fryer cabbage steaks turn out perfectly every time! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you love garlic, add a bit more garlic powder or even some minced fresh garlic for an extra kick! On the flip side, if you’re sensitive to spice, dial back the paprika. You know your palate best, so make it yours!
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time. Every air fryer is a bit different, and you want to avoid overcooking. Start checking around the 10-minute mark. They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges but still tender inside. If you see them getting too dark, feel free to pull them out a minute or two early.
And here’s a little secret: if you’re making a big batch, cook them in batches instead of piling them all in at once. This way, they’ll crisp up beautifully rather than steaming together. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at the difference!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one air fryer cabbage steak, which is a fantastic healthy side dish option. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use and how much seasoning you add.
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
With all that fiber and those low calories, these cabbage steaks are a guilt-free way to enjoy your veggies! They fit perfectly into a balanced diet while still being totally satisfying. Now, who says healthy can’t be delicious?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why air fryer cabbage steaks are about to become your new favorite healthy side dish! They’re not just delicious; they check all the right boxes for a perfect addition to any meal. Here are a few reasons to fall in love:
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have these tasty steaks on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Super easy: No complicated techniques here – anyone can master making cabbage steaks, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
- Incredibly flavorful: The seasoning blend transforms the cabbage into a savory delight that’s hard to resist. Seriously, the taste is out of this world!
- Low-calorie goodness: At just around 80 calories per steak, you can enjoy these guilt-free while still getting a healthy dose of veggies.
Once you try them, you’ll see why I can’t get enough of these air fryer cabbage steaks! They’re a game-changer for any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been asked a lot of great questions about air fryer cabbage steaks, so I thought I’d share some common ones here to help you out!
Can I use green cabbage instead of purple cabbage?
Absolutely! While I personally love the vibrant color of purple cabbage, green cabbage works just as wonderfully. The flavor will be slightly milder, but still delicious!
What dipping sauces pair well with cabbage steaks?
Oh, this is where it gets fun! You can try dipping them in ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a little kick. They’re versatile, so feel free to experiment with your favorites!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat nicely in the air fryer or microwave, though I recommend the air fryer for that crispy texture!
Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last couple of minutes of cooking. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage.
What variations can I try with the seasoning?
The sky’s the limit! You can add different spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick, or even herbs like oregano and thyme for a fresh twist. Mix it up and find your favorite combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious air fryer cabbage steaks is super simple! If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re that good!), just grab an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to maintain that crispy goodness.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again for the best results. Preheat your air fryer to about 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover cabbage steaks in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to see if they need a little flip. This way, they’ll regain that lovely crunch we all adore!
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but be cautious! Heat them in short bursts of about 30 seconds to avoid making them too soggy. I just love how versatile these cabbage steaks are – they’re fantastic fresh or reheated! Enjoy every bite, my friend!
For more information on healthy eating, check out Healthline’s healthy eating tips.
Also, if you’re interested in the nutritional benefits of cabbage, you can read more on Medical News Today’s article on cabbage.
For further details on cooking techniques, visit Serious Eats’ air fryer cooking tips.
Print
Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks: 5 Reasons They’re Deliciously Healthy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air fryer cabbage steaks are a delicious and healthy side dish. They are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and slice it into 1-inch thick steaks.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture on both sides of the cabbage steaks.
- Place the cabbage steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer cabbage steaks, healthy side dish, easy recipes
