This air fryer cabbage and bacon is my new favorite way to make a classic Southern style side dish! Instead of having to tend it over the stove, the air fryer provides a simple way to get that beautiful caramelization, crispy bacon, and tender cabbage you love!
Southern style fried cabbage features green cabbage, crispy bacon, softened onions, and a handful of pantry seasonings to make something truly delicious!
This comforting dish is easy enough to serve on a weeknight alongside your favorite main courses. It’s also great for St Patrick’s Day since it’s cabbage, but equally nice for New Years as well. Though, honestly, there’s no bad time to serve it up!
It’s naturally gluten free and low carb, so this savory side fits a variety of dietary needs to fit your whole crew!
The air fryer does a great job of keeping you hands off except for a couple stirs, so there’s no more standing over a stove and tending a pan. That leaves you free to work on the main course, or just kick back and relax.
If you really want to expand your air fryer cooking arsenal, be sure to check out my curated collected of the Best Air Fryer Cabbage Recipes to enjoy today!
Ingredients List
½ small head of green cabbage (small being a 4-5” cabbage)
¼ of a yellow onion (or half if it’s very small)
4 strips of bacon
1 ½ tsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
½ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
Green cabbage is most traditional, but you can sub red, Napa, or another variety if you prefer
You can adjust the amount of bacon to taste (more or less). Turkey bacon may also be used, but you’ll need to add 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil or melted butter to make up for the reduced grease to achieve the same overall dish
The sugar is technically optional but it’s not truly Southern style without it
All seasonings are adjustable to taste. You can also use fresh garlic instead of powder, or add onion powder for a stronger onion flavor. Cajun seasoning is also good instead of the red pepper flakes!
Step By Step Instructions
Dice your bacon (about ½” squares), dice your onion, and then core the cabbage and roughly chop it (into around 1” pieces)
Remove the grate from your air fryer if possible (for basket style air fryers), or line the grate or rack with foil if that’s not possible (the idea is to trap the bacon grease for this dish)
Add the cabbage to your air fryer’s basket or rack (try not to go more than 1” deep). Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and red pepper flakes over top
Evenly top the cabbage with the onion and then finish with the bacon pieces
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes
The bacon should start to render, so give everything a stir to mix the grease in with the cabbage and distribute the seasonings around. Then, cook an additional 10-15 minutes (stir every 5) until the cabbage and onions are tender and the bacon reaches your desired level of browning
Serve hot
What to Serve With Fried Cabbage and Bacon
Mashed potatoes
Latkes
Cornbread
Biscuits
Garlic bread
Mac and cheese
Pierogies
Baked beans
Pulled pork
Pork chops
Grilled chicken
Fried chicken
Ham
Corned beef
Salmon
Sausage
Brats
Meatloaf
Cucumber salad
Applesauce
There are a variety of proteins, starches, and sides that pair well with Southern style fried cabbage and bacon. Choose your favorites to complete your meal!
Air fryer cabbage and bacon is a modern take on a Southern style dish made by combining sliced cabbage and bacon pieces, seasoning them with herbs and spices, and then air frying until the cabbage is tender and the bacon is crispy.
It’s a simple and flavorful recipe that makes a perfect side dish or main course.
Can I Use Different Types of Cabbage for Air Fryer Cabbage and Bacon?
Yes, you can use various types of cabbage for air fryer cabbage and bacon, including green cabbage, red cabbage, or Savoy cabbage.
Each type of cabbage will offer a slightly different color, flavor, and texture, so choose the variety that you prefer or have on hand.
What Seasonings and Herbs Complement Air Fryer Cabbage and Bacon?
Popular seasonings and herbs for cabbage and bacon include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor, or red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
How Long Does Air Fryer Cabbage and Bacon Take to Cook?
The cooking time for air fryer cabbage and bacon can vary depending on the size of the cabbage pieces and the desired level of crispiness for the bacon. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Make sure to stir about halfway through the cooking process for even browning and to coat the cabbage in the bacon grease.
Can I Make Air Fryer Cabbage and Bacon in Advance and Reheat It Later?
Air fryer cabbage and bacon is best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. However, you can make it in advance and reheat it later.
Simply store the cooked cabbage and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat in the air fryer until warmed through before serving.
Recipe Pro Tips
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, since you’ll just have to stir it around anyway. If you do, however, you can reduce the cooking time by around 3 minutes to start to account for the warmer starting temperature
Your cooking time can vary based on your specific air fryer, desired bacon crispiness level, as well as the size of your cuts and the variety of your produce. That said, I made this in my Ninja air fryer and cooked it for 25 minutes total as a reference point
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any Southern fried cabbage and bacon leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat cabbage and bacon, air fry at a lower temperature of 375°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through and the bacon is re-crisped to your liking. Time can vary based on your air fryer and the quantity being heated
This easy air fryer cabbage and bacon recipe brings a modern twist to a classic Southern style side dish. Tender cabbage and onions pair perfectly with crispy bacon for a salty, savory bite. Season it up your favorite way to make it your own!
It pairs well with a huge variety of proteins, though chicken and pork are my favorites to serve it with. Although, it’s equally great with your corned beef for St Patrick’s Day or your kielbasa on New Year’s!
Since cabbage and bacon is naturally gluten free, low carb, and Keto friendly, it’s a versatile dish that suits a variety of different dietary needs. If you prefer your greens mixed with bacon, then make sure to check out my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts and Bacon recipe too!
Air Fryer Cabbage and Bacon (Southern Style)
This air fryer cabbage and bacon also features onions and southern style seasonings for a tasty side dish. It’s naturally gluten free, low carb, and Keto friendly too!
Dice your bacon (about ½” squares), dice your onion, and then core the cabbage and roughly chop it (into around 1” pieces)
½ Small head green cabbage, ¼ yellow onion, 4 Strips bacon
Remove the grate from your air fryer if possible (for basket style air fryers), or line the grate or rack with foil if that’s not possible (the idea is to trap the bacon grease for this dish)
Add the cabbage to your air fryer’s basket or rack (try not to go more than 1” deep). Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and red pepper flakes over top
1 ½ Tsp granulated sugar, ½ Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper, ½ Tsp garlic powder, ⅛ Tsp red pepper flakes
Evenly top the cabbage with the onion and then finish with the bacon pieces
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes
The bacon should start to render, so give everything a stir to mix the grease in with the cabbage and distribute the seasonings around. Then, cook an additional 10-15 minutes (stir every 5) until the cabbage and onions are tender and the bacon reaches your desired level of browning
Serve hot
Notes
Green cabbage is most traditional, but you can sub red, Napa, or another variety if you prefer
You can adjust the amount of bacon to taste (more or less). Turkey bacon may also be used, but you’ll need to add 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil or melted butter to make up for the reduced grease to achieve the same overall dish
The sugar is technically optional but it’s not truly “Southern style” without it
All seasonings are adjustable to taste. You can also use fresh garlic instead of powder, or add onion powder for a stronger onion flavor. Cajun seasoning is also good instead of the red pepper flakes!
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, since you’ll just have to stir it around anyway. If you do, however, you can reduce the cooking time by around 3 minutes to start to account for the warmer starting temperature
Your cooking time can vary based on your specific air fryer, desired bacon crispiness level, as well as the size of your cuts and the variety of your produce. That said, I made this in my Ninja air fryer and cooked it for 25 minutes total as a reference point
Store any Southern fried cabbage and bacon leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
To reheat cabbage and bacon, air fry at a lower temperature of 375°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through and the bacon is re-crisped to your liking. Time can vary based on your air fryer and the quantity being heated
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and variety of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer cabbage and bacon, air fryer cabbage recipes, air fryer cabbage southern style, air fryer side dishes, bacon and cabbage, ninja air fryer cabbage and bacon, southern cabbage and bacon recipe, southern fried cabbage
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
