This air fryer cabbage and onions recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook cabbage! You get a nice roasted flavor and caramelization, with way less effort than standing over the stove. This versatile dish can be used as a side or as a base or filling for another meal!
Just chop, season, and throw everything in the air fryer for this simple veggie dish! The air fryer does all the hard work for you so you can work on the rest of your meal with little fuss.
Cabbage and onions is such a versatile dish, as you can use it standalone as a side dish, or add it to your pot pie, egg rolls, soups, and more! It’s even the perfect base for making haluski!
I’m sticking with a classic seasoning base, but you can add all sorts of different herbs and spices (as well as other mix-ins) to create your own flavor combinations. I’ll make sure to give you some more options below.
As it is, though, this dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten free! You can also easily make it vegan by swapping out the butter. This means it’s perfect to fit a wide variety of dietary needs, while still being easy and delicious!
If you’re interested in other flavor profiles, then take a look at my curated list of Air Fryer Cabbage Recipes, and get more cooking inspiration!
Ingredients List
½ small head green cabbage (about 2 – 2 ½ cups shredded)
1 small yellow or sweet onion (or ½ of a large one)
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You could also use napa or red cabbage in place of the green cabbage, but green is a classic for this dish. For reference, I used about ⅓ of a 7” diameter extra large cabbage
Other types of onions are alright (such as white or red) but they tend to have a more pungent flavor
You can substitute olive oil in place of the butter if preferred (or if you want to make the dish vegan)
Seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can definitely add others as desired! Cabbage pairs well with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for heat. Add sesame seeds if it’s going in an Asian-inspired dish, or mustard seeds for pickled dishes!
Variations of Cabbage and Onions
Apple. Add 1 apple (I use Granny Smith) and 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy apple variation that’s like a vinegar-based slaw!
Bacon. Dice 2-3 slices of bacon to add to the mix before cooking for air fryer cabbage, onions, and bacon. You could also use kielbasa or smoked sausage if preferred. This will, of course, also make the dish non-vegetarian
Potatoes. Add small (½” or so) diced potatoes (I usually use Yukon Gold or Russet) to the mix for cabbage, onions, and potatoes! Cooking times may be slightly longer to get the potatoes browned and cooked through
Carrots. Peel and dice 1-2 carrots for the veggie mix for air fryer cabbage, onions, and carrots. As with the potatoes, cooking times may be around 5 minutes longer to get the tougher root vegetables cooked through
Haluski. Cook about 2 cups of egg noodles per package directions, then drain. Combine with cooked cabbage and onions (add extra butter if needed on the noodles) for a haluski variation!
Step By Step Instructions
Core and shred your cabbage using a sharp knife (you can also use a food processor if you have a shred attachment, or a box grater). Peel, halve, and thinly slice your onion
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and onion with the butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed
Place the cabbage and onion mixture into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (a little overlap is alright, but don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) for 10-15 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir, until vegetables are soft and desired level of browning is achieved
Air fryer cabbage and onions is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring thinly sliced cabbage and onions seasoned and cooked in an air fryer until tender and caramelized.
To prepare, simply toss the cabbage and onions with oil and seasonings, then air fry until browned to your liking.
Can I Use Any Type of Cabbage for Making Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions?
Yes, you can use various types of cabbage for this dish, including green cabbage, red cabbage, or Napa cabbage.
Choose a cabbage variety that you enjoy and that is readily available in your area.
What Seasonings and Herbs Pair Well with Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions?
Popular seasonings for air fryer cabbage and onions include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar, cider vinegar, or soy sauce for extra flavor.
How Thin Should I Slice the Cabbage and Onions for Making Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions?
Aim to slice the cabbage and onions into uniform thin slices, around ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Thin slices will cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer, resulting in tender and caramelized vegetables.
What Is the Cooking Time and Temperature for Air Frying Cabbage and Onions?
A temperature of between 350°F – 375°F is ideal, with higher temperatures delivering a deeper level of browning.
Cook the cabbage and onions for approximately 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients to the Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions for Extra Flavor?
Absolutely! You can customize the dish by adding ingredients such as bell peppers, carrots, or sliced mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Just be mindful of the cooking time for any additional ingredients you add. Keep pieces relatively evenly sized to assist with even cooking, and cut tough vegetables like potatoes or carrots smaller.
Are Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions a Healthy Side Dish Option?
Yes, air fryer cabbage and onions can be a healthy side dish option, especially when prepared with minimal oil (instead of the butter) and seasonings. Cabbage and onions are low in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Make sure to consult a nutritionist or medical professional if you are on a strict diet to ensure this fits within it.
Can I Make Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions in Advance and Reheat Them Later?
While air fryer cabbage and onions are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, you can make them in advance and reheat them later.
Simply store the cooked vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and reheat them in the air fryer until warmed through. Generally, 350°F for 3-5 minutes is sufficient, but it can vary by air fryer and size of portion.
Recipe Pro Tips
Don’t shred your cabbage too thin, as it will naturally shrink as it cooks and releases moisture. I generally aim for between ¼” and ½” thickness
If you do more than one batch, reduce cooking time by 5 minutes to start (to account for the heated basket) and adjust from there
I made this recipe in my Ninja air fryer. Without preheating, it took me 15 minutes, and my second batch took 11 minutes to come out perfectly. Other air fryers will vary, so adjust as needed for your specific unit!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover cabbage and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer term storage, make sure to cool completely and then freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes (depending on your air fryer and portion size) until warmed through. You can also microwave or warm in a pan on the stove
This easy air fryer cabbage and onions recipe is a flavorful yet simple side dish. You can season it a number of different ways to suit your tastes or to compliment whatever else you’re serving!
It’s great on its own as a veggie side, but you can also use cabbage and onions as a base in soups, stews, egg rolls, pot pies, and haluski when combined with egg noodles.
As it is, this dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten free, and easy to make vegan by swapping the butter for oil or a vegan substitute.
Looking for a more vibrant offering? Check out my Air Fryer Red Cabbage for beautiful reddish purple cabbage steaks that really make a statement!
Air Fryer Cabbage and Onions (Shredded)
This air fryer cabbage and onions recipe features caramelized onions and cabbage bursting with flavor and a little crunch in only 15 minutes. It’s great solo as a veggie side, but also perfect for other recipes.
½Smallhead green cabbage(about 2 – 2 ½ cups shredded)
1Smallyellow or sweet onion
2Tbspbutter, melted
1Tspsalt(or to taste)
½Tspblack pepper(or to taste)
Instructions
Core and shred your cabbage using a sharp knife (you can also use a food processor if you have a shred attachment, or a box grater). Peel, halve, and thinly slice your onion
½ Small head green cabbage, 1 Small yellow or sweet onion
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and onion with the butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed
2 Tbsp butter, melted, 1 Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper
Place the cabbage and onion mixture into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (a little overlap is alright, but don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or the closest setting your specific air fryer has) for 10-15 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir, until vegetables are soft and desired level of browning is achieved
Serve hot
Notes
You could also use napa or red cabbage in place of the green cabbage, but green is a classic for this dish. For reference, I used about ⅓ of a 7” diameter extra large cabbage
Other types of onions are alright (such as white or red) but they tend to have a more pungent flavor
You can substitute olive oil in place of the butter if preferred (or if you want to make the dish vegan)
Seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can definitely add others as desired! Cabbage pairs well with garlic powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, rosemary, or red pepper flakes for heat. Add sesame seeds if it’s going in an Asian-inspired dish, or mustard seeds for pickled dishes!
Haluski variation (pictured): cook 2 cups egg noodles per package directions and combine with the finished cabbage and onions. Add extra butter if desired (optional) and enjoy a haluski version!
Don’t shred your cabbage too thin, as it will naturally shrink as it cooks and releases moisture. I generally aim for between ¼” and ½” thickness
If you do more than one batch, reduce cooking time by 5 minutes to start (to account for the heated basket) and adjust from there
I made this recipe in my Ninja air fryer. Without preheating, it took me 15 minutes, and my second batch took 11 minutes to come out perfectly. Other air fryers will vary, so adjust as needed for your specific unit!
Store leftover cabbage and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer term storage, make sure to cool completely and then freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes (depending on your air fryer and portion size) until warmed through. You can also microwave or warm in a pan on the stove
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any seasonings or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fry shredded cabbage, air fryer cabbage and onions, air fryer cabbage recipes, air fryer side dishes, ninja air fryer cabbage and onions, roasted cabbage, vegetarian dishes
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!
