This easy air fryer cabbage and potatoes is a warm and hearty side dish that pairs well with chicken and pork, but is also great for St Patrick’s Day! You just chop, toss, and then set it to cook and let the air fryer do all the hard work for you while you focus on other things!
Savory green cabbage and roasted potatoes come out perfectly caramelized and delicious thanks to your air fryer. Plus, there’s no regular stirring like the stove requires, just a couple basket tosses to keep things cooking evenly.
This side dish is simple to make, but you get so much great flavor from the browning achieved in the air fryer. Plus, these veggies are naturally vegetarian and vegan friendly, as well as gluten free, so they fit a variety of different dietary needs!
Of course, there are lots of other ingredients you can add to customize the flavors to your personal preferences, so I’ll make sure to go over some options below!
Cabbage and potatoes pairs well with most protein options, but it’s one of my favorites for St Patrick’s Day. After all, they’re two classic ingredients for the holiday! You could even add some onions and mash everything up after cooking to create a riff on a colcannon recipe!
Ingredients List
1 small head green cabbage (or ½ of a larger head)
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use red cabbage in place of the green cabbage if preferred (though green is most traditional)
Other types of potatoes are fine as well, but note that cooking times can vary slightly between different varieties so you’ll need to keep an eye on them
The olive oil can be swapped for melted butter if preferred
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting them entirely. Other good options include chicken bouillon, thyme, parsley, or oregano, or for some heat, try Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can also be added for different flavor
If you are making this dish as part of a vegan or gluten free diet, make sure to check that your other ingredients are certified as such. While most seasonings are safe, they can be subject to cross contamination during production so it’s always best to check!
Variations For Air Fryer Cabbage and Potatoes
Onion. Add ½ of a yellow or sweet onion (diced) into the mix for air fryer cabbage, potatoes and onions
Carrots. Dice or slice 1-2 carrots (depending on size) and add into the other vegetables for air fryer cabbage, potatoes, and carrots
Bacon. Add 2-4 slices of raw bacon (diced) to the vegetables before cooking for a bacon variation! This of course makes it a non-vegetarian option, though
Sausage. Slice kielbasa, smoked sausage, or another variety of your choosing into about 1” thick pieces and add it to the vegetables for a sausage variation (great for a complete meal in one)!
Step By Step Instructions
Wash, peel (optional), and dice your potatoes into approximately ½” cubes. Core the cabbage and chop it into about 1” pieces (or you may do a thick shred if preferred)
In a bowl, combine the potatoes, cabbage, olive oil, and all the seasonings, and mix it to evenly distribute
Place the vegetables into your air fryer’s basket or rack in as close to a single layer as possible (some overlap is alright)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, pausing every 10 minutes or so to stir to promote even heating (stir more frequently near the end of the time to check for doneness and prevent burning). Cabbage and potatoes are done when potatoes are fork tender and desired level of browning on both vegetables is reached (you can add a few extra minutes if needed for a deeper color and if you like crispy edges on your cabbage)
Serve hot (feel free to top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan if you like)!
What to Serve With Cabbage and Potatoes
Corned beef
Roasted chicken
Pork chops
Kielbasa
Glazed ham
Fried eggs
Bacon
Roasted carrots
Cornbread
Sour cream
Air fryer cabbage and potatoes pairs well with a variety of proteins and sides to round out your meal (but it can also just be enjoyed on its own)!
Air fryer cabbage and potatoes is a delicious and nutritious dish made by combining chopped cabbage and cubed potatoes, seasoning them with herbs and spices, and cooking them in an air fryer until crispy and golden brown.
It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish or main course option when combined with a protein.
Can I Use Any Type of Cabbage and Potatoes for Making Air Fryer Cabbage and Potatoes?
Green cabbage and Yukon Gold potatoes are the most commonly used and recommended varieties for this recipe.
However, you can also use red cabbage and Russet potatoes as alternatives (though the color and textures will change as a result).
What Seasonings and Herbs Pair Well with Air Fryer Cabbage and Potatoes?
Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning complement the natural flavors of cabbage and potatoes.
You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
What Is the Ideal Cooking Time and Temperature for Air Frying Cabbage and Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
For perfectly cooked cabbage and potatoes, set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry them for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket about every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
The cabbage should be tender and slightly caramelized, while the potatoes should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Should I Parboil the Potatoes Before Air Frying Them?
You do not have to parboil the potatoes before air frying them. However, this is why cubes should be ½” or smaller, which promotes even and thorough cooking.
For larger cubes, parboiling the potatoes before air frying them can help speed up the cooking process and ensure they are evenly cooked. Simply boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and pat dry before air frying with the cabbage.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients to the Cabbage and Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can customize the dish by adding ingredients such as sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added flavor, texture, and nutritional variety.
For a more complete meal, add kielbasa, smoked sausage, bacon, or ham as a protein option.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage and Potatoes?
Cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamin C and fiber, while potatoes provide carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Always make sure to consult a nutritionist or medical professional before adding something new to your diet as part of a health routine.
Can I Make Air Fryer Cabbage and Potatoes in Advance and Reheat It Later?
Air fryer cabbage and potatoes can be made in advance and reheated later for convenience.
Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat gently in the air fryer or in a pan on the stovetop before serving.
Recipe Pro Tips
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe (since I stir it a few times it doesn’t make much difference), but if you do, you can drop the cooking time by around 3 minutes
Your cooking time will vary based on the size of your cabbage and potatoes, as well as your air fryer. I made this in a Ninja air fryer and my potatoes were browned and soft with crispy edged cabbage at about 27 minutes total. Adjust for personal preference and for your specific air fryer
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover cabbage and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
To reheat, you can warm them in a pan on the stovetop, or air fry at a lower temperature of 350°F for about 3-5 minutes (depending on your specific air fryer and the size of your vegetables and portion) until warmed through
This easy air fryer cabbage and potatoes recipe may seem simple, but it delivers so much flavor thanks to the natural caramelization you get in the air fryer.
It’s also suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those following a gluten free diet, so it fits a lot of different dietary needs (without sacrificing flavor)!
Adjust the seasonings to your personal preferences, or add your favorite proteins to create a whole meal! Sometimes I like to throw in onions and then mash the potatoes with a little butter and cream afterwards to create a pseudo colcannon.
While this dish is the perfect side for St Patrick’s Day, it also pairs well with roasted chicken and pork so you can enjoy it anytime. Since it’s so low maintenance to cook, it’s an easy yet flavorful side to add to your regular rotation.
If you love cooking roasted vegetables year-round, then be sure to check out my collection of delicious Air Fryer Cabbage Recipes!
Easy Air Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
This easy air fried cabbage and potatoes recipe delivers browned, roasted potatoes and caramelized cabbage. With two core ingredients plus oil and seasonings, it’s simple yet delicious!
Wash, peel (optional), and dice your potatoes into approximately ½” cubes. Core the cabbage and chop it into about 1” pieces (or you may do a thick shred if preferred)
1 Small head green cabbage, 2 Medium Yukon Gold potatoes
In a bowl, combine the potatoes, cabbage, olive oil, and all the seasonings, and mix it to evenly distribute
2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tsp salt, ½ Tsp black pepper, 1 Tsp garlic powder, 1 Tsp paprika
Place the vegetables into your air fryer’s basket or rack in as close to a single layer as possible (some overlap is alright)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, pausing every 10 minutes or so to stir to promote even heating (stir more frequently near the end of the time to check for doneness and prevent burning). Cabbage and potatoes are done when potatoes are fork tender and desired level of browning on both vegetables is reached (you can add a few extra minutes if needed for a deeper color and if you like crispy edges on your cabbage)
Serve hot (feel free to top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan if you like)!
Notes
You can also use red cabbage in place of the traditional green cabbage if preferred
Other types of potatoes are fine as well (Russet is another good choice), but note that cooking times can vary slightly between different varieties
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, including omitting them entirely. Other good options include thyme, parsley, or oregano, or for some heat, try Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can also be added for different flavor options
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, but if you do, you can usually drop the cooking time by around 3 minutes
Your actual cooking time will vary based on the exact size of your cabbage and potatoes, as well as your air fryer. I made this in a Ninja air fryer and my potatoes were browned and soft with crispy edged cabbage at about 27 minutes total. Adjust for personal preference and for your specific air fryer as needed
Store leftover cabbage and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
To reheat, you can warm them in a pan on the stovetop, or air fry at a lower temperature of 350°F for about 3-5 minutes (depending on your specific air fryer and the size of your vegetables and portion) until warmed through
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any swaps or additions, size of cuts, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer cabbage and potatoes, air fryer cabbage recipes, air fryer side dishes, air fryer vegetables, cabbage and potatoes recipe, fried cabbage and potatoes, ninja air fryer cabbage and potatoes
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!
