This easy air fryer cabbage and sausage recipe is simple, yet delicious. The air fryer gets perfectly browned sausage and tender crisp cabbage that makes for an excellent low carb meal or a side dish to a different main! Season it in a variety of ways to please your palette!
Aside from the cabbage and a sausage of your choice, this recipe is otherwise just pantry ingredients, which makes it easy to throw together on even the busiest nights.
Of course, there are lots of ways to customize your recipe, from trying different types of sausage to changing up the seasonings, or even adding some other veggies to the mix!
It only takes about 15 minutes to cook up this easy meal, making it perfect for weeknights, or when you forgot to plan ahead (we’ve all been there)! It’s also naturally gluten free, low carb, and Keto friendly, so it fits in with a variety of different dietary needs.
1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (see notes below for other options)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Any type of sausage you like works for this. Kielbasa, smoked sausage (check out my Air Fryer Smoked Sausagerecipe too!), and andouille are all great options. Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lower calorie option, or vegetarian sausages to make this a vegetarian option
You can also use other types of cabbage besides green (though it will alter the look and taste overall). Red, Napa, and Savoy are all fine!
My Cajun seasoning has salt in it. If yours does not, add about ½ tsp salt (or to taste) to compensate
There are many other seasonings you can use instead if preferred. Typically I do between ½ tsp and 1 tsp of each, depending how strong I want it. Good choices include: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, or some red pepper flakes for heat
Variations. You can add some other vegetables into your mix to customize your meal. Try strips of bell pepper or onion, broccoli florets, or potatoes (diced ½” or smaller so they cook)
Step By Step Instructions
Cut your sausage into approximately ½” thick medallions, and wash, core, and chop your cabbage into about 1” pieces
Toss the sausage and cabbage in a bowl with the olive oil, garlic, and Cajun seasoning until well mixed and thoroughly coated
Add the mixture to your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (avoid overcrowding or you won’t get even browning; cook in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir, until desired level of browning on the sausage is achieved
Serve hot, with additional sides if desired
What to Serve With Cabbage and Sausage
Mashed potatoes
Egg noodles
Lentils
Rice
Scalloped potatoes
Pierogies
Mac and cheese
Green beans
Carrots
French fries
German potato salad
Garlic bread
Cornbread
Applesauce
There are lots of different sides you can serve with cabbage and sausage for sides to complete your meal. I also enjoy it with a cold beer, but you can choose your favorite beverage!
Air fryer cabbage and sausage is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender cabbage and savory sausage cooked together in an air fryer.
To prepare it, simply chop the cabbage and sausage, season with your favorite herbs and spices, then air fry until the cabbage is tender and the sausage is cooked through.
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage for Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage?
Yes, you can use a variety of sausage types for air fryer cabbage and sausage, including smoked sausage, Italian sausage, bratwurst, kielbasa, chorizo, turkey sausage, or any other type of sausage you prefer.
Choose the sausage variety that complements your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
What Seasonings and Herbs Pair Well with Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage?
Popular seasonings and herbs for air fryer cabbage and sausage include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes may be used to add some heat to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to create one that suits your taste buds.
Can I Add Additional Ingredients to Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage?
Absolutely! You can customize your air fryer cabbage and sausage by adding additional ingredients such as sliced onions, diced potatoes, bell peppers, minced garlic, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and variety.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all ingredients are cooked through.
What Is the Best Temperature and Time for Cooking Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage?
The optimal temperature for cooking air fryer cabbage and sausage is typically around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the cabbage pieces and the type of sausage used, but it usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process for even browning. Note that it will require a longer time for raw sausages.
Recipe Pro Tips
Try to keep the cabbage pieces and the sausage slices similar sizes, and about an equal amount of each, to promote more even cooking
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, since you stir it a couple times. However, if you do, you can knock about 3 minutes off of cooking time usually
You can always cook for a few extra minutes if you’d prefer a slightly browner sausage (but it’s largely personal preference)
I made this recipe in my Ninja air fryer and cooked it for 15 minutes total, but other air fryers can vary slightly, so adjust as needed
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover cabbage and sausage in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer term storage, you may also freeze for 1-2 months
To reheat kielbasa and cabbage, air fry at a lower temperature of about 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through and sausage is re-crisped to your liking
This air fryer cabbage and sausage is so easy to make, with just 5 ingredients total and about 15 minutes to cook!
Of course, you can customize your spice blend to make it your own, and adjust the heat levels to your personal preference. Change up the sausage and cabbage varieties, or add some additional veggies into the mix for color and texture!
As it is, this recipe is naturally gluten free, low carb, and Keto friendly, so it works with a variety of different dietary needs. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes if you’d like an accompaniment!
If you love cabbage, make sure to check out all of my amazing Air Fryer Cabbage Recipes for some inspiration for your next dish!
Easy Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage
This easy air fryer cabbage and sausage recipe has just 5 ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to cook. It’s naturally low carb, Keto friendly, and gluten free, and an easy weeknight meal option!
Add the mixture to your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (avoid overcrowding or you won’t get even browning; cook in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, pausing every 5 minutes to stir, until desired level of browning on the sausage is achieved
Serve hot, with additional sides if desired
Notes
Any type of sausage you like works for this. Kielbasa, smoked sausage, and andouille are all great options. Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lower calorie option, or vegetarian sausages to make this a vegetarian option. Raw sausage (like Italian) also works, but will take longer to cook
You can also use other types of cabbage besides green (though it will alter the look and taste overall). Red, Napa, and Savoy are all fine!
My Cajun seasoning has salt in it. If yours does not, add about ½ tsp salt (or to taste) to compensate
There are many other seasonings you can use instead if preferred. Typically I do between ½ tsp and 1 tsp of each, depending how strong I want it. Good choices include: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, or some red pepper flakes for heat
Variations. You can add some other vegetables into your mix to customize your meal. Try strips of bell pepper or onion, broccoli florets, or potatoes (diced ½” or smaller so they cook)
Try to keep the cabbage pieces and the sausage slices similar sizes, and about an equal amount of each, to promote more even cooking (and make sure not to overcrowd the basket!)
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, since you stir it a couple times. However, if you do, you can knock about 3 minutes off of cooking time usually
You can always cook for a few extra minutes if you’d prefer a slightly browner sausage (but it’s largely personal preference)
I made this recipe in my Ninja air fryer and cooked it for 15 minutes total, but other air fryers can vary slightly, so adjust as needed
Store any leftover cabbage and sausage in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer term storage, you may also freeze for 1-2 months
To reheat kielbasa and cabbage, air fry at a lower temperature of about 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through and sausage is re-crisped to your liking
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, seasonings and sides added, size of pieces, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword air fryer cabbage and sausage, air fryer cabbage recipes, easy weeknight dinners, fried cabbage and sausage, low carb recipes, ninja air fryer cabbage and sausage, one pan meals in the air fryer, sausage and cabbage recipes
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!
