Cabbage rolls are one of those classic comfort foods your grandmother probably used to make! My air fryer cabbage rolls are a modern preparation method on these traditional cabbage leaves, which are stuffed with a sausage and rice mixture to warm and fill you up.
There’s just something that screams stick to your ribs comfort food when it comes to cabbage rolls. Tender cabbage leaves are stuffed full of your favorite fillings, rolled akin to an egg roll, and then baked (or in this case, air fried) in a tomato sauce bath until they’re tender.
You can fill them with a huge variety of fillings, though rice, sausage, and ground beef are the most common. I’m sticking to the traditional version here, but I’ll give you some ideas of how to change it up!
I love making cabbage rolls in the air fryer because it cuts down on baking time, but also allows me to generally make a smaller batch, which is ideal when you’re not serving a crowd. Note, though, that you’ll still need a way to boil your cabbage leaves to soften them.
Ingredients List
8-10 large cabbage leaves
½ pound ground beef
½ pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot)
½ cup cooked white rice
¼ cup diced onion (white or yellow)
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
For the Sauce
10.75 ounce can tomato soup
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp black pepper
Equipment Note: You will also need an oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer for this recipe (because of the sauce). A cake pan, casserole dish, disposable tin, or anything similar will work fine.
I’m using two mini loaf pans (one in each side since I have a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer). You can use one single pan, though, for single basket or rack models.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
The number of cabbage leaves you need really depends on their size and how much each one can hold
You can do all ground beef or all sausage for the filling if preferred. Other good meat options include: ground turkey, chicken, or pork, or chorizo for a spicy twist
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can swap in others as you like. Onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika are other good options (but use your favorite)
Tomato soup is the classic shortcut for the sauce, but you can also use plain tomato sauce and doctor it up with your favorite herbs and seasonings if preferred. You can add some water to thin it if you like (or want to make it go farther), but I don’t really think it needs it
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in the Air Fryer
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on your stovetop. Blanch the cabbage leaves for about 3-4 minutes, until they are pliable, and set aside to cool
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings together, and mix until well combined and distributed
Grab a blanched cabbage leaf, and add 2-3 Tbsp filling to the center of the bottom half (depending on how big the leaf is)
Fold the bottom up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and then roll the cabbage leaf until it forms a cylinder (it’s like rolling an egg roll). Repeat until all cabbage rolls are formed
Grease your oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer, and then add the prepared cabbage rolls in, seam-side facing down
Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and then pour the sauce over top of the cabbage rolls
Place the pan into your air fryer’s basket or rack, and then cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is cooked through (the USDA recommends at least 160°F for sausage)
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sour cream (optional), and serve with your favorite sides
What to Serve With Cabbage Rolls
Roasted potatoes
Mashed potatoes
Polenta
Mashed cauliflower
Latkes (potato pancakes)
Cucumber salad
Tomato salad
Green salad
Tomato soup
Buttered noodles
Baked beans
Coleslaw
Sauerkraut
Garlic bread
While cabbage rolls are often considered a full meal in and of themselves, there are still lots of great sides you can serve with them to round out your meal!
It’s a convenient alternative to traditional oven-baked or stove-top methods.
How Do You Prepare Cabbage Rolls for Air Frying?
To prepare cabbage rolls for air frying, start by blanching the cabbage leaves to make them pliable. Then, fill each leaf with your desired filling, such as ground meat, rice, and vegetables, and roll them tightly.
Place in an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer, and cover with sauce before cooking.
Do You Need to Preheat the Air Fryer Before Cooking Cabbage Rolls?
It’s recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking cabbage rolls. Preheating ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature quickly, resulting in evenly cooked and tender cabbage rolls.
However, if you do not preheat, just plan to add 3-5 minutes to your cooking time to account for the colder starting temperature.
What Temperature and Time Should You Use to Cook Cabbage Rolls in the Air Fryer?
The recommended temperature for cooking cabbage rolls in the air fryer is typically around 350°F – 375°F.
Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the cabbage rolls, but it usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
Can You Freeze Cabbage Rolls for Later?
Yes, you can freeze cabbage rolls for later consumption. After cooking, allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
Once frozen, transfer the cabbage rolls to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What Sauces Pair Well with Air Fryer Cabbage Rolls?
Air fryer cabbage rolls pair well with a variety of sauces. While tomato sauce is most traditional, marinara sauce, or even a creamy mushroom sauce are great alternatives.
The sauce adds flavor and moisture to the cabbage rolls, enhancing their overall taste.
Can You Make Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls?
Yes, you can easily adapt cabbage rolls to be vegetarian friendly by using plant-based fillings such as lentils, quinoa, or tofu instead of meat.
Simply follow the same process for preparing and air frying the cabbage rolls.
Recipe Pro Tips
To peel the cabbage leaves off a head, cut an approximately ¼” slice off the base (at the stem) to expose the bottoms of each leaf. Carefully peel from the bottom up – don’t rush or you’ll tear the leaves. Use the small leaves inside for another cabbage recipe (see some ideas below!) If they’re being stubborn, you can throw the whole head in to boil and peel them as they soften (but I dislike dealing with the very hot cabbage)
My cabbage rolls were perfectly cooked and verified via thermometer after 28 minutes total in a Ninja air fryer, without preheating. Other air fryers may vary slightly (as will the thickness of your rolls) so adjust as needed
The top will get very deep brown during cooking. It does not make the cabbage dry or crispy at all. However, if you don’t want it that dark, you have a couple choices. Add extra sauce on top, which will form a film that you can peel off after cooking. Alternatively, cover your dish with foil until the last few minutes, but note that this may extend cooking time by a few minutes as well
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cooled cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer term storage, they may be frozen individually on a sheet pan and then packed into a bag or container and stored frozen for 2-3 months
To reheat cabbage rolls in the air fryer, place on a piece or parchment or foil (or in a small oven safe dish). Air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes, until warmed through. Time can vary slightly based on the thickness of the rolls, the filling, and your specific air fryer, so adjust as needed
These air fryer cabbage rolls are stuffed with sausage, beef, rice, and seasonings for a comforting, filling dish. The air fryer serves as a great alternative to the oven, taking less time while still delivering that browned topping you want!
Stuffed cabbage is also one of those recipes that’s easy to make your own. Simply change up the meats, seasonings, and veggies inside it to make something you and your family will love!
They’re hearty enough for a meal on their own, but cabbage rolls also pair well with sides like salad and bread of some kind if you’d like to round out the meal.
Looking for more creative ways to cook with cabbage? Check out my collection of the best Air Fryer Cabbage Recipes you can make today!
Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Sausage
These stuffed cabbage rolls are stick to your ribs comfort food, done even faster in your air fryer! They’re filled with sausage, beef, and rice, but you can use your favorites.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on your stovetop. Blanch the cabbage leaves for about 3-4 minutes, until they are pliable, and set aside to cool
10 Large cabbage leaves
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sausage, rice, onion, garlic, egg, and seasonings together, and mix until well combined and distributed
½ Pound ground beef, ½ Pound Italian sausage, ½ Cup cooked white rice, ¼ Cup diced onion, 2 Tsp minced garlic, 1 Tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 Tsp dried parsley, 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 Large egg
Grab a blanched cabbage leaf, and add 2-3 Tbsp filling to the center of the bottom half (depending on how big the leaf is)
Fold the bottom up over the filling, then fold in the sides, and then roll the cabbage leaf until it forms a cylinder (like rolling an egg roll). Repeat until all cabbage rolls are formed
Grease your oven-safe pan that fits in your air fryer, and then add the prepared cabbage rolls in, seam-side facing down
Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and then pour the sauce over top of the cabbage rolls
10.75 Ounce can tomato soup, 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, ½ Tsp black pepper
Place the pan into your air fryer’s basket or rack, and then cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is cooked through (the USDA recommends at least 160°F for sausage)
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sour cream (optional), and serve with your favorite sides
Notes
The number of cabbage leaves you need really depends on their size
You can do all ground beef or all sausage for the filling if preferred. Other good meat options include: ground turkey, chicken, or pork, or chorizo for a spicy twist
All seasonings are adjustable to taste, and you can swap in others as you like. Onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika are other good options (but use your favorite)
Tomato soup is the classic for the sauce, but you can also use plain tomato sauce and doctor it up with your favorite herbs and seasonings if preferred
To peel the cabbage leaves off a head, cut an approximately ¼” slice off the base (at the stem) to expose the bottoms of each leaf. Carefully peel from the bottom up – don’t rush or you’ll tear the leaves. Use the small central leaves for another cabbage recipe. If they’re being stubborn, you can throw the whole head in to boil and peel them as they soften (but I dislike dealing with the very hot cabbage)
My cabbage rolls were perfectly cooked and verified via thermometer after 28 minutes total in a Ninja air fryer, without preheating. Other air fryers may vary slightly (as will the thickness of your rolls) so adjust as needed
The top will get very deep brown during cooking. It does not make the cabbage dry or crispy at all. However, if you don’t want it that dark, you have a couple choices. Add extra sauce on top, which will form a film that you can peel off after cooking. Alternatively, cover your dish with foil until the last few minutes, but note that this may extend cooking time by a few minutes as well
Store cooled cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer term storage, they may be frozen individually on a sheet pan and then packed into a bag or container and stored frozen for 2-3 months
To reheat cabbage rolls in the air fryer, place on a piece or parchment or foil (or in a small oven safe dish). Air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes, until warmed through. Time can vary slightly based on the thickness of the rolls, the filling, and your specific air fryer, so adjust as needed
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and size of ingredients, any swaps or adjustments, sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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!
