The moment the air fryer dings, you’re greeted with the mouthwatering aroma of savory cabbage steaks topped with cheese. In just under 30 minutes, this Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks Recipe transforms humble cabbage into a delectable dish that’s both hearty and healthy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful side, this recipe works beautifully by leveraging the air fryer’s ability to create crispy textures without excessive oil.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals while enjoying a satisfying and flavorful experience. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or as a unique side for gatherings. You can prepare the cabbage steaks ahead of time and store leftovers for an easy weekday lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The air fryer gives the cabbage a perfectly crispy texture.
- A savory blend of spices enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
- Topping the steaks with sausage and cheese makes it a fully satisfying dish.
- Quick to prepare, it cooks in about 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious recipe.
For the Cabbage Steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small head cabbage, trimmed
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup Specialty Selects marinara sauce
- 1 Italian sausage link, casing removed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Cabbage can be replaced with cauliflower for a different flavor.
- Any marinara sauce can work based on your preference.
- Use ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
How to Make It
Start with these simple steps for delicious cabbage steaks.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 360°F.
Cut the cabbage
Slice the cabbage head into 4 steaks, ensuring to keep the core intact. Trim off ends for flatness and remove any loose outer leaves.
Mix oil and spices
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Brush this spice mixture over both sides of the cabbage steaks.
Spray and cook cabbage
Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Place cabbage steaks into the basket and cook at 360°F for 8 minutes.
Brown the sausage
In a medium saucepan, heat on medium-high. Remove the casing from the sausage link and add to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until mostly browned. Reduce heat to medium.
Combine sausage and sauce
Once the sausage is cooked into small pieces, add the marinara sauce and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is heated through.
Assemble cabbage steaks
After 8 minutes, flip the cabbage steaks over, spoon the sausage and sauce mixture evenly over them, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Final cook
Return the cabbage steaks to the air fryer. Cook at 360°F for an additional 5 minutes, checking that the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly but not burned.
Check tenderness
Once done, ensure the cabbage is tender. Letting it sit in the hot air fryer for an extra 5 minutes will continue cooking without burning the cheese. The edges will be crispy, while the center remains firmer.
Plate and enjoy
Carefully remove the cabbage steaks from the air fryer, plate them, and allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, not recommended due to texture.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the cabbage steaks are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispness.
- Use a cooking thermometer to ensure sausage reaches 160°F.
- Let the cabbage steaks cool for a few minutes for improved flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a garden salad for a refreshing meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner.
- Great for a game day snack while watching your favorite team.
