Crispy Cabbage Steaks Garlic

Featured in: Veggie & Grain Bowls

These cabbage steaks are sliced thick and air-fried to achieve a perfectly crispy texture, enhanced by a rich garlic butter glaze. The combination of smoked paprika, sea salt, and olive oil adds depth to the natural flavors, creating a satisfying dish that works as a side or vegetarian main. Cooked quickly and simply, this method transforms humble cabbage into a flavorful delight that pairs well with a variety of meals.

Updated on Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:24 GMT
Air fryer cabbage steaks golden and crispy, brushed with rich garlic butter for a savory vegetarian side dish.  Save
Air fryer cabbage steaks golden and crispy, brushed with rich garlic butter for a savory vegetarian side dish. | pixelcuisine.com

Cabbage often plays a quiet, unassuming role in the kitchen — but slice it thick, season it boldly, and let the air fryer work its magic, and something remarkable happens. These Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter transform a humble head of green cabbage into golden, caramelized rounds with irresistibly crispy edges and a tender, sweet center. Finished with a fragrant garlic butter sauce and a scatter of fresh parsley, this dish is ready in just 28 minutes and works beautifully as a satisfying vegetarian main or an impressive side dish alongside grilled meats.

Air fryer cabbage steaks golden and crispy, brushed with rich garlic butter for a savory vegetarian side dish.  Save
Air fryer cabbage steaks golden and crispy, brushed with rich garlic butter for a savory vegetarian side dish. | pixelcuisine.com

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What makes this recipe so special is the interplay of simplicity and flavor. A single medium head of green cabbage, sliced into sturdy 1-inch rounds, becomes the canvas. A brush of olive oil and a dusting of smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder give each steak a deeply savory crust as it air fries. Then, the moment the steaks emerge hot and golden from the basket, they receive a generous coating of melted butter stirred through with minced garlic and fresh parsley — the warmth of the cabbage draws in every drop of that fragrant sauce. It is a dish that feels indulgent yet is wonderfully light, clocking in at just 142 calories per serving.

Ingredients

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  • Vegetables: 1 medium green cabbage, outer leaves removed
  • Garlic Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds, forming steaks. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3
In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Step 4
Brush both sides of each cabbage steak with olive oil.
Step 5
Sprinkle both sides with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
Step 6
Arrange cabbage steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
Step 7
Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 8 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges.
Step 8
Immediately brush hot cabbage steaks with garlic butter.
Step 9
Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für beste Ergebnisse sollten die Kohlscheiben vor dem Würzen gründlich mit Küchenpapier trockengetupft werden — Feuchtigkeit ist der größte Feind knuspriger Kanten. Achte darauf, die Scheiben gleichmäßig zu schneiden, damit sie gleichmäßig garen. Falls dein Heißluftfritteuse kleiner ist, arbeite ruhig in zwei Portionen; überfüllte Körbe verhindern die Luftzirkulation und damit das gewünschte Röstergebnis. Den Knoblauchbutter am besten erst dann auftragen, wenn die Steaks direkt aus der Fritteuse kommen — die Restwärme zieht das Aroma tief in das Gemüse ein.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine vegane Version einfach die ungesalzene Butter durch pflanzliche Butter ersetzen — das Ergebnis ist ebenso reichhaltig und aromatisch. Wer mehr Tiefe im Geschmack sucht, kann die fertigen Steaks mit geriebenem Parmesan oder Hefeflocken bestreuen. Für eine würzigere Note lässt sich eine Prise Chiliflocken zu den Gewürzen hinzufügen. Das Rezept ist von Natur aus glutenfrei und vegetarisch, sodass es sich problemlos an verschiedene Ernährungsweisen anpassen lässt.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Kohlsteaks eignen sich hervorragend als herzhafter vegetarischer Hauptgang — einfach mit einem frischen Salat oder einem cremigen Dip servieren. Als Beilage passen sie wunderbar zu gegrilltem Fleisch oder Fisch. Für ein besonders ansprechendes Anrichten die fertigen Steaks auf einer großen Platte anordnen, mit dem restlichen Knoblauchbutter beträufeln und großzügig mit frischer Petersilie bestreuen.

Thick-cut cabbage slices air-fried until edges are caramelized and served with a fragrant garlic herb butter sauce.  Save
Thick-cut cabbage slices air-fried until edges are caramelized and served with a fragrant garlic herb butter sauce. | pixelcuisine.com

Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight side dish or a satisfying vegetarian centerpiece, these Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter deliver exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Ready in under 30 minutes, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is proof that the most humble vegetables can shine brightest when treated with a little care and a lot of garlic butter. Give it a try — you may never look at a head of cabbage the same way again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do you prepare cabbage steaks for crispiness?

Slice the cabbage into thick 1-inch rounds, pat dry to remove moisture, then brush with olive oil and season before air frying.

What temperature is best for air frying cabbage steaks?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the cabbage becomes golden and crispy without burning.

How is the garlic butter made for topping?

Melt unsalted butter and mix in minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley for a fragrant, rich topping.

Can this dish be made vegan-friendly?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter in place of dairy butter to keep it vegan without sacrificing flavor.

What seasoning enhances the cabbage's flavor?

Smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder combine to bring out a smoky, savory taste.

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Crispy Cabbage Steaks Garlic

Thick cabbage slices air-fried until crispy, finished with a flavorful garlic butter glaze.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
18 minutes
Overall Time
28 minutes
Created by Ryan Cooper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium green cabbage, outer leaves removed

Garlic Butter

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1 teaspoon sea salt
03 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 0.5 teaspoon onion powder

Oil

01 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Prepare Cabbage: Slice cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds to form steaks. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 03

Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix well and set aside.

Step 04

Oil Cabbage Steaks: Brush both sides of each cabbage steak generously with olive oil.

Step 05

Season: Sprinkle both sides of cabbage steaks evenly with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

Step 06

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place cabbage steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 07

First Air Fry Phase: Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until edges begin to crisp.

Step 08

Flip and Continue: Flip each cabbage steak carefully using tongs and air fry for an additional 8 minutes until golden and crispy around edges.

Step 09

Apply Garlic Butter: Immediately brush hot cabbage steaks with garlic butter mixture while still in air fryer basket.

Step 10

Finish and Serve: Transfer to serving platter and serve warm. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

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Tools Needed

  • Air fryer
  • Sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Tongs

Allergy Info

Review every item for allergens and ask a healthcare pro if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter.
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential allergen cross-contamination.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition info is for reference only—it's not medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 142
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 2 g

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