Crispy Cabbage Steaks Garlic Butter (Print version)

Air-fried cabbage steaks brushed with garlic butter for a crispy, flavorful side or vegetarian main.

# What you’ll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium green cabbage, outer leaves removed

→ Garlic Butter

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - ½ teaspoon onion powder

→ Oil

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing

# Steps:

01 - Set air fryer to 375°F and allow to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
02 - Slice cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds to form steaks. Remove outer leaves if damaged. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small mixing bowl. Stir well to combine evenly.
04 - Brush both sides of each cabbage steak generously with olive oil using a pastry brush.
05 - Sprinkle both sides of each cabbage steak with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder in even distribution.
06 - Place cabbage steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
07 - Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes until edges begin to caramelize.
08 - Using tongs, carefully flip each cabbage steak. Continue air frying for 8 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges.
09 - Remove hot cabbage steaks from air fryer basket. Immediately brush with prepared garlic butter mixture.
10 - Transfer to serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Cooking tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 30 minutes with just 10 minutes of prep
  • Crispy, caramelized edges with a tender, flavorful center
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
  • Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely have on hand
  • The air fryer creates perfect texture without deep frying
  • Garlic butter adds rich, restaurant-quality flavor
02 -
  • Don't skip patting the cabbage dry—moisture prevents crisping
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the butter sauce
  • Flip the steaks carefully with tongs to keep them intact
  • Check for doneness after 15 minutes if your air fryer runs hot
  • Double the garlic butter recipe—you'll want extra for drizzling
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness
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