Crispy Cabbage Steaks Garlic Butter

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Meals

Thick cabbage rounds are brushed with olive oil and seasoned with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder before air frying to a golden crisp. Once cooked, they are generously coated with melted garlic butter infused with fresh parsley. This quick and simple method yields tender, crispy cabbage steaks bursting with savory flavor, perfect as a hearty side or vegetarian option. Adaptable for vegan diets with plant-based butter and pairs well with a variety of mains.

Updated on Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:12:45 GMT
Crispy air fryer cabbage steaks with garlic butter, golden edges and tender centers.  Save
Crispy air fryer cabbage steaks with garlic butter, golden edges and tender centers. | crumbnest.com

Experience a revelation in vegetable preparation with these Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter. By slicing a humble green cabbage into thick rounds and air-frying them at a high heat, you transform the leaves into golden, crispy edges while keeping the centers tender and sweet. This simple method unlocks a smoky, savory depth of flavor that is perfectly complemented by a rich, herb-infused garlic butter finish.

Crispy air fryer cabbage steaks with garlic butter, golden edges and tender centers.  Save
Crispy air fryer cabbage steaks with garlic butter, golden edges and tender centers. | crumbnest.com

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of preparation—slicing the steaks and whisking together a quick garlic butter—you can create a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. The combination of smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic creates a savory crust that makes this cabbage truly irresistible.

Ingredients

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

For the best results, ensure the cabbage steaks are patted completely dry before applying the oil and seasonings; moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Additionally, cutting the steaks to a uniform 1-inch thickness ensures they all finish cooking at the same time.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly versatile. To make it vegan, simply swap the dairy butter for a plant-based butter alternative. If you want an extra flavor boost, try sprinkling the finished steaks with a little grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a nutty, savory finish.

Serviervorschläge

These cabbage steaks are a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon. For a light vegetarian meal, serve two steaks per person with a side of grains like quinoa or farro and a fresh green salad.

Garlic butter drizzled over perfectly air-fried cabbage steaks, smoky and savory.  Save
Garlic butter drizzled over perfectly air-fried cabbage steaks, smoky and savory. | crumbnest.com

Whether you're serving these at a family dinner or as a quick weeknight meal, these Air Fryer Crispy Cabbage Steaks prove that with the right technique, simple ingredients can become something truly extraordinary. Enjoy the perfect crunch and the rich, buttery finish of this healthy, satisfying dish.

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Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve crispy cabbage steaks in the air fryer?

Brush thick cabbage slices with olive oil and seasonings before air frying at 375°F, flipping halfway until edges are golden and crispy.

Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives to maintain richness while keeping it dairy-free.

What seasonings enhance the cabbage flavor?

Smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder add depth and a smoky, savory taste.

Is it necessary to brush the cabbage with garlic butter right after cooking?

Applying garlic butter immediately allows it to melt and infuse the cabbage steaks with rich, aromatic flavor.

Can this method be used for other vegetables?

Yes, vegetables with firm texture sliced thickly can be air-fried similarly and topped with flavored butters or oils.

Crispy Cabbage Steaks Garlic Butter

Thick cabbage slices air-fried and brushed with garlic butter for a crispy, savory vegetable dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
18 min
Complete duration
28 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

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

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 375°F and allow 3-5 minutes for preheating.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Make Garlic Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Season Cabbage: Sprinkle both sides of each steak with smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder in even distribution.

Phase 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.

Phase 07

Air Fry Cabbage: Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip steaks using tongs, then continue air frying for 8 minutes until golden and crispy at edges.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Serve: Transfer to serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy from butter component
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination with common allergens

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 142
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 2 g