When it comes to quick and easy one-pot meals, this Air fryer Sausage and Cabbage recipe is at the top of my list. The depth of flavor and the crispy edges of the cabbage in the air fryer is the game-changer! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and wholesome but want to save time in the kitchen.
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Cooking cabbage in an air fryer has quickly become my go-to method for preparing this versatile vegetable. Not only is it a healthier option than traditional frying, but it also yields some seriously delicious results. I particularly love making Air fryer Cabbage Steaks, which come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. When I’m looking for something a little simpler, I turn to my trusty Air fryer Cabbage and Onions Recipe, which is both flavorful and easy to prepare. And for those times when I’m feeling a little more adventurous, Air Fryer Cabbage Fritters are my absolute favorite and my whole family loves them.
Why Sausage and Cabbage in the Air Fryer Rocks
The air fryer takes the dish to a whole new level. The sausage becomes perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside, and the cabbage caramelizes and tenderizes beautifully. I also love to throw the onion in the mix. I love the way the onions caramelize and infuse the sausage and cabbage with their sweet, savory flavor.
Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and less mess, making it a healthier and easier option for cooking this satisfying meal. It’s a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening at home or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 lb Polska Kielbasa smoked sausage sliced into ½ inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or more to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, optional
- Cooking spray
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
- Toss the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the cabbage and onions with the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Sausage and Veggies: Spread the cabbage and onion mixture in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Arrange the sliced sausage on top. Lightly spritz with cooking spray. This will insure the cabbage edges do not burn and the dish will cook evenly.
- Air fry: Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping everything halfway through.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, sprinkle with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve this dish as is for a wholesome, low-carb meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa or brown rice if you need something a little heartier.
Tips and Variations
This air fryer cabbage and sausage recipe serves six portions. To ensure that each portion is cooked to perfection, I recommend cooking the dish in batches if you have a smaller air fryer. I used my Ninja Foodi 6in1 to create this tasty dish, and I cooked it in two batches! It’s important to remember to flip the mixture once or twice during cooking to ensure the cabbage edges don’t burn.
Why does my cabbage burn in the air fryer? The cabbage was cut too thin. Thinly sliced cabbage can easily burn in the high heat of an air fryer, so try cutting your cabbage into thicker wedges instead. Additionally, make sure you’re not overfilling the air fryer basket, as this can also lead to uneven cooking.
Instead of sausage, you can add crispy bacon or sliced turkey breast. For a vegetarian twist, add some chickpeas or tofu cubes.
For a touch of sweetness, I love to throw in some diced apples or pears.
You can personalize this recipe to your liking. Experiment with different types of sausages for a variety of flavors – from spicy Italian to bratwurst. Consider adding herbs or a splash of vinegar at the end of the cooking to brighten up the flavors.
Health Benefits
This one-pot wonder isn’t just about taste and ease of cooking; it’s a winner in the health department too. Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is packed with nutrients and is known for its cancer-fighting properties. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Paired with the lean protein of the sausage, you have a dish that’s rich in flavor and good for you.
Taste and Texture
The beauty of this dish is that it marries the savory richness of the sausage with the sweet and tender yet slightly crispy cabbage. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness and adds that delightful crispy texture. It’s the kind of meal that’s deeply satisfying, and each bite offers a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures.
More Delicious One-pot Air Fryer Ideas
These mouth-watering and easy-to-make meals are the perfect option for busy weeknight dinners or any time you’re in the mood for delicious comfort food.
- Chicken fajitas cooked in your air fryer are a flavorful and wholesome option that can be easily customized to suit your taste buds.
- For a hearty side dish, try Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions that come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Adding in some Air Fryer Peppers and Mushrooms will give your meal a nutritious boost while adding fantastic flavors.
- And for a melt-in-your-mouth dinner, try out the Air Fryer Steak Melt. It’s a perfect blend of juicy steak and gooey melted cheese.
- Give Air Fryer Potato Fritters a try – they’re crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside.
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Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage
When it comes to quick and easy one-pot meals, this Air fryer Sausage and Cabbage recipe is at the top of my list. The depth of flavor and the crispy edges of the cabbage in the air fryer is the game-changer! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and wholesome but want to save time in the kitchen. And if you have the leftovers, reheating is a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cabbage Chopped or shredded. Approximately 1 medium head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 Sausage Polska Kielbasa smoked sausage sliced into ½ inch rounds. (1 pound)
- 1 medium Onion 1 small or medium yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon Oil Avocado oil or Extra Virgin Olive oil.
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Pepper fresh ground black pepper, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Seasoning Optional seasoning of choice. I used half a teaspoon of Vegeta All-purpose seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Herbs Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, optional
Instructions
-
Finely chop cabbage into 1-inch chunks, then gently separate the leaves. Slice one medium onion into half rings.
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Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. (185°C)In a large bowl, toss the chopped cabbage and sliced onion with olive oil. Add salt & pepper to taste, and a teaspoon of spices of your choice, such as garlic powder or paprika, and toss to combine. You may instead add a teaspoon of your favorite seasoning. I used Vegeta All-Purpose seasoning.
-
Layer the Sausage and Veggies: Spread the cabbage and onion mixture in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Arrange the sliced sausage on top. Lightly spritz with cooking spray. This will insure the cabbage edges do not burn and the dish will cook evenly.
-
Air fry: Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping everything halfway through.
-
Garnish and serve: Once done, sprinkle with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve this dish as is for a wholesome, low-carb meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa or brown rice if you need something a little heartier.
Notes
TIPS AND VARIATIONS
This air fryer cabbage and sausage recipe serves six portions. To ensure that each portion is cooked to perfection, I recommend cooking the dish in batches if you have a smaller air fryer. I used my Ninja Foodi 6in1 to create this tasty dish, and I cooked it in two batches! It’s important to remember to flip the mixture once or twice during cooking to ensure the cabbage edges don’t burn.
Why does my cabbage burn in the air fryer? The cabbage was cut too thin. Thinly sliced cabbage can easily burn in the high heat of an air fryer, so try cutting your cabbage into thicker wedges instead. Additionally, make sure you’re not overfilling the air fryer basket, as this can also lead to uneven cooking.
Instead of sausage, you can add crispy bacon or sliced turkey breast. For a vegetarian twist, add some chickpeas or tofu cubes.
For a touch of sweetness, I love to throw in some diced apples or pears.
You can personalize this recipe to your liking. Experiment with different types of sausages for a variety of flavors – from spicy Italian to bratwurst. Consider adding herbs or a splash of vinegar at the end of the cooking to brighten up the flavors.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 682mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 131IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
