Air Fryer Cabbage with Bacon (The side dish you’ll crave!)

Air Fryer Cabbage? I know, I know. My dear cabbage, the grocery store reject. Cheap, round, sad-looking. But it’s about to get it’s praises in your kitchen. Like… full-on crispy, smoky, bacon-laced magic.

If someone told me five years ago that I’d be tossing cabbage in the air fryer every week, I’d have laughed. But here we are…..

And let me tell you… air fryer cabbage with bacon is not just “eh, it’s fine.” Crispy edges. Smoky bacon. That little tang from vinegar. It’s ALL the yummy things.

This is how to turn cabbage, the often ignored veggie into something that you’ll actually crave.

🌟 Ingredient Notes

✅ Green cabbage: Pick one that feels heavy. Tight, juicy, and ready to party. Red or Napa works too if you’re feeling rebellious.
✅ Bacon: Thick-cut is ideal, but honestly any bacon works. Turkey bacon? Pancetta? Sure. I even have a whole guide on how to make air fryer turkey bacon if you’re feeling fancy-but-lazy.
✅ Olive oil: Avocado oil or melted butter works too. Just don’t skip it.
✅ Yellow onion: White onion or shallots are fine… skip it if someone in your house “doesn’t like onions.”
✅ Salt: Use it. Cabbage without salt is SAD.
✅ Paprika, oregano, cumin: Yes, all three. Trust me.
✅ Apple cider vinegar: This splash wakes the cabbage up and helps it cook just right. Lemon juice works too if that’s what you’ve got.
✅ Fresh parsley (optional): For the illusion of going the extra mile, haha.

How To Make This Air Fryer Cabbage with Bacon

There’s nothing wild and crazy difficult about making this cabbage side dish. If you know how to work your air fryer well, the dish is half way done. In case you’re new to air fryers, this little tutorial might come in handy to check out. But here are the main steps.

1. Chop the cabbage. Chop the onion. Chop the bacon.
2. Toss it all with oil, spices, and that splash of vinegar. Mix it.
3. Spread in the air fryer so it has some space. Don’t crowd it.
4. Cook, shake once or twice, pull when it looks done.
5. Done. Eat. Or wait a sec if you’re catching breath.

Salty Pot Tips for Air Frying Cabbage

• If you wanna go extra crispy, cook the bacon first.
• Air fryers are drama queens. They’re all slightly different and yours might freak out and do its own thing. Just… watch it.
• Feeling hot and spicy??? Add in some chili flakes or extra pepper…. go according to your desire for heat!
• Parmesan at the end? Absolutely yes.
• Drizzle a little balsamic is always fun. But if you use the dark one, know it’s going to make the cabbage look a little dirty. But still super tasty!

🛒 Accidentally Getting The Sad Cabbage

Cabbage gets a bad rap. I used to roll my eyes too. But here’s the thing – you have to learn to pick the right one.
Choose one that feels heavy for its size. Tight, juicy leaves. I use that guide when I make my Lazy Cabbage Rolls and Haluski.

Is it light and airy? No my friend, leave it at the store!
Leaves should be crisp, green, no slime, no weird brown spots. Late fall through early spring is peak cabbage season.

Dealing with Leftovers

• Store in a tight container in the fridge for a few days.
• Reheat in the air fryer so those crispy bits come back to life. Microwave will soften it, which will still be crazy tasty, but won’t be the same texture as making it fresh.

This isn’t a fancy dish. It’s not trying to win awards. It’s just good …… like really good! Cabbage finally gets its moment and bacon makes sure of it!

Once you know how to air fry cabbage, you’ll find yourself making this more often than you planned. And I’ll smile a little because, well, you joined the “cabbage is cool” club.

Alright. I’m done talking. Don’t forget to save this cabbage recipe to your pinterest board, and then go cook it!

~ Joanne