Air Fryer Red Cabbage

Name: Air Fryer Red Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 medium red cabbage; 1 yellow onion; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; generous pinch black pepper; ½ tablespoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons oil; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar ((4 tablespoons))

Seasoned with balsamic, this air fryer red cabbage recipe is simple but so delicious! Perfect for the holiday season!

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Air fryer shredded red cabbage served in a white bowl.

Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Betty Davies

Cook up this delicious red cabbage side dish quickly and easily in the air fryer. Shredded red cabbage and onions are seasoned with balsamic for a sweet and tangy savory dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

air fryer red cabbage in a white bowl with a serving spoon.

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For me, no Christmas dinner is complete without a red cabbage side dish, it adds a great pop of color and a delicious texture to the plate. This year, I’m making it super easy for myself and cooking it up in the air fryer.

Simple to prep and quick to cook, this is a go to recipe for purple cabbage. Tender, but with a slight bite to it, it’s a tasty way to add some veggies to your plate.

Be sure to check out my Braised Red Cabbage recipe too!

Why you will love this recipe!

Make ahead: Do the prep the day before and cook it up just before serving for a hassle free side dish.
Simple ingredients: Seasoned with a lot of pantry staples and easy to get ingredients, this recipe doesn’t have a large price tag!
Quick: With only a 15 minute cook time, this is a great last minute side dish.
Festive: Red cabbage is so perfect for the holiday season, I love the color it adds to the table!
Dietary info: This air fryer red cabbage recipe is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Shredded purple cabbage in a white bowl.

Ingredients

Red Cabbage: In season from September through to December, this is a great seasonal veggie for the holidays.
Onion: Sliced onion adds a nice sharpness and different texture to the shredded cabbage.
Sugar: Just a little to help balance out the acidity and any bitter flavors from the cabbage.
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a great tang, but is not overpowering.
Oil: A little oil helps the cabbage cook more evenly in the air fryer. A high heat neutral flavored oil like avocado, canola or vegetable is perfect.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper and garlic powder

How to cook red cabbage in the air fryer

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Shred the cabbage and slice the onion. Toss with the other ingredients (photo 1).
Place in the air fryer basket (photo 2).
Cook til tender (photo 3).

Three photos to show how to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

This shredded red cabbage recipe is easy to make your own! Apples or bacon is a wonderful addition, or try stirring in some dried cranberries and almonds for more texture. You can swap the balsamic vinegar for maple syrup for a sweeter recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer red cabbage is perfect to serve up with your Thanksgiving and Christmas favorites. It works great alongside roasted meats and fish. Try it with some of these favorites:

Red cabbage in a white bowl ready to eat.

Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating

You can easily make this recipe a day ahead of serving. Shred the cabbage, cut the onion and season, then cover and refrigerate til ready to cook.

Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, and ca be reheated in the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 375F / 190c or heated through on the stovetop in a pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use white cabbage instead of red?

Green or white cabbage can be used in this recipe if you prefer. Be sure to check out my Air Fryer Cabbage with Onions and Apples for a variation on this recipe.

Does red cabbage taste the same as white?

Red and white cabbages have very similar tastes, but red has more of a sweetness to it and tastes earthier. It’s perfect to serve with roasted meats as it has a more distinct flavor.

Can you make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make this recipe on a baking sheet in the oven. Cook it at 400F / 200c, stirring occasionally, for around 20 to 25 minutes.

Close up of cooked shredded red cabbage and onions.

This easy red cabbage recipe comes together so quickly, making it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Hassle free and delicious, what more can you ask for?!

Recipe Notes and Tips

Cut the cabbage fairly thinly and uniformed as you can so that it cooks evenly.
Slice the onion thinly so it easily combines with the cabbage.
Stir well during cooking.
The red cabbage is tender but has a bite to it. If you prefer your cabbage softer, cook for longer, stirring every couple of minutes til the desired textured is achieved.

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