Crispy Air Fryer Cabbage Patties – Ready in 25 Minutes
Craving something crispy, golden, and utterly satisfying? These air fryer cabbage patties are about to become your new obsession! Did you know cabbage has been a kitchen staple for over 4,000 years? Today, we’re giving this humble vegetable a modern makeover.
These patties are incredibly easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a tasty side dish, these crispy delights deliver every single time. Just like our popular air fryer zucchini fritters, these patties prove that vegetables can be absolutely irresistible!
What Are Air Fryer Cabbage Patties?
Ever wondered how something so simple could taste so amazing? Air fryer cabbage patties are crispy, savory vegetable cakes made from shredded cabbage, binding ingredients, and delicious seasonings. They’re like the cool cousin of traditional potato pancakes but lighter and healthier!
Some say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and these golden patties certainly prove that point. Ready to transform ordinary cabbage into extraordinary comfort food?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cabbage Patties Recipe
Perfectly Crispy Without the Guilt
These air fryer cabbage patties give you that satisfying crunch you crave without drowning them in oil. The air fryer works its magic, creating a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
Budget-Friendly and Wallet-Happy
Making these patties at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant. Cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables year-round, and you probably have most of the other ingredients in your pantry already. You’ll save money while feeding your family nutritious, homemade goodness.
Customize with Your Favorite Flavors
The beauty of these patties lies in their versatility. Add cheese for extra richness, toss in some herbs for freshness, or spice things up with chili flakes. You can make them as simple or as fancy as you like. If you loved our air fryer cauliflower bites, you’ll adore how easy it is to customize these patties to your taste. Go ahead and make them your own!
How to Make Air Fryer Cabbage Patties
Quick Overview
These air fryer cabbage patties are surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll love how the air fryer creates that perfect golden crust while keeping everything tender inside.
The combination of cabbage, eggs, and seasonings creates a savory flavor that’s hard to resist. From prep to plate, you’ll have these delicious patties ready in just 25-30 minutes.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 patties
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Cabbage Patties
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded – The star of the show
- 2 large eggs – Binds everything together
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic flavor
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped – Fresh and mild
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A hint of spice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – Extra savory notes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For brushing the patties
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For cheese lovers
Step-by-Step Instructions
How Do You Prepare the Cabbage?
Start by removing any damaged outer leaves from your cabbage head. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core.
Use a sharp knife or food processor to shred the cabbage into thin strips. You want pieces that are about 1/8 inch thick for the best texture.
Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss it well and let it sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.
After 10 minutes, squeeze the cabbage in small handfuls over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy patties!
How Do You Mix the Patty Batter?
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until well beaten. Add the squeezed cabbage to the eggs.
Toss in the minced garlic, chopped green onions, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
Add the flour, remaining salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Stir everything until you have a thick, cohesive mixture.
If you’re using cheddar cheese, fold it in now. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly wet.
How Do You Form the Patties?
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil. This prevents sticking.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and place it on a clean surface or plate. Use your hands to shape it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick.
Press firmly to compact the mixture. Make sure the edges are smooth to prevent them from breaking apart during cooking.
Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should get about 8-10 patties depending on size.
How Do You Air Fry the Patties?
Lightly brush the tops of each patty with olive oil. This helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
Place the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Don’t overcrowd them or they won’t crisp up properly.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-7 minutes. Then carefully flip each patty using a spatula.
Brush the other side with a bit more olive oil and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Remove the patties from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up even more.
What to Serve Air Fryer Cabbage Patties With
These versatile patties pair beautifully with so many dishes! Serve them alongside a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with fresh dill for a cooling contrast.
They make an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted turkey. The mild cabbage flavor complements most proteins perfectly.
For a vegetarian meal, pair them with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or tomato soup. Add a tangy coleslaw on the side for extra crunch.
Create a fun appetizer platter by serving them with various dipping sauces like tzatziki, ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce.
They’re also fantastic in breakfast hash or as a base for eggs Benedict. Get creative and experiment with your favorite combinations!
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Cabbage Patties
How Can You Ensure Maximum Crispiness?
The secret to ultra-crispy patties is removing as much moisture as possible from the cabbage. After salting, really squeeze those cabbage shreds hard. The drier the cabbage, the crispier your patties will be. Don’t skip this step even if you’re in a hurry!
What Are the Best Flour Alternatives?
If you’re gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, or gluten-free all-purpose blend. For a low-carb option, use coconut flour but reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons since it absorbs more liquid. Breadcrumbs or panko also work beautifully and add extra crunch.
How Do You Prevent Patties from Falling Apart?
Make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. If it seems loose, add an extra tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs. Press the patties firmly when shaping them to create good cohesion. Also, don’t flip them too early—let them cook for the full 6-7 minutes on the first side so they set properly.
Can You Make Them Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Form the patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
What Temperature Works Best?
The sweet spot is 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the outside gets crispy while the inside cooks through. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce to 360°F. If you want them extra crispy, you can increase to 390°F but watch them closely to prevent burning.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover air fryer cabbage patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Let the patties cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from making them soggy.
Freezer Storage
These patties freeze beautifully! Place cooled patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you remember when you made them.
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. This restores that crispy exterior perfectly.
You can also reheat in a conventional oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet and they’ll crisp up nicely.
Microwave reheating works in a pinch but won’t give you that crispy texture. Heat for 30-45 seconds on high, but expect them to be softer.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t Skip the Salting Step
Salting the cabbage and letting it sit is non-negotiable. This draws out moisture that would otherwise make your patties soggy and prevent proper crisping.
Avoid Overmixing the Batter
Mix just until everything is combined. Overworking the mixture can make the patties tough and dense instead of tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
Give each patty room to breathe. Air needs to circulate around them for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
Watch the Thickness
Keep patties around 1/2 inch thick. Too thin and they’ll dry out; too thick and the center won’t cook through while the outside burns.
Don’t Flip Too Early
Be patient! Let the first side cook for the full 6-7 minutes before flipping. Early flipping causes them to break apart.
Temperature Matters
Make sure your air fryer is properly preheated. Starting with a hot basket helps create that initial sear that locks in moisture and creates crispiness.
Use Fresh Cabbage
Older cabbage has more moisture and can taste bitter. Choose a firm, crisp head of cabbage for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cabbage?
Yes! While green cabbage is traditional, you can use red cabbage, savoy cabbage, or even Napa cabbage. Red cabbage will give your patties a beautiful purple hue. Just remember that different varieties have different moisture levels, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly.
Are Air Fryer Cabbage Patties Healthy?
Definitely! They’re packed with nutrients from cabbage, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Using the air fryer significantly reduces the oil needed compared to pan-frying. Each patty contains roughly 80-100 calories, making them a guilt-free option.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The results are just as delicious!
Why Are My Patties Not Holding Together?
This usually means there’s too much moisture or not enough binder. Make sure you squeeze the cabbage really well. If the mixture seems loose, add another tablespoon of flour or an extra egg. Also, ensure you’re pressing the patties firmly when shaping them.
Can I Cook These in a Regular Oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through for even browning. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried versions but still delicious.
What Dipping Sauces Go Best with These?
The options are endless! Try sour cream with herbs, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, tzatziki sauce, or sweet chili sauce. Ranch dressing and honey mustard are also crowd-pleasers.
Can Kids Help Make These?
Absolutely! Kids can help shred cabbage (with supervision), mix ingredients, and shape patties. It’s a great way to get them excited about eating vegetables. Just handle the hot air fryer yourself.
How Do I Know When They’re Done?
They should be golden brown on both sides with crispy edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F if you want to use a thermometer. They’ll also feel firm to the touch rather than soft.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Patty (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85-95 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
These air fryer cabbage patties are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal, they deliver on flavor, texture, and nutrition. The air fryer makes them wonderfully crispy without excess oil, and they’re so easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Don’t be surprised when these become a regular request at your dinner table. They’re economical, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious. Plus, they’re a sneaky way to get more vegetables into your diet without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor.
Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why air fryer cabbage patties are taking the internet by storm. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
