Method

  1. Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut each half into three wedges so the core holds each piece together. Wedges should be roughly 1.5in thick at the widest point; thinner wedges cook faster and can dry out.
  2. Brush or rub the olive oil over all cut sides of the wedges, getting it into the layers a bit. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika evenly over both sides.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the wedges in the basket in a single layer, cut side down if they fit, with space around each one so air can move. Cook in batches if your basket is small; crowding steams the cabbage instead of charring it.
  4. Air fryer: 380°F, 20 minutes, flipping halfway. At the 10-minute mark, flip each wedge with tongs so the other cut side gets basket contact. Continue cooking until the outer leaves are charred and blistered in spots and a knife slides easily into the thickest part of the core.
  5. Let the wedges rest on the plate for a minute or two before serving. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve while hot.

Tips

  • Buy a smaller, denser cabbage head if you can. Loose, watery heads take longer to char and can turn mushy before the edges brown.
  • Don't skip the flip. Cabbage wedges left cut-side down the whole time will scorch on the bottom while the top stays pale and undercooked.
  • If your air fryer runs hot or small, check at the 15-minute mark. Basket size and wattage vary enough between models that times can shift by several minutes.
  • A light second brush of oil after flipping helps the second side char instead of just drying out.

FAQ

Do I need to core the cabbage first? No, leave the core in. It holds each wedge together while cooking; you can cut around it after serving if you don't want to eat it.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green? Yes, the timing is the same. Red cabbage tends to hold its shape a little better and gives you deep purple-charred edges.

Why did my wedges turn out chewy instead of tender? They were likely cut too thick or the cook time was too short for your particular air fryer. Give thicker wedges an extra 3 to 5 minutes and check with a knife tip rather than relying on time alone.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free? Yes as written, it uses only cabbage, oil, and dry spices. Check any add-ons like cheese or bacon bits if you're serving it to guests with dietary restrictions.

Can I add cheese or bacon before air frying? Cheese is best added in the last 2 to 3 minutes so it melts without burning. If adding bacon, cook it separately and check it reaches a safe internal temperature before mixing it in, since pork needs to hit 145°F with a 3-minute rest, or 160°F if using ground or cured bacon bits that have been fully rendered.