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Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks (Oven or Air Fryer)
If you’ve never tried cabbage sliced into thick “steaks” and roasted until crispy and caramelized, you’re in for a surprise. Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks transform an everyday vegetable into a golden, slightly sweet, deeply savory dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
With just a handful of pantry ingredients and your choice of oven or air fryer, this recipe delivers crisp edges, tender centers, and bold roasted flavor. It’s low carb, budget-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly versatile.
Whether you’re looking for a meatless main, a healthy side dish, or an easy weeknight dinner addition, cabbage steaks deserve a permanent spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Cabbage Steaks
This recipe proves cabbage is anything but boring.
- Crispy, caramelized edges
- Tender and buttery interior
- Naturally low carb and keto-friendly
- Minimal ingredients
- Budget-conscious and filling
- Works in oven or air fryer
Roasting cabbage brings out its natural sweetness while creating a slightly nutty, toasted flavor. It’s simple, but seriously delicious.
What Are Cabbage Steaks?
Cabbage steaks are thick, round slices cut vertically from a whole cabbage head. The core helps hold each slice together, creating a steak-like shape that roasts beautifully without falling apart.
Unlike shredded cabbage or sautéed versions, roasting thick slices allows:
- Maximum surface caramelization
- Crispy edges
- Rich roasted flavor
- A satisfying, hearty texture
And when cooked properly? The outer leaves crisp while the inside turns soft and almost buttery.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional additions:
- Grated parmesan
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
Instructions (Oven Method)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves. Slice cabbage vertically into ¾–1 inch thick rounds.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Brush both sides generously with olive oil.
- Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over both sides.
- Roast for 20 minutes. Carefully flip using a wide spatula.
- Roast another 15–20 minutes until edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Optional: Sprinkle parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Golden and caramelized cabbage steaks roasted in the oven or air fryer for a crispy, low-carb side dish.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet.
- Slice cabbage into thick steaks.
- Brush with oil and season.
- Roast 35–40 minutes flipping halfway.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding to ensure crisp edges.
Instructions (Air Fryer Method)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush cabbage slices with olive oil and season on both sides.
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry 10–12 minutes. Flip carefully.
- Cook an additional 6–8 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
- Add parmesan in final 2 minutes if desired.
Air frying creates extra crispy edges in less time.
Tips for Extra Crispy Cabbage Steaks
Don’t Slice Too Thin
Thin slices can fall apart and won’t develop enough texture.
Use Enough Oil
A light but even coating helps achieve crispiness.
Space Them Out
Crowding traps steam, preventing caramelization.
High Heat Is Key
Roasting at 425°F encourages browning.
Flavor Variations
This easy cabbage steak dinner can be customized in so many ways.
Garlic Butter Version
Replace olive oil with melted garlic butter.
Spicy Cajun
Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika.
Asian-Inspired
Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Mediterranean
Top with crumbled feta and squeeze of lemon after roasting.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy roasted cabbage steaks pair beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Baked salmon
- Roasted potatoes
- Quinoa or rice
- Yogurt-based dipping sauce
They can also be chopped and added to grain bowls or wraps.
Nutritional Benefits
Cabbage is:
- High in fiber
- Rich in vitamin C
- Low in calories
- Naturally low carb
It’s an affordable superfood that supports digestion and provides antioxidants.
When roasted, it becomes naturally sweet and deeply flavorful without needing heavy sauces.
Make It a Complete Meal
Turn this low carb cabbage recipe into a full dinner by adding:
- A fried egg on top
- A creamy garlic sauce
- A sprinkle of toasted nuts
- A side salad with vinaigrette
For keto eaters, pair with avocado or grilled protein.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry briefly to restore crispness.
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Why This Recipe Works
Cabbage contains natural sugars that caramelize when exposed to high heat. This creates that irresistible golden crust.
The layered structure traps moisture inside, so while the edges crisp beautifully, the center becomes tender and flavorful.
Simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness without overpowering it.
Sometimes the simplest vegetables create the biggest impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, but cooking time may vary slightly and flavor will be slightly earthier.
Why are my cabbage steaks soggy?
They may be overcrowded or not roasted at high enough heat.
Can I grill cabbage steaks?
Absolutely. Grill 5–7 minutes per side over medium heat.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks (Oven or Air Fryer) are proof that humble vegetables can become the star of your plate. They’re crispy, flavorful, affordable, and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you roast them in the oven or crisp them up in the air fryer, you’ll get golden edges, tender centers, and bold roasted flavor every time.
If cabbage hasn’t impressed you before — this recipe will change that.