Oh my gosh, you have to try this air fryer cheesy cabbage casserole – it’s become my go-to weeknight lifesaver! I stumbled onto this recipe when I desperately needed something quick, comforting, and low-carb after work. The magic happens when crisp cabbage gets all cozy with melty cheese in that trusty air fryer of yours.
What I love most? You’re just 20 minutes away from this golden, bubbly goodness. No fancy techniques, no babysitting the oven – just dump, mix, and let your air fryer work its magic. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve put effort in when really, you’ve barely lifted a finger!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Trust me, this isn’t just another side dish – it’s a game changer! Here’s why you’ll be making it on repeat:
- Crazy quick: From fridge to table in 20 minutes flat – perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments
- Low-carb magic: All the cheesy comfort without the guilt (my keto friends go nuts for this!)
- Air fryer perfection: Gets that dreamy crispy-cheesy top without heating up your whole kitchen
- Budget-friendly: Basic ingredients that won’t break the bank – hello, cabbage’s time to shine!
- Customizable: Toss in bacon, swap cheeses, or spice it up – make it your own!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just seven pantry staples transform into something magical! The cheese choices make all the difference, so don’t skimp:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage (I use my mandoline slicer – watch those fingers!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (full-fat melts like a dream)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (yes, really – this creates the luscious sauce)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (the good stuff, not the shaky-can kind)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (our flavor secret weapon)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste after cooking)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
Pro tip: Measure your cabbage after shredding – packed cups give you that perfect texture. And please, please use block cheese you shred yourself. Those pre-shredded bags have anti-caking agents that make melting weird!
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so easy you’ll laugh – but first, promise me you’ll preheat that air fryer? It makes all the difference for that perfect golden crust. Set it to 350°F while you prep – about 5 minutes should do it.
Now grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the shredded cabbage (I like mine in thin ribbons – more surface area for cheese to cling to!). Add the cheddar, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands – yes, really! – and massage everything together until every strand of cabbage is coated in cheesy goodness.
Transfer this glorious mess to an air fryer-safe dish (I use my little ceramic casserole dish that fits perfectly). Sprinkle that parmesan on top like you’re decorating a cake – evenly is key! Slide it into your preheated air fryer and set the timer for 15 minutes.
Here’s the important part: At the 12-minute mark, peek in! Your air fryer might run hotter than mine. You want tender cabbage with melty cheese and just the slightest crisp on top. If it needs more time, go in 2-minute increments. Trust me, nobody likes overcooked mushy cabbage!
Tips for Perfect Casserole
Three secrets for air fryer success:
- Shred it right: Finely shredded cabbage cooks evenly – no chunky bits!
- Dish matters: Use an oven-safe dish that fits with room for air to circulate
- Don’t crowd: If doubling, cook in batches – air needs to flow around the edges
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
This dish wears so many hats in my kitchen! It’s fantastic as:
- A hearty side: Pair with juicy grilled chicken or garlic butter roasted pork chops
- Low-carb main: Top with a fried egg for breakfast-for-dinner vibes
- Party-perfect: Serve in mini ramekins as an appetizer
My favorite way? Scoop it straight from the dish while it’s still bubbling – zero shame!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the beautiful thing about leftovers – this casserole gets even more flavorful! Store any extras (if you’re lucky enough to have them) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – that’ll make it soggy. Instead, pop it back in your air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes. You’ll get that perfect crispy top all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):
- 220 calories – not bad for that cheesy goodness!
- 18g fat (11g saturated) – hello, happy cheese molecules
- 9g protein – keeps you full longer
- 7g carbs (2g fiber) – perfect for low-carb days
Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your exact ingredients. But hey, when it tastes this good, who’s counting?
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked these all the time – here are the answers straight from my cheesy cabbage experiments:
- Can I use frozen cabbage? Technically yes, but thaw and squeeze it DRY first – frozen cabbage releases too much water and turns mushy.
- Dairy-free version? Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan cheeses (look for ones that melt well!). Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Cheese substitutions? Gruyère makes it fancy, Monterey Jack keeps it mild, or pepper jack adds kick! Just avoid super hard cheeses that don’t melt easily.
My philosophy? Try it once as written, then tweak to your heart’s content!
Give this air fryer cheesy cabbage casserole a try – it might just become your new favorite weeknight hero! Drop a comment telling me how you made it your own. Happy air frying!
Print
Amazing 20-Minute Air Fryer Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A quick and easy cheesy cabbage casserole made in the air fryer. Perfect for a low-carb side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Mix cabbage, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Transfer mixture to an air fryer-safe dish.
- Top with parmesan cheese.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Shred cabbage finely for even cooking.
- Use full-fat cheese for best melting.
- Check doneness at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American