Oh, there’s nothing like a bowl of warm, comforting cabbage soup to make Christmas dinner feel extra cozy—especially when it’s made in the air fryer! Trust me, this Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup is my go-to when I want something hearty but don’t want to fuss over the stove all evening. Last year, I threw it together while wrapping presents, and it turned out so good, my family swore it tasted like it simmered all day. The air fryer works magic here—locking in those festive flavors while keeping things quick and easy. And honestly, between the sweet carrots, savory broth, and tender cabbage, it’s like a holiday hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
This soup isn’t just tasty—it’s downright magical for busy holiday nights. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Effortless comfort: The air fryer does most of the work, so you can focus on decorating (or wrapping those last-minute gifts!).
- Festive flavors: Sweet carrots, earthy cabbage, and cozy thyme taste like Christmas in every spoonful.
- Healthy & hearty: Packed with veggies and fiber, it’s the kind of meal that warms you up without weighing you down.
- Leftover-friendly: The flavors get even better overnight—perfect for holiday meal prep or lazy post-Christmas lunches.
Ingredients for Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
Grab these simple ingredients—most are probably already in your pantry! The key is prepping everything just right before it hits the air fryer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces (trust me, fresh chopping beats pre-cut for texture!)
- 2 carrots, diced small (I like them in little coins—they cook faster and soak up all that broth flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow works best, but use what you’ve got)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (chicken broth works too if you’re not vegetarian)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (don’t drain them—that juice adds amazing depth!)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste—I always start with less)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing—butter works too for extra richness)
See? Nothing complicated! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together in three simple steps—just prep, mix, and let the air fryer work its holiday magic. I promise, even if you’re new to air frying, this recipe is foolproof.
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
First, grab your trusty knife and chop that cabbage into bite-sized pieces—not too big, not too small. You want them to soften just right in the air fryer. Next, dice those carrots (I aim for little coin shapes—they cook evenly) and chop the onion. Now, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and toss in the onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and smell sweet. Add the cabbage and cook for another 3 minutes—just until it starts to wilt slightly. This quick sauté wakes up all those flavors!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Air Fryer
Transfer your veggie mix to an air fryer-safe pot or dish (I use a small oven-safe casserole dish that fits perfectly). Pour in the vegetable broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes—juice and all! Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and thyme, then give everything a good stir. The broth should just cover the veggies—if it looks too thick, add a splash more broth or water. Don’t worry about perfection here; the air fryer will meld everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Air Fry and Serve
Cover your dish with foil or an air fryer-safe lid (poke a few holes for steam to escape). Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 20 minutes. Halfway through, give it a gentle stir—this ensures even cooking and prevents any sticking. When done, the cabbage should be tender but not mushy, and the broth will smell incredible. Ladle it into bowls while it’s piping hot, and maybe sprinkle on a little extra thyme for that festive touch. Voilà—Christmas dinner, done!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
Want to take your soup from good to wow? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Season as you go: Taste after sautéing the veggies, then again before air frying. Cabbage can soak up salt, so I often add a pinch more at the end.
- Potato power: Toss in diced potatoes for extra heartiness—just extend cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Fresh herb finish: Stir in a handful of chopped parsley or dill right before serving for a bright, festive pop.
- Don’t overcrowd: If doubling the recipe, cook in batches to ensure even air frying.
Variations for Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
This soup is like a blank canvas—so feel free to get creative! Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Beans for protein: Stir in a can of white beans or chickpeas at the end for extra heartiness.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for warmth.
- Creamy version: Swirl in a spoonful of sour cream or coconut milk for richness.
- Festive greens: Toss in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Mix and match—that’s the holiday spirit!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
This soup shines with simple sides! I love tearing into crusty sourdough bread for dipping—it soaks up that flavorful broth perfectly. For a fresh contrast, pair it with a crisp winter salad of apples and walnuts. And if you’re feeling extra festive? Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crunchy croutons. Easy, cozy, and oh-so-Christmasy!
Storing and Reheating Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
This soup keeps like a dream! Let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, I just microwave it in 30-second bursts (stirring between each one) until piping hot. Or, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers might taste even better than day one!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Air Fryer Dinner Cabbage Soup
One hearty bowl of this soup packs about 120 calories, with just 3g fat and a wholesome 20g carbs (thanks to all those veggies!). You’ll get 4g protein per serving too—not bad for something this cozy! Of course, these numbers might shift if you add extras like potatoes or beans (no judgment—I do it too!). But either way, it’s a guilt-free way to warm up during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth adds a richer flavor—I use it all the time when I’m not cooking for vegetarians. Just keep an eye on the salt since some brands are saltier than veggie broth.
How do I make this soup spicier?
Easy! Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the thyme, or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end. My uncle always adds sliced jalapeños during the sauté step—Christmas with a kick!
Can I freeze this cabbage soup?
You bet! Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently (the cabbage softens a bit more, but still tastes great).
What if my air fryer doesn’t have a “pot” setting?
No worries! Any oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer basket works—I’ve even used a foil pan in a pinch. Just cover it loosely with foil to trap steam.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Sure thing! Brown some diced sausage or bacon with the onions for extra heartiness. Just drain excess grease before adding the broth.
Now go make this soup—and tell me how your family likes it! Nothing makes me happier than hearing your holiday kitchen stories.
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Christmas Air Fryer Cabbage Soup: 3-Step Cozy Holiday Feast
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting cabbage soup made in the air fryer, perfect for a Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to an air fryer-safe pot or dish.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cover and air fry for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add potatoes or beans for extra heartiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: International