Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage That’s Crispy, Juicy & Unbelievably Good

Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage is the bold side dish you never knew you needed. This juicy, smoky, and incredibly easy recipe takes humble cabbage to the next level with crispy bacon and air-fried perfection. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and wildly satisfying — whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just obsessed with bacon bliss. We’ll show you how to make bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage perfectly tender with that irresistible caramelized edge every time.

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Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage Basics

Why Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage Works

Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage is more than a food trend — it’s a brilliant fusion of texture and flavor. Cabbage holds up beautifully in the air fryer, getting soft inside while the outer leaves crisp up just right. Wrapping it in bacon brings smoky fat that renders into the cabbage as it cooks. The result? A crispy outside, tender inside, smoky all-around flavor bomb that’s addicting with every bite.

Unlike boiled cabbage, which often turns mushy and bland, air frying adds golden edges and concentrated flavor. And bacon? It’s the best flavor blanket there is. You can season it any way you like — garlic powder, smoked paprika, even a splash of maple syrup. This dish feels indulgent, yet it’s made from just two humble ingredients: cabbage and bacon. It’s a low-carb bacon-lover’s dream that fits keto, paleo, and Whole30 plans.

Choosing the Right Cabbage for Air Frying

Not all cabbage is created equal. For the best results, use dense green cabbage — its firm leaves hold up better than napa or red cabbage. Look for tight, compact heads and slice into thick wedges or round slabs, about 1.5 inches thick. That thickness ensures it stays juicy inside while allowing the bacon to crisp up fully.

Want to level it up? Try brushing the cabbage with Cajun honey butter like we do in our Cajun Honey Butter Sauce recipe. It adds a sweet-spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Or explore air-fried cabbage variations inspired by our Air Fryer Bacon Mac and Cheese for more comfort-food magic.

Air Fryer Bacon Cabbage Wedges: Crispy Flavor in Every Layer

How to Cut and Wrap Cabbage Wedges

Making air fryer bacon cabbage wedges starts with solid knife work. First, cut a small head of green cabbage into 6–8 wedges. Don’t remove the core — it holds everything together while air frying. Each wedge should be thick enough to stay sturdy but not so big that it won’t cook through. About 1.5 inches is the sweet spot.

Wrap each wedge in 1–2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed. Season lightly with black pepper or garlic powder. Want next-level flavor? Brush on a bit of miso glaze like we use here or sprinkle with smoked paprika. When bacon meets cabbage in the air fryer, magic happens — and this combo proves it.

Cook Time and Temperature Tips

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges in a single layer — don’t crowd the basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flip, then continue another 8–10 minutes. Total time depends on the thickness of your wedges and bacon type.

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage gets ultra crispy around the edges, while the inside stays soft and juicy. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon is crisp and the cabbage is golden brown. Thicker wedges may need 2–3 extra minutes. Check halfway through and adjust as needed. If you love cheese, take a cue from our extreme cheese pull burgers and add a sprinkle of cheddar in the last 2 minutes.

These wedges pair beautifully with creamy dips like our Booty Dip, or you can serve them as a crispy, savory side for BBQ nights or lazy weeknight dinners. Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage wedges are crave-worthy comfort food that’ll surprise everyone at your table.

Crispy Bacon and Cabbage in Air Fryer

Why Air Frying Bacon and Cabbage Beats the Oven

When you want crispy bacon and tender cabbage, the air fryer beats the oven every time. It circulates hot air faster and more evenly, which means you’ll get those crackly bacon edges and browned cabbage layers — without drying them out. Plus, there’s no need to heat your entire kitchen, which makes this method perfect for quick summer meals or small-batch cooking.

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage stays juicy in the center while the outer leaves turn golden and slightly charred. In the oven, you’d need multiple pans and longer cook time to achieve the same result. Air frying keeps it simple, fast, and full of that satisfying crunch. We’ve tested it against baked and pan-fried versions — and bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage always wins on crisp, flavor, and speed.

Flavor Boosters to Try

Want to take your crispy bacon and cabbage up a notch? Brush the wedges with spicy mustard, smoky BBQ sauce, or even a thin layer of maple sriracha glaze. These small touches amplify the natural umami in cabbage and bacon — no extra salt required.

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage also pairs beautifully with cooling dips like blue cheese dressing or creamy ranch. Try it with our Summer Berry Meal Prep or Roasted Carrot Lettuce Wraps for balance. Or lean into full comfort mode with our Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones.

Low-Carb Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Recipes

A Keto Dream with Big Flavor

If you’re following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage checks every box. It’s rich in fat, low in carbs, and packed with savory flavor that keeps you full and satisfied. Cabbage is naturally low in starch and calories, while bacon brings fat and salt — no wonder it’s a staple in clean comfort food cooking.

One wedge of bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage clocks in at under 5g net carbs and works beautifully as a side, snack, or even a meal when paired with a dip. Whether you’re prepping lunches or feeding a crowd, this dish brings comfort without the carb crash.

More Easy Low-Carb Combos to Try

Looking to build a full meal around this recipe? Try adding protein-packed bites like our Spicy Chicken Crunch Wrap or serve it with Creamy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole for a veggie-powered low-carb plate.

You can even meal prep this recipe by par-cooking the wedges, refrigerating them, and then air frying for 4–5 minutes before serving. It’s a favorite among readers following low-glycemic plans, and it reheats well without getting soggy — unlike many other bacon-wrapped dishes.

For more ideas that work well with your air fryer, explore recipes like GLP-1 Friendly Recipes or our fan-favorite Instant Pot Bacon Comfort Food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Bacon-Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage isn’t just a viral trend — it’s a practical, mouthwatering way to turn two simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re going low-carb, meal prepping, or simply craving something smoky and crispy, this recipe hits the mark.

It’s fast, satisfying, and flexible enough to pair with everything from creamy dips to fresh veggie sides. You can even prep ahead, adjust seasonings, and experiment with toppings. It’s more than a side dish — it’s a game changer.

Hungry for more air fryer magic? Check out our Air Fryer Bacon Mac and Cheese or our full library of GLP-1 friendly comfort food.

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