Spicy Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Tahini

Crisp at the edges, tender in the center, and drizzled with creamy tahini and spicy harissa, these air fryer cabbage steaks turns a simple veggie into something truly special.

There are some ingredients that feel like home, always present in the background of everyday cooking. For me, cabbage is one of them (don't miss out on my sautéed cabbage with peppers or vegetarian cabbage rolls).

It was in my grandmother’s kitchen, tucked into steaming bowls of soup, wrapped around spiced rice and meat, or slowly braised until meltingly soft. It wasn’t flashy, but it was constant. A quiet staple that filled the house with its earthy warmth.

For the longest time, I thought cabbage belonged to slow cooking, to the kind of meals that took their time. But then, I met the air fryer. What was once needed hours to soften on the stovetop could now turn crisp and golden in minutes.  It was a revelation. In a way, air fryers are like my personal cheat day, letting me get that crisp texture without standing over a pan of hot oil.

At first, I made these cabbage steaks just for myself, just a quick experiment. But when my kids caught sight of them, curiosity took over. They love anything with a crunch. Chips, crackers, the sound of something crisp breaking apart. And if I could sneak a little more healthy ingredients into their favorite texture, why not?

A Vegan Way to Crunch 

One afternoon, after my five-year-old declared that “crispy is the best food group,” I decided to give cabbage steaks a proper test run. I cut the cabbage into thick slabs, brushed them with oil, let the air fryer work its magic, and watched as the edges darkened into crispy layers.

The kids were skeptical at first, but that first bite changed everything. For them, I omitted the harissa, but made sure to drizzle some honey on top of the tahini. Now, tahini cabbage steaks is one of their favorite requests. Though when they "help," it mostly means sitting on the counter and asking if it’s ready yet.

And because no air fryer session stops at just one thing, there’s always something extra in the mix. Alongside the cabbage wedges, I like to throw in a batch of fried cheese curds or air fryer asparagus. I had them years ago, and the contrast stuck with me. The golden crust breaks apart to reveal soft, melty cheese inside. Instead of deep-frying, I coat them lightly and let the air fryer do the rest. They turn out crisp, just right beside the cabbage steaks.

It’s funny how these little kitchen moments weave their way into our days, becoming something we look forward to without even realizing it. The hum of the air fryer, the scent of cabbage roasting, the way my kids hover nearby.

And then that first bite. Crispy, warm, and gone too soon. Just like these moments, they're fleeting but full, the kind you want to tuck away and keep. Good thing there’s always another meal, another gathering, another chance to have these moments and make this recipe all over again.

Ingredients

• Cabbage – the star of the recipe, a hearty vegetable that crisps beautifully while staying tender inside.
• Olive Oil – helps the cabbage caramelize and develop deep, toasty flavors.
• Harissa – adds smoky heat and complexity to balance the cabbage’s sweetness.
• Sumac – tangy, citrusy spice that brightens the dish.
• Tahini – creamy and nutty, it ties everything together with richness.
• Pepita Seeds – provide crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds – enhance the nuttiness and add extra texture.
• Green Onion – brings a fresh, mild sharpness to the final dish.
• Honey (optional) - if making for children, omit the harissa and add a drizzle of honey in the end.

See the recipe card for exact quantities. 

How to Make This Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks Recipe

Crisp, caramelized, and drizzled with creamy tahini, these cabbage steaks come together effortlessly in the air fryer. A perfect balance of smoky, nutty, and tangy flavors with minimal effort. Here's how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Cabbage

Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Using a sharp knife, slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick steaks, making sure to keep the core intact. This helps the steaks hold their shape while cooking.

Make the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, harissa, and sumac until well combined. The oil helps the cabbage caramelize, while the spices bring in layers of smoky heat and tangy brightness. If making for kids, omit the harissa and add a pinch of paprika powder.

Coat the Cabbage

Place the cabbage steaks on a large baking sheet or cutting board. Using a pastry brush (or your hands), generously brush the seasoning mixture onto both sides of each cabbage steak. Make sure to get the oil and spices into the folds of the cabbage for even flavor distribution.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures the cabbage starts roasting as soon as it hits the basket.

Cook the Cabbage

Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece for proper air circulation. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the cabbage for 8-10 minutes, then carefully flip the cabbage using tongs. Cook for another 7-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and crispy, and the center is tender when pierced with a fork.

Finish with Toppings

Transfer the hot cabbage steaks to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with tahini, letting it seep into the folds of the cabbage. Sprinkle with pepita seeds, toasted sesame seeds, and green onions for crunch and freshness. Finish with an extra pinch of sumac to brighten the flavors. I also like to drizzle some honey on top if making for my kids.

Serve and Enjoy

These cabbage steaks are best enjoyed hot, straight from the air fryer. They make a satisfying side dish or a light main dish, perfect for pairing with hearty grains or roasted vegetables.

Storage

If you find yourself with leftover cabbage steaks, just place them in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The edges may soften a little, but a quick reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes brings back that crisp texture.

What to Serve With This Air Fryer Cabbage Tahini Steaks 

There’s something about these crispy cabbage steaks that makes them the perfect companion to so many meals. They’re hearty enough to stand on their own, but I love pairing them with dishes that bring out their warmth and crunch.

For a cozy, filling meal, I love serving them alongside mujadara for one. A simple yet deeply flavorful dish of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. The cabbage adds a crisp contrast to the soft, spiced grains, making every bite feel balanced and satisfying.

If I’m in the mood for something lighter but still packed with flavor, eggplant tomato stacks make a perfect match. The soft, roasted eggplant and juicy tomatoes play so well with the crunch of the cabbage, and the tahini drizzle ties everything together beautifully.

For a side with a little natural sweetness, roasted carrots with hazelnuts are a go-to. The caramelized edges of the carrots and the nutty crunch of the hazelnuts make the cabbage feel even more indulgent, almost like a feast of textures.

And when I want something completely different, spicy tofu tacos bring the heat and bold flavors that make the cabbage steaks feel right at home. A little extra drizzle of tahini on top of everything? Yum.

Recipe