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Easy Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage (or Kielbasa): low carb and keto

Who doesn't want an easy recipe that only takes 5 minutes? This simple air fryer sausage and cabbage dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.

It's versatile, customizable, and best of all, it's made in the air fryer for hands-off cooking. I love this cabbage and sausage recipe - I've made it dozens of times in my own kitchen!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

• Time-Saving: The air fryer significantly cuts down cooking time.
• Hands-Off Cooking: No need to stir or babysit your food.
• Healthier Option: You can cook with minimal oil, keeping the dish lighter and nutritious.

5 Minute Air Fryer Meal Video

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Coleslaw mix: Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots make this dish quick and easy.
• Chicken sausage: I prefer the Aidelle chicken and apple sausage for its clean ingredients, but you can use any sausage you like—smoked sausage or kielbasa!
• Oil: A light spray of avocado oil or your preferred cooking spray (olive oil would work great, too).
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast add extra flavor and a little nutritional boost.

How to Make Sausage and Cabbage in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Coleslaw mix: You can also use your own chopped cabbage and carrots if you prefer.
• Chicken sausage: Slice the sausage into half-moon shapes for even cooking.
• Seasonings: Have your salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast ready to sprinkle over the mix.

Step 2: Assemble in the Air Fryer

• Place the coleslaw mix and sliced sausage directly into the bottom of the air fryer basket. No need to use the tray or insert—this keeps things simple.
• Lightly spray with avocado oil to help the veggies soften and cook.
• Season generously with salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast for added flavor.
• Give everything a good shake to make sure the sausage and cabbage are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook for Five Minutes

Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about five minutes. (no need to preheat the air fryer) Halfway through, give the basket a quick shake to ensure even cooking. After five minutes, your sausage should be heated through, and the cabbage should be soft but still slightly crunchy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, transfer everything to a bowl. You can enjoy it as is, or if you prefer, drizzle a sauce on top. I often eat it without any extra sauces, but if you're in the mood for something extra, a chipotle aioli (recipe coming soon) or your favorite sauce would be a great addition.

Customizing Your Air Fryer Cabbage and Sausage

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. (Hint: this is a great way to clean out your vegetable drawer!)

Spice variations

If you want more flavor, add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or any other spice you prefer.

I often add Tony's Creole seasoning to mine!

To add a bigger pop of flavor, you can mince fresh garlic and add it to the basic recipe.

Vegetable variations

• Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans are a fantastic substitute. They cook quickly and add a nice crisp texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Chop broccoli into small florets for a crunchy and delicious alternative. 
• Bell Peppers: Use red, yellow, or green bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness. 
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: These vegetables cook quickly in the air fryer and add a mild, fresh flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor to the mix. 

Protein options: can I use kielbasa?

• Smoked sausage: For a heartier flavor, opt for smoked sausage instead of chicken sausage. And yes, you can use kielbasa sausage if you like.
• Vegan or vegetarian options: Try plant-based sausages for a meatless version.

How to reheat air fryer sausage and cabbage

To reheat any leftover air fryer cabbage and sausage, just toss it back into the air fryer and heat for 3-4 minutes!

I hope you'll try this 5 minute air fryer cabbage and sausage recipe and then let me know what you think! I love this recipe because it is so quick, flavorful, and makes a hearty low-carb meal!

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

Air Fryer Granola

Air Fryer Pita Chips

Air Fryer Chimichangas

Air Fryer Okra