Air Fryer Reuben Cabbage Steaks
Air Fryer Reuben Cabbage Steaks are topped with all the components of a Reuben sandwich- corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Thousand Island or Russian dressing. When you don’t want the bread, it’s a great way to enjoy a Reuben, especially for cabbage lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the classic Reuben flavors without the bread.
- Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Can be made low-carb and keto-friendly.
- The cabbage gets crispy on the edges and tender in the middle.
- Air frying cabbage brings out its nuttiness and sweetness.
- Makes a great St Patrick’s Day lunch.
What Are Cabbage Steaks?
Cabbage steaks are thick slices of cabbage that have been cut from the center of the cabbage head. They form a sturdy base for toppings and get crispy on the outside and tender in the middle.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 medium to large cabbage
- Oil, salt and pepper
- Sliced Corned Beef– I use sliced corned beef from the deli, but you could use leftover homemade corned beef.
- Sauerkraut– be sure to drain it well.
- Swiss cheese slices
- Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- Green Onion
How To Make Air Fryer Reuben Cabbage Steaks
(More detailed instructions in recipe card below.)
- Prepare cabbage. Cut 2 1-inch slices from the cabbage. Brush both sides with oil and season with salt and pepper.

- Air fry cabbage. Place a cabbage steak in the air fryer basket and air fry at 360 for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping over halfway through.

- Add toppings. Top with a layer of corned beef, then sauerkraut and cheese.

- Air fry for 2 to 3 minutes more.

- Add toppings. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with green onion.
Use Air Frying Time As An Estimate
Different air fryer brands and models can cook at very different rates so use the cooking time as an estimate and check early and often.

Recipe Tips
- Be sure to cut the cabbage steaks thick enough so they are sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
- Handle the cabbage steaks carefully so they stay intact.
- Use low carb dressing to make this recipe low carb.
- Save extra cabbage to use for a stir fry or salad.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 3 to 4 minutes.

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Air Fryer Reuben Cabbage Steaks
Equipment
Materials
- 1 medium to large cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 6 slices deli-sliced corned beef, cut into strips
- ΒΌ cup sauerkraut drained well
- 4 to 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- 1 green onion sliced
Instructions
- Cut 2 1-inch slices from the cabbage head. To do this, first cut off the end of the cabbage so you can get 2 pieces from the center of the cabbage.Save the rest of the cabbage for a stir fry or salad.
- Brush both sides of the cabbage with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour 1/4 cup of water in the bottom of the air fryer basket. (If using a toaster-style air fryer skip this step.)Add 1 cabbage steak and air fry at 360 for 8 to 10 minutes flipping over halfway though. Use a spatula to flip it carefully so it doesn't fall apart.
- Top with half the corned beef, half the sauerkraut, and then top with a slice or two of Swiss cheese.
- Air fry 2 to 3 more minutes.
- Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with green onion.

