Gluten-Free Air Fryer Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls made easy in the air fryer. Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, rice, and onions, then simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. This comforting dish delivers all the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage with less time and effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying. The air fryer creates a nicely caramelized exterior while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 12 large cabbage leaves, blanched
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- ¾ cup rice, cookedcauliflower rice1:1low-carb
Reduces carbs significantly
- ½ cup onions, diced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ½ ounces tomatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- 1
Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for 3 minutes
- 2
Mix ground beef, rice, onions, egg, sweet paprika, black pepper, salt, and milk in large bowl
- 3
Place 3 tablespoons beef filling on each cabbage leaf and roll up
- 4
Arrange rolled cabbage leaves in greased oven-safe dish
- 5
Combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch in small bowl
- 6
Pour sauce mixture over cabbage rolls
- 7
Cook in air fryer at 330 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes until beef is cooked through
- 8
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with additional tomato sauce
Tips
Choose large outer cabbage leaves for easier rolling and fewer tears
Don't overfill the cabbage leaves as they may burst during cooking
Check doneness with meat thermometer - internal temperature should reach 160°F
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can assemble rolls up to 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook
Serve hot with additional tomato sauce and fresh herbs like parsley or dill
Common Mistakes
Don't skip blanching cabbage to avoid tough, chewy leaves
Don't overstuff rolls to prevent bursting during cooking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze these stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, freeze cooked rolls up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
What if my cabbage leaves tear while rolling?
Use the torn leaves as patches or chop them up and add to the sauce. Choose the largest, most flexible outer leaves for rolling.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes, bake in covered casserole dish at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, or simmer on stovetop in covered pot for 1 hour.