The performance of multi-layer (1-x)La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/xYSZ graded composite cathodes was studied as electrode materials for intermediate solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The thermal expansion coefficient, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical performance of multi-layer composite cathodes were investigated. The thermal expansion coefficient and electrical conductivity decreased with the increase in YSZ content. The (1-x)La0.8Sr0.2MnO3/xYSZ composite cathode greatly increased the length of the active triple phase boundary line (TPBL) among electrode, electrolyte, and gas phase, leading to a decrease in polarization resistance and an increase in polarization current density. The polarization current density of the triple-layer graded composite cathode (0.77 A/cm2) was the highest and that of the monolayer cathode (0.13 A/cm2) was the lowest. The polarization resistance (Rp) of the triple-layer graded composite cathode was only 0.182Ω·cm2 and that of the monolayer composite cathode was 0.323Ω·cm2. The power density of the triple-layer graded composite cathode was the highest and that of the monolayer composite cathode was the lowest. The triple-layer graded composite cathode had superior performance.