Introduction

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful meal that combines tender, spicy-sweet salmon with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice. Using an air fryer keeps the salmon perfectly cooked with a slight caramelized edge, making this dish both healthy and delicious.

A white bowl filled with layers of fresh vegetables and cooked salmon pieces is shown on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer includes bright green edamame beans, light green cucumber slices arranged in a semi-circle, and dark green broccoli florets on the right side. Above this, shredded bright orange carrots and thinly sliced purple cabbage create colorful layers. On top, grilled salmon cubes with a slightly charred golden-brown exterior are piled, and a creamy orange sauce with red flecks is being poured over the salmon from a spoon. A small glass bowl with the same sauce is visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds skinless salmon fillets (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ cup Japanese (Kewpie) mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons sriracha
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Cooked white rice
Sliced cucumber
Shredded red cabbage
Shredded carrots
Shelled edamame
Cooked broccoli
Sliced green onions
Microgreens (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if your model requires preheating.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine cubed salmon with brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Divide the sauce into two portions; cover one and refrigerate for later.
Step 4: Pour one portion of the sauce over the seasoned salmon and toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer without crowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 6: Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, then flip the salmon pieces and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and repeat with remaining salmon.
Step 7: Drizzle the cooked salmon with the reserved bang bang sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Step 8: To assemble the bowls, start with a scoop of white rice. Top with the air fried salmon and your choice of toppings such as cucumber, shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, broccoli, and microgreens. Finish with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

Use avocado or pickled onions as additional toppings to add creaminess or tang.
If you don’t have an air fryer, salmon can be cooked under the broiler or on a grill with similar seasoning.
Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level.
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through, and drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with layers of fresh vegetables and cooked chicken sits on a white marbled texture. At the center, there are several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken cubes covered in a creamy orange sauce with black and white sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Surrounding the chicken are bright green broccoli florets and sliced green scallions on the right, a pile of neatly arranged bright green edamame next to them, and thin, round slices of light green cucumber below. On the left side of the bowl, there are shredded orange carrots and shredded purple cabbage adding vibrant color. The bowl is placed on a light wooden surface with small clear glass bowls containing green vegetables nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to remove the skin after cooking for ease of eating. Skin-on salmon can crisp nicely in the air fryer but may release oils during cooking.

What can I substitute for Japanese mayonnaise?

If you don’t have Japanese mayonnaise, use regular mayonnaise mixed with a little rice vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor.