Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls Recipe
Delicious and vibrant Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls featuring tender salmon cubes coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, served over fluffy white rice with fresh vegetables and garnishes. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Salmon and Seasoning
- 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
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup Japanese (Kewpie) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Bowl Components and Garnishes
- Cooked white rice
- Sliced cucumber
- Shredded red cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Shelled edamame
- Cooked broccoli
- Sliced green onions
- Microgreens (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires preheating to ensure even cooking for the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed salmon with brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together Japanese mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Divide the sauce into two bowls, refrigerate one portion for later drizzling.
- Coat Salmon with Sauce: Pour one portion of the bang bang sauce over the seasoned salmon cubes and gently toss to coat each piece with the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce.
- Arrange Salmon in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Work in batches if needed.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Cook salmon in the air fryer for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip the salmon pieces and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Repeat Air Frying: Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and repeat the process with any remaining salmon cubes.
- Garnish the Salmon: Drizzle the cooked salmon with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start each bowl with a scoop of cooked white rice. Layer with the air-fried bang bang salmon, then add your choice of fresh produce such as sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, cooked broccoli, and any other preferred toppings.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle extra bang bang sauce over the assembled bowls and top with microgreens and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for a vibrant, tasty meal.
Notes
- If your air fryer does not require preheating, you can skip that step to save time.
- To avoid overcrowding, air fry the salmon in batches to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Adjust the level of sriracha in the bang bang sauce for milder or spicier flavor according to your preference.
- Feel free to add or substitute bowl toppings based on seasonal vegetables or personal taste.
- Store any leftover salmon and sauce separately and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Keywords: Air Fryer Salmon Bowls, Bang Bang Sauce, Healthy Salmon Recipes, Asian Salmon Bowl, Easy Air Fryer Dinner