This easy salmon bowl recipe makes a quick, healthy meal packed with flavor. The salmon comes out crispy from the air fryer and pairs with fresh toppings for a satisfying, customizable dish.
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If you're anything like me, you love meals that are healthy, flavorful, and do not take forever to make. That is exactly why I keep coming back to this salmon poke bowl. It is the kind of recipe that feels just as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it does for a fresh, light lunch after a weekend of indulging.
I like making this in the summer when I am craving something satisfying but do not want to heat up the whole kitchen. Some days I pile it high with greens and avocado, other times I lean into rice, pickled veggies, or a spicy mayo drizzle. No matter how you build it, the salmon is perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, and that texture combination is everything.
Ingredients
SALMON:
- Salmon fillet - A rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that serves as the flavorful and nutritious main component.
- Gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) - Adds a salty, umami depth to the salmon while keeping the dish gluten-free.
- Raw honey - Balances the savory flavors with a touch of natural sweetness and helps caramelize the salmon.
- Granulated garlic - Enhances the dish with a mild, savory garlic flavor that complements the fish.
- Smoked sweet paprika - Adds a subtle smokiness and mild heat that boosts the overall flavor profile.
- Kosher salt - Intensifies the taste of the salmon and balances the flavors in the marinade.
- Ground black pepper - Brings a hint of spice and sharpness that rounds out the seasoning.
- Olive oil spray - Helps crisp the salmon in the air fryer without sticking or adding excess fat.
BOWL:
- Hot cooked rice - Serves as a hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the salmon and sauce.
- Japanese cucumber - Adds a refreshing, crisp texture that contrasts with the warm salmon and rice.
- Corn kernels - Contribute a touch of sweetness and color to brighten the bowl.
- Cherry tomatoes - Provide juiciness and acidity to cut through the richness of the salmon and sauce.
- Sesame seeds - Offer a nutty finish and a bit of crunch to enhance texture and presentation.
SAUCE:
- Mayonnaise - Acts as a creamy base that ties all the elements of the bowl together.
- Sriracha - Gives the sauce a spicy kick that boosts flavor and adds a bit of heat.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Ready to make this recipe? To start, preheat the air fryer to 370°F and set it at 10 minutes. Then follow these simple step-by-step directions.
Carefully remove the skin from the salmon fillet with a sharp knife and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
In a small bowl, combine garlic, smoked sweet paprika, salt, and ground black pepper, then season the salmon pieces.
Pour the soy sauce and honey over the seasoned salmon pieces, then gently coat all sides. Marinate for at least 20 minutes to an hour, if possible.
Transfer the seasoned (marinated) salmon pieces to an oiled air fryer tray or basket.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the salmon and place over rice in serving bowl.
Wash and dry the tomatoes and cucumber. Cut bite-sized pieces of the tomatoes and slice the cucumber equally. Arrange to assemble the bowl.
Combine the mayonnaise and sriracha. Drizzle over the salmon.
Hint: Pat the salmon dry before seasoning and air frying to help it crisp up better. This also allows the flavors to stick more effectively.
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize this easy salmon recipe:
- Switch up the base: Instead of white rice, try brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even soba noodles for a different texture or added nutrition.
- Try different proteins: Not into salmon? Swap it with tofu, shrimp, grilled chicken, or even tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Add more veggies: Mix in shredded carrots, edamame, avocado, radish, or pickled red onions to give the bowl more color, crunch, and freshness.
- Change the sauce: Use a teriyaki glaze, sesame ginger dressing, or a wasabi mayo for a different flavor profile that can match your guests' preferences.
- Spice it your way: Add chili flakes, wasabi, or extra sriracha for heat-or skip the spice altogether if you're serving kids or guests with milder tastes.
- Top it off creatively: Garnish with nori strips, crushed peanuts, or crispy onions for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Tips
Top tip: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; giving the salmon space ensures it cooks evenly and gets that perfect crisp edge.
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and to help the salmon crisp up faster.
- Use skin-on salmon if you like crispy skin; it holds together better and adds texture.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after air frying to lock in moisture before slicing or serving.
- Cut vegetables uniformly so they cook or blend well with the rest of the bowl ingredients.
- Taste and adjust the sauce before drizzling-some may prefer it milder or spicier.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the salmon at its crispiest and the veggies at their freshest.
Serving suggestions
This air fryer salmon bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with light starters if you are serving guests. A simple zucchini curry soup or crisp lumpia egg rolls can set the tone for a fresh and satisfying meal. If you want something more vibrant and tangy, try serving it with a side of Ensaladang Mangga with a sweet-sour combo of mango and bagoong flavors.
To round out the meal, offer a light dessert that keeps with the fresh theme like a marshmallow fruit salad or a scoop of Almond Milk Ice Cream. You could also serve mochi or a simple yogurt parfait with granola and berries for something equally satisfying yet light.
Storage
To store any leftover air fryer salmon bowl components, keep the salmon and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the vegetables and rice are best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain their texture and flavor.
For reheating, warm the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through. This helps bring back its crispiness without drying it out. You can also microwave the rice and veggies separately for about 1 to 2 minutes, but avoid reheating delicate toppings like cucumbers or tomatoes, as they are best served fresh. When ready to eat, simply reassemble your bowl with the reheated ingredients and drizzle with fresh sauce.
FAQs
Yes, you can use air fry frozen salmon, just make sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before marinating and air frying to ensure even cooking and better texture.
Any rice works well, but jasmine, brown rice, or sushi rice are great options depending on your flavor and texture preference. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Absolutely! Use a plant-based or vegan mayo to keep the sauce dairy-free while still maintaining a creamy texture and bold flavor.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Bowl
Ingredients
SALMON:
- 1 slab salmon fillet 200 grams
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce I used Tamari
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- generous pinch of kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste)
- olive oil spray
BOWL:
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
- 1 piece Japanese cucumber
- 3 tablespoons corn kernels
- 2 pieces cherry tomatoes
- generous pinch of sesame seeds
SAUCE:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer at 370°F (188°C). Set at 10 minutes.
- Pat dry all the sides of the fillet with paper towels and carefully remove the salmon skin with a sharp knife. Cut salmon into bite-sized chunks.
- In a small container, combine garlic, smoked sweet paprika, salt, and ground black pepper, then season the salmon pieces.
- Pour the soy sauce and honey over the seasoned salmon pieces, then gently coat all sides. If time permits, marinate for at least 20 minutes to an hour.
- Generously spray the Air Fryer tray (or basket) with olive oil and transfer the seasoned (marinated) salmon pieces.
- Slowly insert the Air Fryer tray (or baket) into the air fryer. Place in middle if using air fryer oven.
- Air fry the seasoned salmon for 8 to 10 minutes and until the thickest part of the salmon pieces reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The cooked salmon pieces should be flaky with a bit of charring on the sides.
- Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha.
- Properly wash and dry the tomatoes and cucumber. Cut bite-sized pieces of the tomatoes and slice the cucumber equally, less than ¼ inch per slice.
Arrange the salmon bowl:
- Once the salmon pieces are cooked, equally fill half of two medium serving bowls with cooked rice. Top with the cooked salmon pieces, tomatoes, cucumber slices, and corn kernels. Then drizzle the prepared sauce over the cooked salmon.
- Garnish the Air Fryer Salmon Bowl with chopped fresh dill.
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