Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls combine tender, perfectly cooked salmon coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce with a vibrant assortment of fresh and cooked vegetables served over fluffy white rice. Ready in just 22 minutes, this healthy and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
Ingredients
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
Bowls and Toppings
- 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
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if your model requires preheating to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed salmon with brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss gently until the salmon pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Kewpie mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired for the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors.
- Divide Sauce: Split the sauce into two portions. Cover one portion and refrigerate it to use later as a drizzle and garnish.
- Coat Salmon with Sauce: Pour the remaining half of the sauce over the seasoned salmon cubes and toss gently to coat all pieces well with the bang bang sauce.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon in a single layer, avoiding crowding. Cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Air Fry Salmon: Air fry the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 6 minutes. Then carefully flip the pieces and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Repeat Cooking: Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and repeat the cooking process with any remaining salmon batches until all are cooked.
- Garnish Salmon: Drizzle the reserved portion of bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Assemble Bowls: To assemble each bowl, start with a base of cooked white rice. Top with the bang bang salmon and add your choice of vegetables such as sliced cucumber, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, shelled edamame, cooked broccoli, and avocado if desired. Finish with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of microgreens and sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy garnish.
Notes
- If your air fryer model does not require preheating, you can skip that step and start with placing the salmon directly in the basket.
- For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover rice and vegetables when assembling bowls.
- Feel free to swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Ensure salmon pieces are cut evenly for consistent cooking times.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
