Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
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These Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are everything you want in a quick weeknight dinner. Tender, flaky salmon is seasoned with simple spices, air-fried until perfectly cooked, then piled over fluffy rice with crisp vegetables and drizzled with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. They’re fresh, colorful, packed with flavor, and ready in about 20 minutes.
Whether you’re meal prepping lunches for the week or looking for an easy dinner everyone can customize, these salmon rice bowls are always a hit. Best of all, you don’t need restaurant takeout to enjoy bold Asian-inspired flavors right at home.
From the first time I set foot into a Bonefish Grille, I fell in love with anything bang bang. Those bang bang shrimp there had me hooked for life. Also, I have discovered that if I want a quick meal for my husband and me, air fryer salmon is the way to go. Since we became empty nesters, I use my air fryer more than ever. So this recipe, as they say, is the best of both worlds!
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s both satisfying and full of fresh flavors, this recipe checks all the boxes. The air fryer cooks the salmon quickly while keeping it moist and flaky inside. The homemade Bang Bang sauce is creamy with just the right balance of sweetness and heat, and the fresh vegetables add plenty of crunch and color.
Because everyone builds their own bowl, they’re perfect for picky eaters, meal prep, or serving a crowd. Simply set everything out buffet-style and let everyone customize their own creation.
Ingredients in Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
You will find the complete measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
For the Salmon:
- Salmon is the star of the show. Fresh salmon filets cook quickly in the air fryer and become tender, flaky, and full of flavor.
- Sea salt enhances all of the natural flavors.
- Black pepper adds just a touch of mild heat.
- Paprika gives the salmon a beautiful color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
- Garlic powder provides savory flavor without overpowering the fish.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise gives the richest texture.
- Thai sweet chili sauce adds sweetness with a mild kick and gives the sauce its signature flavor.
- Sriracha brings the heat. Adjust more or less depending on your family’s spice preference.
- Raw honey balances the spice with just a touch of natural sweetness.
To Assemble the Bowls:
- Cooked rice creates the hearty base for each bowl. White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all work beautifully.
- Cucumber adds cool, crisp freshness.
- Edamame contributes protein, texture, and bright color.
- Green onions provide a mild onion flavor and freshness.
- Fresh cilantro adds bright herbal flavor.
- Sesame seeds give the bowls a little crunch and a classic finishing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F.
In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Using a sharp knife, remove the skin from the salmon if necessary, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels before placing them into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the salmon and gently toss until evenly coated.
Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, gently shaking or stirring once during cooking if needed. The salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of about 135°F. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches.
While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Arrange the salmon, cucumber, edamame, and green onions around the rice. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce and finish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.
No Air Fryer? No Problem!
These Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are just as delicious made in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of about 135°F. If you like a little extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the final minute or two, keeping a close eye on it.
Then simply assemble the bowls as directed.
Storage
Separate leftover salmon, rice, vegetables, and Bang Bang sauce and store each in their own airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or air fryer until just warmed through. Assemble fresh bowls with the vegetables and drizzle with the reserved sauce before serving.
Love it? Pin it!
If you can’t wait to make this bang bang salmon recipe, make sure you can find it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Choose salmon fillets that are similar in thickness so the pieces cook evenly.
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the spices stick and gives the salmon a better texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer allows the hot air to circulate for the best results.
- The Bang Bang sauce can easily be adjusted to your taste. Add more Sriracha if you love extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.
- Cook the rice ahead of time to make this recipe come together even faster.
Best Bang Bang Salmon Tip
Don’t overcook the salmon. Because the pieces are small, they cook very quickly. Begin checking them around the 5-minute mark. Perfectly cooked salmon stays moist, tender, and flakes apart easily, while overcooked salmon can become dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking.
- Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- What rice is best for salmon bowls? Jasmine rice is my favorite because of its light, fragrant flavor, but white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are all great options.
- Can I use another fish? Yes! This seasoning and sauce are also delicious with cod, mahi mahi, shrimp, or even chicken.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes to Love
If you are a big fan of salmon recipes, I have some tasty ones here to share:
The Salmon with Lemon Caper Sauce, pictured above, is one of my family’s most requested meals. It looks fancy, but this meal is ready in 30 minutes. We also love smoked salmon, and this recipe for smoked salmon makes it simple for you to prepare on your pellet smoker. Afterward, use some to make my Smoked Salmon Pasta recipe. Blackened Salmon Burgers with BLT Slaw keep burger night interesting, or lighten things up with this Sesame Ginger Salmon or this easy Salmon and Green Beans Sheet Pan Meal.
Here are some others from my blogger buddies: Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Cakes, Longhorn Steakhouse Bourbon Marinated Salmon, Teriyaki Salmon with Noodles, and Smoked Salmon Pizza, too!
If you love your air fryer – be sure to check out all of my air fryer recipes here and grab this free air fryer cheat sheet printable before you go!
Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls bring restaurant-worthy flavor to your dinner table in less than 30 minutes. With tender salmon, crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and that irresistible sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce, it’s a meal you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 16 ounces one pound of salmon, skin removed
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo full-fat works best
- ¼ cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
For the Rice Bowls:
- Sliced green onions, sliced cucumber, edamame beans, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, prepared rice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375° F.
- Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon filets into bite-sized chunks, pat them dry with a paper towel, and place them into a bowl.
- Sprinkle the salmon pieces with the seasoning mix and toss to coat.
- Add the salmon chunks to the preheated air fryer and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches about 135°F. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the salmon in batches so you can stir it as it cooks. Taking care not to crumble it.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking the ingredients together.
- To assemble the salmon bowls: In shallow bowls, add your prepared rice, then arrange your salmon and fresh veggies around it. Drizzle with bang bang sauce, sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Jasmine rice, brown rice, sushi rice, or cauliflower rice all work well.
- Add shredded carrots, avocado, cabbage, or radishes for even more fresh vegetables.
- For extra crunch, top the bowls with crispy wonton strips.
- Meal prep by portioning the rice, salmon, and vegetables into containers, then pack the Bang Bang sauce separately until ready to eat.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the Sriracha or leave it out altogether.
