If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, textures, and just the right amount of kick, then you have to try this Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of perfectly seasoned, crispy-on-the-outside salmon nuggets atop a bed of wholesome brown rice and fresh veggies, all brought together by a luscious, spicy-sweet creamy bang bang sauce. This dish is wholesome yet indulgent, quick enough for weeknight dinners, and impressive enough to share with friends who appreciate bold, fresh flavors!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but they come together in a way that delivers amazing depth of flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role: from the tender salmon that’s seasoned and air fried to crispy perfection, to the fresh and crunchy veggies that add color and brightness to the bowl.
- 1 lb Salmon (fresh or thawed): The star protein, rich and flaky, perfect for air frying.
- 2 cups Brown Rice: Nutty, chewy base that soaks up every bit of flavor; you can swap with white rice or quinoa for variety.
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots: Adds a lovely crunch and a burst of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup Edamame (frozen): Protein-packed and vibrant green, elevates the bowl’s nutrition and texture.
- 1 cup Cucumber (or bell peppers): Cool, refreshing bite to balance warm, spicy salmon.
- 1 cup Pickled Onions: Tangy and sharp, they introduce an exciting acidity that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (or parsley): Herbal, fragrant garnish that brightens the entire dish.
- 2 stalks Green Onion (sliced): Adds subtle onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 1 tsp Sea Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances every other flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground): Provides mild heat and depth.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic): Classic aromatic that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika): Imparts subtle smoky warmth for a more complex taste.
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder: Adjust to your heat preference; brings a gentle spice kick.
- 1/2 cup Avocado Oil Mayo (or regular mayo): The creamy base for the bang bang sauce, smooth and rich.
- 3 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet with a hint of heat—balances the spice perfectly.
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha: Depends on how fiery you like it, adds bold spice and depth.
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
How to Make Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Begin by cutting your salmon into nugget-sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and makes the dish easier to enjoy bite by bite. Then coat the salmon pieces generously with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Each seasoning works together to build a balanced and exciting flavor profile that’ll make you want to dive right in.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon marinates, whisk together the avocado oil mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This creamy bang bang sauce is where the magic really happens—it’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and oh so creamy. Set it aside so the flavors meld.
Step 3: Preheat and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 390℉ (200℃) for about 5 minutes. Then place the salmon nuggets inside, cooking them for 7 to 8 minutes and flipping halfway through. You’ll get salmon pieces that have a beautifully crisp exterior while staying tender and juicy on the inside—a texture contrast that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Rice
While the salmon crisps up, start cooking your brown rice according to the package instructions, generally around 25 minutes. The nutty flavor and chewy texture will hold up perfectly beneath your toppings without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Start by layering the base with warm, fluffy brown rice. Follow that with shredded carrots, edamame, crisp cucumber slices, and tangy pickled onions to introduce freshness, crunch, and brightness. Then top the bowl with your perfectly air fried salmon nuggets. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions for that final burst of herbal freshness. Drizzle the whole bowl generously with the creamy bang bang sauce to tie together every flavorful element.
How to Serve Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a gorgeous pop of green and a bright, earthy flavor. Sprinkle sliced green onions for a subtle oniony bite. You can even add a few sesame seeds if you desire some nutty crunch and visual contrast. The garnishes truly complete the dish and are well worth the extra touch.
Side Dishes
To keep the meal balanced, pair these rice bowls with simple sides like steamed or roasted veggies, such as asparagus or snap peas. A light miso soup or a simple seaweed salad can also complement the flavors without overpowering the main dish. These sides round out the meal while keeping it light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe in individual wide, shallow bowls to accentuate the colors and layers. For a casual vibe, serve alongside small dipping bowls of extra bang bang sauce on the side. You can even offer various hot sauce options so everyone can customize their heat level. Presentation really enhances the whole experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon, sauce, and veggies separately from the rice in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the rice from getting soggy and keeps textures intact. Proper storage will maintain the freshness for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked salmon, it’s best to do so before air frying to preserve texture. Freeze seasoned, raw salmon nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw completely before air frying. The other components, especially fresh veggies and rice, are not ideal for freezing because of texture changes.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice separately in the microwave or on a stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. Reheat salmon in the air fryer or oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through to restore crispness—microwaving the salmon can make it rubbery. Add fresh veggies and drizzle with leftover or freshly made creamy bang bang sauce just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of avocado oil mayo?
Absolutely! Regular mayonnaise works just fine and will still give you that creamy texture and rich flavor in the bang bang sauce. Avocado oil mayo is just a slightly lighter, healthier alternative.
Is it necessary to use an air fryer for this recipe?
You can bake the salmon in the oven at 400℉ (200℃) for about 12-15 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer. The air fryer just crisps the salmon faster and with less oil, but baked salmon will still taste delicious in your rice bowls.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the marinade or pickled onions. Double-check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and sriracha just to be safe.
What are good substitutions for pickled onions?
If you don’t have pickled onions, thinly sliced red onions marinated in lemon juice and salt will add a similar tangy bite. You could also try pickled ginger or even quick-pickled radishes for a fun twist.
How spicy is the creamy bang bang sauce?
The spice level can be customized easily by adjusting the amount of sriracha. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild heat and add more if you love fiery sauces. The sweet chili sauce balances the spiciness beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s fresh, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, it’s a dish that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and comes together without fuss. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls are a vibrant, healthy meal featuring perfectly seasoned and air fried salmon nuggets served over a bed of brown rice and fresh vegetables. Topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, this recipe combines bold flavors and nutritious ingredients for a quick and satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 lb Salmon (fresh or thawed, cut into nugget-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (adjust for spice preference)
Base and Vegetables
- 2 cups Brown Rice (or substitute with white rice or quinoa)
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots (can use pre-packaged)
- 1 cup Edamame (frozen)
- 1 cup Cucumber (or bell peppers)
- 1 cup Pickled Onions (sliced and soaked in vinegar)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (or parsley)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (sliced)
Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Avocado Oil Mayo (or regular mayo)
- 3 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Cut the salmon into nugget-sized pieces. In a bowl, season the salmon evenly with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder to infuse it with bold flavors.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine avocado oil mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then set aside for drizzling later.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure a crispy finish on your salmon bites.
- Air Fry the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender.
- Cook the Brown Rice: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the brown rice according to package instructions, generally about 25 minutes, until fluffy and tender.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Assemble the fresh components by shredding carrots, thawing edamame if frozen, slicing cucumber or bell peppers, and pickling onions by soaking sliced onions in vinegar to add tanginess.
- Assemble the Bowls: Begin by layering cooked brown rice at the base of each bowl. Top with shredded carrots, edamame, cucumber, and pickled onions to build a colorful and nutritious base.
- Add Salmon and Garnishes: Place the air fried salmon nuggets atop the vegetable layer. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions to add freshness and an herbal note.
- Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce: Finally, drizzle the creamy bang bang sauce over each bowl to add a spicy, tangy, and rich flavor that complements the salmon and vegetables perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these vibrant Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls immediately while warm. Enjoy a delicious, balanced meal packed with flavor and nutrition.
Notes
- Adjust the chili powder and sriracha amounts to control the spice level according to preference.
- Brown rice can be substituted with white rice or quinoa for different textures and nutritional profiles.
- Pickled onions add a tangy contrast; soak sliced onions in vinegar for at least 10-15 minutes before assembling.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, salmon can be oven baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
- The bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a lower calorie version, use light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of avocado oil mayo.
