If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and incredible texture, then you’ve got to try this Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender, perfectly seasoned salmon nuggets air fried to crispy perfection, nestled on a bed of wholesome brown rice, and topped with fresh veggies and a luscious, spicy, creamy bang bang sauce that ties every bite together. This dish is a quick, satisfying crowd-pleaser that feels both fresh and indulgent, making it a go-to anytime you want something vibrant, nourishing, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that bring together distinct flavors and textures. Each one adds something special: the salmon delivers richness and protein, the brown rice provides a nutty base, and the fresh veggies add crunch and vibrancy, while the creamy bang bang sauce gives it a spicy, sweet, and tangy punch that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Salmon (1 lb): Fresh or thawed for tender, flaky protein that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Brown Rice (2 cups): Nutty and wholesome, it’s the perfect hearty foundation; swap with white rice or quinoa if preferred.
- Shredded Carrots (1 cup): Adds fresh sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
- Edamame (1 cup): Frozen is fine, provides a satisfying bite and extra protein.
- Cucumber (1 cup): Or bell peppers for crunch and refreshing coolness.
- Pickled Onions (1 cup): Soaked in vinegar for tang and a bit of zing.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup): Or parsley for fresh herbal notes.
- Green Onion (2 stalks): Thinly sliced to garnish and add mild onion flavor.
- Sea Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Freshly ground for a subtle spicy kick.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Or fresh garlic for warm, aromatic depth.
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Or regular paprika for a subtle smoky undertone.
- Chili Powder (1/2 tsp): Adjust according to your spice preference.
- Avocado Oil Mayo (1/2 cup): Or regular mayo makes the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (3 tbsp): Adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Sriracha (1-2 tbsp): Adjust for heat to give the sauce its signature zing.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Provides bright acidity to balance flavors.
How to Make Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Salmon
Start by cutting the salmon into bite-sized nuggets, perfect for even cooking and easy eating. Then, generously season the pieces with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This simple spice blend layers smoky, savory, and mildly spicy notes onto the salmon that will shine once they’re air fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is waiting, whisk together the avocado oil mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—rich, creamy, tangy, and with just the right spicy kick. Feel free to tweak the sriracha quantity here if you want it milder or hotter.
Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes so it’s hot and ready. Then, place the seasoned salmon pieces in the basket, making sure they aren’t crowded—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to get a golden crust on each side while keeping the insides tender and flaky.
Step 4: Cook the Rice and Prepare Veggies
While the salmon cooks, prepare your brown rice according to the package instructions—it usually takes about 25 minutes, so timing works out nicely. Meanwhile, get your shredded carrots, edamame, cucumber, and pickled onions ready to layer in the bowls.
Step 5: Assemble Your Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Now the fun part: layering! Start with a generous scoop of warm brown rice at the bottom, then add the shredded carrots, edamame, cucumber, and those tangy pickled onions in pleasing, colorful sections. Top it all with your crispy salmon nuggets, sprinkle with cilantro and green onions, then finish with a beautiful drizzle of that creamy bang bang sauce. Each ingredient brings something unique, making every bite exciting and balanced.
How to Serve Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a burst of freshness, while thinly sliced green onions lend a mild zing and crunch. If you want extra heat, sprinkle on a few flakes of chili or drizzle more sriracha right on top. A wedge of lime or lemon on the side can brighten up the entire dish when squeezed over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This meal is often hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a light cucumber salad or miso soup can add refreshing contrast. Alternatively, some crisp spring rolls or steamed dumplings complement the Asian-inspired flavors beautifully and turn it into a fuller spread for guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve in simple bowls so everyone can mix and match ingredients to their liking. Hosting? Arrange the components buffet-style so guests can build their own bowls with all the toppings and sauce options. You can also try layering everything in mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the textures, especially keeping the salmon crispy for as long as possible. The creamy bang bang sauce can be stored in a sealed jar or small container for up to a week.
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon pieces separately on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Brown rice freezes well too. Avoid freezing the fresh veggies and sauce as they don’t thaw well and can become watery or lose their texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the air fryer or oven to bring back a bit of crispness—microwaving can make it soggy. Reheat rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water and cover it with a damp paper towel for fluffy results. Fresh veggies and sauce are best served cold or at room temperature when ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed before cutting and seasoning for even cooking and best texture in your Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute white rice or quinoa?
Yes, feel free to swap brown rice with white rice for a milder flavor or quinoa for a higher protein, gluten-free option. Each brings a slightly different taste and texture that still pairs wonderfully with the salmon and sauce.
How spicy is the creamy bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a kick from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce but it’s balanced out by the creamy mayo and tang from vinegar. You can easily adjust the heat by varying the amount of sriracha to fit your preference.
Can I bake the salmon instead of air frying?
Yes, baking is a good alternative. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy, though the air fryer tends to give that extra crispness that’s special to this recipe.
What can I use instead of avocado oil mayo?
Regular mayonnaise works perfectly fine here, or you can try a vegan mayo if you want a dairy-free option. The mayo choice mainly affects the creaminess and flavor of the bang bang sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls with Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite weeknight meals or impressive lunch-to-go options. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together faster than you might expect with ingredients you can find easily. The bright veggies, perfectly cooked salmon, and that addictive bang bang sauce make every bite a joy. So go ahead and whip this up—you’ll be so happy you did!
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and vibrant Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls featuring perfectly seasoned salmon nuggets air fried to crispy perfection, served over a bed of nutritious brown rice and fresh vegetables, all topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasonings
- 1 lb Salmon (fresh or thawed)
- 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)
Rice 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, shelled)
- 1 cup Cucumber (or bell peppers, sliced)
- 1 cup Pickled Onions (slice and soak in vinegar)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (or parsley, chopped)
- 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 desired heat)
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Salmon: Cut the salmon into nugget-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss them with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder until evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the avocado oil mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth and set aside for serving.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
- Air Fry 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.
- Cook Rice: While the salmon cooks, prepare the brown rice according to package instructions, which typically takes about 25 minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables: While rice and salmon cook, have your shredded carrots, edamame, cucumber, and pickled onions ready for assembling the bowls.
- Assemble Bowls: Start by layering cooked brown rice evenly in each bowl. Arrange shredded carrots, edamame, cucumber, and pickled onions on top of the rice.
- Add Salmon and Garnish: Top the bowls with the air fried salmon pieces. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.
- Drizzle and Serve: Generously drizzle the creamy bang bang sauce over each bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy these fresh and flavorful Air Fried Salmon Rice Bowls.
Notes
- To make pickled onions, slice onions thinly and soak in vinegar for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Adjust chili powder and sriracha quantities to match your spice tolerance.
- Substitute brown rice with quinoa or white rice if preferred.
- Edamame should be thawed if frozen before assembling.
- Ensure salmon pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- The bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
