Air Fryer Salmon Bowl: Easiest Recipe EVER!

Name: Air Fryer Salmon Bowl: Easiest Recipe EVER!
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Ingredients: 2 salmon filets (6-8 ounces each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup steamed broccoli florets; 1/2 cup edamame, shelled; 1/4 cup shredded carrots; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey (optional); Sriracha (optional)

January 8, 2026

By:

Navy

Air fryer salmon bowl, the perfect weeknight dinner solution, is finally here! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious and healthy meal in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes that require hours in the kitchen; this air fryer salmon bowl is about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, the gotastyrecipes.com way! Enjoy it.

This air fryer salmon bowl is inspired by my grandmother’s philosophy: good food should be approachable and enjoyable. She always said, “Martha, even salmon can be a quick fix!” And with this recipe, she’s absolutely right. Let’s get cooking!

Why You Will Love This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

This air fryer salmon bowl is a game changer for busy weeknights or anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal without the fuss. The air fryer crisps the salmon to perfection, while the accompanying ingredients bring a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.

It’s incredibly easy to customize, too! Use what you have on hand or switch up the veggies and grains to match your preferences. Are you looking for an alternative bowl? Then check out this Air Fryer Chicken Bowl!

Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Versatile: Easily customizable to your taste.
Delicious: Crispy salmon and flavorful toppings create a symphony of flavors.
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own flavor packed air fryer salmon bowl:

For the Salmon:

2 salmon filets (6-8 ounces each), skin on or off
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
1 avocado, diced
1 cup steamed broccoli florets
1/2 cup edamame, shelled
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Sriracha (optional)

How to Make This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Ready to create your delicious air fryer salmon bowl? Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time!

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.

2. Air Fry the Salmon: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon filets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Check for doneness by flaking the salmon with a fork. If you are looking for something else with that salmon you air fried, check out this Air Fryer Salmon Tacos!

3. Prepare the Dressing: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey (if using), and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or rice between two bowls. Top with the air fried salmon, diced avocado, steamed broccoli, edamame, and shredded carrots.

5. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

This air fryer salmon bowl is a complete meal in itself, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level:

Add a drizzle of spicy mayo: Mix sriracha with mayonnaise for a creamy and flavorful kick.
Top with pickled ginger: A small amount adds a zingy freshness.
Serve with a side of seaweed salad: Adds an extra layer of umami flavor.
Garnish with green onions or cilantro: A pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Store This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Proper storage will help you enjoy leftovers of the air fryer salmon bowl without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Refrigeration instructions: Store the assembled bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the salmon separate from the other ingredients until ready to eat.
Freezing guidelines: Freezing the assembled bowl isn’t recommended, as the avocado and cooked grains can become mushy. You *can* freeze the cooked salmon separately for up to 1 month. Let it thaw completely before reheating.
Reheating tips: Reheat the salmon in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Shelf life information: Stored properly, the assembled bowl can last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Tips to Make This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your air fryer salmon bowl turns out perfect every time:

Ingredient swaps: Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables with your favorites, such as bell peppers, cucumber, or spinach. For a lower carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of quinoa or rice.
Success tips: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you are cooking more than two salmon filets, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
Common mistakes to avoid: Overcooking the salmon is a common mistake. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Pro tips for best results: For extra crispy salmon, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the salmon.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

A few extra notes to ensure cooking success!

Salmon: Use skin-on or skinless salmon filets, depending on your preference. If using skin-on, you can crisp up the skin by placing the salmon skin side up for the last few minutes of cooking.
Air Fryer: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Soy Sauce/Tamari: Use low sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) to control the salt content of the dish. This also makes an excellent Air Fryer Salmon Salad!

Variation of This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different variations of this air fryer salmon bowl to suit your taste.

Spicy Salmon Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salmon seasoning or mix sriracha into the dressing.
Mediterranean Salmon Bowl: Use couscous as the base and add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese.
Teriyaki Salmon Bowl: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce in the dressing and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Citrus Salmon Bowl: Add fresh orange or lemon slices to the bowl.

How long does it take to cook salmon in an air fryer?

Typically, salmon cooks in an air fryer in about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness of the fillet. Always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for doneness.

What are some good toppings for an air fryer salmon bowl?

Popular toppings include avocado, edamame, shredded carrots, cucumber, sesame seeds, spring onions and a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a teriyaki glaze! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables and sauces.

Is air fryer salmon bowl a healthy meal?

Yes, an air fryer salmon bowl is a very healthy meal! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. When combined with healthy grains and vegetables, it makes for a well-balanced and nutritious dish.

Can I use frozen salmon for this air fryer recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it’s best to thaw it completely first. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking for best results and even cooking.

Conclusion

This air fryer salmon bowl is a testament to how easy, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinners can be. With crispy, perfectly cooked salmon and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So give this air fryer salmon bowl a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!