Air Fryer Salmon Bowl: Easy Recipe in 20 Minutes!

January 9, 2026

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air fryer salmon bowl is about to become your new weeknight obsession. This vibrant and healthy meal comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering flaky, perfectly cooked salmon nestled on a bed of your favorite grains and veggies. Trust me, this air fryer salmon bowl is not only delicious but ridiculously easy too.

Growing up, my grandmother always emphasized the importance of a balanced meal, but let’s be honest, some healthy recipes can be a little…boring. That’s where this bowl shines. The air fryer gives the salmon a crispy exterior while keeping it moist and tender inside. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Follow us on Pinterest for similar quick and easy recipes.

Why You Will Love This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

This air fryer salmon bowl recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a weekend lunch. The combination of tender salmon, wholesome grains, and crisp vegetables makes for a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

Not only healthy but also customizable. You can use your favorite grains like quinoa, rice, or farro. Experiment with different veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes. For dressing, try a simple lemon vinaigrette or a creamy sriracha mayo. So many possibilities and it couldn’t be any easier using your air fryer.

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Plus, if you have leftover salmon, you can easily repurpose it into an Air Fryer Salmon Salad the next day. Talk about efficient cooking!

Ingredients Needed for This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

For the Salmon:

* 2 Salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin on or off * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 teaspoon paprika * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Bowl:

* 2 cups cooked quinoa (or rice, farro, or grain of choice) * 1 cup chopped broccoli florets * 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color) * 1/4 cup shredded carrots * 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional) * 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

* 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1 tablespoon lemon juice * 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup) * 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard * Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the salmon. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
4. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
5. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Check for doneness after 8 minutes—you want it cooked, but not dry.
6. While the salmon is cooking, steam or saute the broccoli and bell peppers until tender-crisp. Just a few minutes will do.
7. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked quinoa (or other grain) between two bowls. Top with steamed or sautéed broccoli and bell peppers, shredded carrots, and the air fried salmon.
9. Drizzle with the dressing and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced avocado, if desired.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy! This salmon goes just as well in Air Fryer Salmon Tacos.

How to Serve This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Serve your air fryer salmon bowl immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can pair it with a side of edamame or a light cucumber salad for a complete and balanced meal.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also try topping it with a spicy sriracha mayo or a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

If you are feeling extra fancy, plate the salmon bowl artfully by arranging the ingredients in a visually appealing way. A little presentation goes a long way and makes it a very pretty presentation

How to Store This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Store any leftover components of the air fryer salmon bowl separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Cooked salmon can be stored for up to 3 days. Grains and vegetables can also be stored for up to 3 days.

Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or air fryer before assembling the bowl. While not ideal, you can briefly freeze the cooked salmon as well for up to a month in an airtight container. Let it thaw completely and reheat gently before serving.

Tips to Make This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out any ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Instead of quinoa, try brown rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. Substitute your favourite vegetables, the options are endless!
Success Tips: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help it crisp up in the air fryer. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
Common Mistakes: Overcooking the salmon will result in a dry and rubbery texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Pro Tips: Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before air frying it for even more flavor. Also, remember to lightly oil your air fryer basket when starting this air, fryer, salmon recipe so the ingredients don’t stick.

Helpful Notes for This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

For the salmon, I recommend using fillets that are about 1 inch thick for even cooking. If your fillets are thinner, reduce the air frying time accordingly.

You can use fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe. If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. I let mine sit in the fridge the night before.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.

Variation of This air fryer salmon bowl Recipe

For a summery twist, add grilled corn and black beans to your air fryer salmon bowl. You can also top it with a scoop of mango salsa for a tropical vibe.

In the fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the bowl. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm and cozy flavor.

In the winter, this air fryer salmon bowl can be served with a creamy sauce. Air Fryer Chicken Bowl instructions can easily be implemented for an added touch here.

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

Salmon typically cooks in an air fryer for 8-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness of the fillet. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness.

What temperatures are best for making air fryer salmon?

The best temperature for air frying salmon is 400°F (200°C). This allows the salmon to cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a moist and flaky texture.

What are good toppings for an air fryer salmon bowl?

Great toppings for an air fryer salmon bowl include avocado, sesame seeds, sriracha mayo, pickled ginger, and chopped scallions. These add flavor, texture, and freshness to the dish.

What grains are best to pair with an air fryer salmon bowl?

Popular grain options for serving with air fryer salmon include quinoa, brown rice, and couscous. Opt for grains which provide a good base for absorbing sauces and flavors from the salmon.

Conclusion

This air fryer salmon bowl recipe is a flavorful and incredibly simple meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s completely customizable, healthy, and sure to satisfy your cravings. The star? Perfectly cooked salmon thanks to the magic of the air fryer. So go ahead, grab your apron, and create your own version of this amazing air fryer salmon bowl. I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.