Bang Bang Salmon Bowls

These bang bang salmon bowls have quickly become my goto for a weeknight dinner that feels both special and effortless. The combination of tender, air fried salmon bites coated in a creamy, sweetandspicy sauce over rice with fresh crunchy veggies is simply unbeatable. It satisfies cravings with bold flavors while still being light and nourishing.

I first made this during a hectic week when I needed something tasty but quick. Now my family asks for it regularly because of the fun textures and bright flavors.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: skinless preferred for even cooking and easy seasoning, cut into cubes for crisp edges
• Brown sugar: adds a lovely caramelized sweetness balancing spice and salt
• Garlic powder: provides a warm, savory base to the seasoning mix
• Ground ginger: brings subtle heat and zing that complements the sauce
• Salt: seasons the fish just right
• Black pepper: adds a gentle bite
• Smoked paprika: gives smoky depth and beautiful color to the salmon bites
• Japanese mayonnaise: richer and creamier than regular mayo, key for the luscious sauce easy to substitute with regular mayo if needed
• Thai sweet chili sauce: sweet and spicy sticky sauce that defines the bang bang flavor
• Honey: adds natural sweetness to balance heat
• Sriracha: gives the heat level, adjustable to taste
• Fresh lime juice: brightens and cuts through the rich sauce
• Cooked jasmine or basmati rice: classic base with fluffy texture
• Sliced cucumber: crisp and cooling contrast to the warm salmon
• Shredded red cabbage: adds crunchy bitterness and vivid color
• Shredded carrots: sweet and vibrant for extra veggie goodness
• Shelled edamame: boosts texture and plant protein
• Cooked broccoli: hearty vegetable that pairs well in bowls
• Sliced green onions: fresh and sharp note
• Microgreens and sesame seeds: optional garnishes for a nutty crunch and restaurant worthy look

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Prep Your Salmon:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius if your model requires it. In a medium bowl, add cubed salmon along with brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Gently toss everything until the salmon is evenly coated. This step builds a sweet and smoky base flavor that shines through after air frying.

Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:

Whisk together Japanese mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh lime juice in a separate bowl. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking. Divide the sauce into two portions, set aside one portion in the fridge for drizzling later.

Coat Salmon with Sauce and Air Fry:

Pour one portion of the sauce over the seasoned salmon and gently toss to coat every piece in the creamy sweet spicy mixture. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry the salmon for 5 to 6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and repeat with remaining salmon.

Assemble the Bowls:

Start with a scoop of fluffy white rice in your bowl. Pile on the warm salmon bites and add your choice of crunchy, fresh veggies like cucumber, shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, and broccoli. Drizzle generously with the reserved bang bang sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and microgreens for a beautiful finishing touch.

I love how the smoked paprika works with the sweet chili sauce to create a flavor combo that feels both smoky and tangy in every bite. One time I made this for a cozy weekend lunch and ended up making extra because everyone wanted seconds, these bowls just have a way of bringing people together.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat salmon gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispness. Keep cut veggies fresh in separate containers for quick assembly later.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular mayonnaise if Japanese mayonnaise is unavailable. Maple syrup or agave can substitute honey for a vegan friendly sauce. Swap jasmine or basmati rice for cauliflower rice for lower carbs. Try different veggies like zucchini noodles, snap peas, or roasted sweet potatoes depending on season and preference.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect as a bowl but also works well stuffed in warm tortillas or nori sheets for handheld wraps. For a party, try skewering the salmon bites and serving with extra bang bang dip on the side. Pair with light cucumber salad or miso soup for a complete meal.

These bowls are quick to make and endlessly customizable for busy weeknights. Air frying gives crisp caramelized edges while keeping cleanup simple.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of salmon works best?

Skinless salmon fillets cut into cubes provide even cooking and crispy edges, ideal for air frying.

→ Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy sweet-spicy sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.

→ How do I cook salmon without an air fryer?

You can bake the seasoned salmon on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through.

→ What are good vegetable toppings for these bowls?

Crisp cucumbers, shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, and sliced green onions add great freshness and texture.

→ Is it possible to customize the bowl for a low-carb diet?

Yes, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or extra shredded vegetables to reduce carbs while keeping flavors vibrant.

→ How long should I air fry the salmon bites?

Air fry salmon cubes for 5–6 minutes on each side at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and slightly caramelized.