Bang Bang Salmon Bowls

These bang bang salmon bowls bring together tender, crispy air fried salmon bites smothered in a creamy and sweet spicy sauce all layered over fluffy rice and crisp vegetables. It’s a vibrant, protein packed meal that comes together quickly and can be tailored to your taste with endless veggie options and toppings. This recipe hits the spot for weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful and satisfying but without a lot of fuss.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick but special. Now it’s a regular go to because my family loves how the crunchy veggies play against the warm salmon bites and creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: cut into cubes for even cooking and crispy edges skinless works best to hold seasoning
• Brown sugar: adds a subtle caramel sweetness that balances the spices and sauce
• Garlic powder: for a warm and savory flavor that rounds out the seasoning
• Ground ginger: brings a fresh zing and mild heat to complement the bang bang sauce
• Salt: seasons the salmon so the flavors pop but doesn’t overwhelm
• Black pepper: adds a little kick
• Smoked paprika: lends smoky depth and a rich color that makes the salmon look as good as it tastes
• Japanese mayonnaise: known as Kewpie mayonnaise gives the sauce an irresistible creamy richness but regular mayo works too
• Thai sweet chili sauce: brings sweetness with a touch of spice to the sauce’s signature flavor
• Honey: sweetens the sauce further and cuts the heat from the sriracha nicely
• Sriracha: adds controlled heat you can adjust amount depending on your spice preference
• Fresh lime juice: brightens the sauce and balances its richness
• Cooked white rice: such as jasmine or basmati serves as the perfect fluffy base for the bowl
• Sliced cucumber: adds cool freshness that contrasts with the warm salmon and sauce
• Shredded red cabbage: offers crunch color and a slight bitterness that rounds out the textures
• Shredded carrots: bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color
• Shelled edamame: adds plant based protein and texture
• Cooked broccoli: is a hearty colorful vegetable that stands up well in bowls
• Sliced green onions: add fresh sharpness
• Microgreens: for garnish are optional but add a fancy restaurant feel
• Sesame seeds: garnish provide a nutty crunch for the finishing touch

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Some models require preheating so check your air fryer’s instructions to be sure.

Prepare and Season the Salmon:

Mix cubed salmon with brown sugar garlic powder ground ginger salt black pepper and smoked paprika in a medium bowl. Toss gently until the salmon is evenly coated with the seasoning blend ensuring each bite will be flavorful.

Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce:

In a separate bowl combine Japanese mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce honey sriracha and fresh lime juice. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust any ingredient to suit your preferences. Divide the sauce into two portions. Cover one half and refrigerate to use for drizzling later.

Coat the Salmon:

Toss the remaining half of the bang bang sauce with the seasoned salmon cubes making sure each piece is well covered in that creamy spicy sweet goodness.

Air Fry the Salmon:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer without crowding to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Work in batches if necessary. Air fry for around 5 to 6 minutes then carefully flip the salmon pieces and cook them for another 5 to 6 minutes until they are cooked through and slightly caramelized.

Repeat and Garnish:

Transfer cooked salmon bites to a plate and repeat the cooking process with remaining batches. Once all are cooked drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.

Build Your Bowl:

Start with a scoop of cooked white rice in each bowl. Pile on the warm bang bang salmon bites followed by your choice of crisp cucumber slices shredded carrots red cabbage edamame broccoli or any toppings you prefer. Finish with extra sauce drizzle and a sprinkle of microgreens or sesame seeds if you like.

This recipe’s key ingredient for me is the Japanese mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce. It makes the sauce lush and creamy in a way regular mayo just can’t match. It’s such a simple change but it instantly lifts the whole bowl. One memorable night I made this for friends and watched everyone go back for seconds of the sauce alone it’s that addictive!

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce can be refrigerated separately to keep textures fresh. To reheat warm the salmon gently in the air fryer or oven to crisp it back up without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the fish rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular mayonnaise if Japanese mayo is not available and expect a slightly less rich sauce. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile but stick to granular sugar for caramelization. If you do not have Thai sweet chili sauce mix honey with a little chili garlic sauce or sriracha adjusted to balance sweetness and heat. Serve with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lower carb or paleo friendly option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the bowls with a light Asian inspired cucumber salad or simple pickled vegetables for extra brightness. Drizzle extra bang bang sauce generously just before serving to keep everything saucy and flavorful. Add crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch if you like a nutty texture contrast.

Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer to bring back crispness.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What is the best way to cook the salmon?

Air frying salmon cubes at 400°F for 5-6 minutes per side yields crispy edges and tender centers. Baking is an alternative with similar times.

→ How do I make the bang bang sauce?

Combine Japanese mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh lime juice for a creamy, sweet-spicy flavor that complements the salmon.

→ Can I customize the bowls with different vegetables?

Absolutely! Add or swap toppings like shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, cucumber, avocado, broccoli, or pickled onions to suit your taste.

→ What can I serve instead of white rice?

Cauliflower rice, shredded cabbage, big salads, or even lettuce wraps work well as lower-carb or different base alternatives.

→ How do I avoid overcrowding the air fryer?

Cook salmon in batches if needed, arranging pieces in a single layer for even crisping and cooking.