Make These Easy and Healthy 30-Minute Salmon Bowls With Your Air Fryer

Move over taco bowls and rice bowls! Salmon bowls are having a well-deserved moment on social media, and it’s easy to see why. They combine healthy ingredients, bold flavors and endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or hearty and satisfying, these bowls are a go-to solution that never disappoints. Personally, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to make healthier food choices that still taste indulgent, and salmon bowls check all the boxes. Even better? This recipe uses an air fryer to cook the salmon to perfection in under 30 minutes, making it an easy and delicious option for busy weeknights. Plus, with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, fluffy rice and a sweet sauce tying it all together, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

What makes salmon bowls so popular?

Bowls are all the rage because they’re versatile and customizable—and salmon bowls are no exception. Combining flaky salmon, a hearty base like rice or quinoa and fresh toppings makes for a satisfying meal that feels gourmet and healthy.

@thechowdown

Salmon Rice Bowls 😍 Was absolutely craving one of these and this recipe definitely hit the spot! ~Salmon~ 1 lb skinless salmon, cut into bite sized pieces 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp honey 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp ginger paste or grated ginger 1-2 tsp sriracha, depending on spice preference ~Quick pickled cucumbers~ 2 mini cucumbers, sliced 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1/2 tsp sesame oil 1/2 tsp honey Pinch of salt ~Sauce~ 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or mayo 2 tsp sriracha 1/2 tsp rice vinegar ~For Serving ~ Rice Carrot matchsticks Edamame 1/2 avocado, sliced Furikake seasoning (from Trader Joe’s) or sesame seeds 1. Combine salmon and all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl and marinate salmon for at least 15 minutes. 2. Combine sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey and salt. Ensure all the cucumber slices are submerged and let sit for at least 15 minutes. 3. Combine sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust sriracha based on spice preference. 4. Place salmon pieces on a greased air fryer basket. Air fry salmon at 400°F for 6 minutes. Alternatively, salmon can be baked in the oven at 425° for 10 minutes. 5. Assemble bowls with rice, salmon, quick pickled cucumbers, carrots, edamame and avocado. Top with furikake seasoning or sesame seeds and a drizzle of the sriracha sauce. #fyp #foryoupage #salmonbites #salmonbowl #salmonbowls #mealideas #dinnerrecipes #dinnerinspo #eeeeeats

♬ original sound – thechowdown

This food trend gained popularity thanks to social media, where everyone from food bloggers to home cooks shared their unique creations. Whether it’s the salmon rice bowl popularized on TikTok or poke-inspired bowls, the concept is endlessly adaptable to your taste and dietary needs.

Why you’ll love them

This dish focuses on keeping things quick and easy. Instead of fussing with marinades or fancy techniques, it uses pantry staples like soy sauce, honey and sesame oil to create a simple yet flavorful glaze. The salmon cooks in the air fryer while you prepare the toppings, cutting down on hands-on time.

You can mix and match your base, veggies and sauces to suit whatever you have on hand, making it perfect for those days when you don’t feel like a grocery run.

Tips for perfect salmon bowls

A little prep goes a long way when building a salmon bowl. Here’s how to make yours truly shine:

Choose fresh salmon

Look for fresh, skin-on salmon fillets. The skin helps keep the fish moist during cooking, and it crisps up better in the air fryer, oven or a hot skillet.

Don’t overcook the salmon

Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. For perfectly cooked fish, aim for an internal temperature of 125–130°F.

Season generously

A simple glaze made with soy sauce, honey and sesame oil is all you need to elevate the salmon. But of course, you can always add other ingredients. Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or grated ginger for an extra kick.

Prep your ingredients ahead of time

Cut your veggies, cook your rice and mix your sauce before cooking the salmon. This ensures everything comes together smoothly and nothing gets soggy or cold.

Air fryer teriyaki salmon bowls recipe

With over 340 five-star reviews, it’s safe to say this recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch tastes good. There’s even fresh mango, green onions, cilantro and a homemade teriyaki sauce to drizzle on top.

Ingredients:

• 5 salmon fillets, 4 to 6 oz, each
• 2 cups dry jasmine rice (or preferred rice)
• 1½ cups edamame, shelled
• 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 2 mangos, peeled and cubed
• 2 avocados, peeled, seeded and cubed
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro,
• Sriracha mayo, for topping (optional)

Teriyaki sauce

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 Tbs. rice vinegar
• 1 Tbs. sesame oil
• ¼ cup + 1 Tbs. light brown sugar
• 1 Tbs. honey
• ¾ tsp. ground ginger
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• 2 tsp. cornstarch+ 2 tsp. water, for the cornstarch slurry
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings

1. For the teriyaki sauce, add all of the sauce ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for about one minute, until thickened, then cool.
2. Pour ¼ cup of the teriyaki sauce over the raw salmon, then set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Cook rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray basket with non-stick spray and place salmon filets inside. Air fry for about five to seven minutes, or until cooked through (flakes easily with fork).
4. Divide rice among the bowls and top with a piece of teriyaki salmon, some avocado, edamame, mango and cucumber.
5. Drizzle teriyaki and sriracha mayo over the top, then garnish with chopped green onion and cilantro.

Make-ahead and storage tips

Salmon bowls are excellent for meal prep. Cook the salmon and rice ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or oven to prevent it from drying out. Fresh toppings like avocado, cucumbers or pickled radishes should be added just before serving.