Pin The first time I tried those viral salmon bites from social media, I was skeptical about the hype. One crispy bite later and I was completely converted to the way hot, seasoned salmon contrasts with cool, fresh vegetables. Now it is the weeknight dinner I actually look forward to making.
My roommate walked in while I was testing this recipe and immediately asked for a bowl. We ended up eating standing up at the counter because neither of us wanted to wait to set the table. That is how good this smells when it comes out of the air fryer.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet: Cutting into 2 cm cubes gives you more surface area for that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender
- Soy sauce: The base of our marinade that adds that essential umami depth
- Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil is non negotiable here for that rich, nutty aroma
- Honey or maple syrup: Helps the salmon get those gorgeous caramelized bits in the air fryer
- Sriracha: Optional in the marinade but I always add it for that subtle background heat
- Garlic powder: Distributes more evenly than fresh garlic in a quick marinade
- Jasmine rice: Sushi rice works too but jasmine has this natural floral sweetness that pairs beautifully
- Cucumber and avocado: The cool creaminess balances the hot, crispy salmon perfectly
- Pickled ginger: Adds those bright, pickled notes that make every bite pop
- Nori sheets: Cutting them into strips gives you that sushi bar flavor without rolling anything
- Mayonnaise and sriracha: This simple spicy mayo is what ties the whole bowl together
- Lime juice: Cuts through the richness and brightens the entire dish
Instructions
- Marinate the salmon:
- Toss salmon cubes with soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, honey, garlic powder and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep everything else.
- Cook the salmon:
- Arrange salmon in a single layer in your air fryer at 200°C for 7 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway through for even browning.
- Make the spicy mayo:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha and lime juice until smooth. Adjust heat to your liking.
- Assemble the bowls:
- Divide rice between two bowls. Arrange cucumber, avocado, pickled ginger, carrot and nori strips in sections on top.
- Finish and serve:
- Add hot salmon bites right on top, drizzle generously with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.
Pin This bowl became my go to after a long day at work when I want something that feels special but does not take forever to make. There is something so satisfying about all those different textures in one spoonful.
Rice Makes the Base
I have found that fluffing the rice with a fork and letting it cool slightly makes the perfect foundation. Hot rice works too but slightly warm rice holds up better when you are mixing all those toppings together.
Getting the Right Crisp
The air fryer is definitely the way to go for that restaurant style crunch. An oven works but you might need an extra 2 to 3 minutes to get the same golden edges.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this bowl is how adaptable it is to what you have in the fridge. Once you have the crispy salmon and spicy mayo down, you can really play around.
- Add some edamame for extra protein if you are feeling extra hungry
- Radish slices bring this lovely peppery crunch that I started loving last summer
- A drizzle of extra soy sauce at the end never hurt anyone
Pin Hope this bowl becomes a regular in your rotation like it has in mine. Happy cooking.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I cook the salmon bites evenly?
Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer or oven tray and turn halfway to ensure even crispness.
- → Can I substitute the rice with a low-carb option?
Yes, cauliflower rice works well as a low-carb alternative without compromising texture.
- → What vegetables complement the salmon bites best?
Fresh cucumber, avocado, pickled ginger, carrot, and nori add crisp textures and balanced flavors.
- → How spicy is the sauce, and can it be adjusted?
The spicy mayo has a mild heat from sriracha; you can reduce or omit it to suit your preference.
- → Is this dish suitable for pescatarians?
Yes, it features salmon and plant-based toppings fitting a pescatarian diet.