Some nights, you just want dinner to come together without fuss but still feel like you’re treating yourself. This air fryer salmon bowl with spicy mayo hits that sweet spot. It’s all about that crispy-edged salmon paired with a cool crunch of fresh veggies and a drizzle of creamy heat that makes each bite linger.
I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen was a bit chaotic — I was juggling a work call while trying to keep an eye on the air fryer timer, and honestly, I almost forgot the spicy mayo until the last minute. The aroma of paprika and garlic hitting the hot salmon was so inviting that it pulled my attention right back. When I finally sat down, that combination of warm, flaky fish and the tangy mayo over fluffy rice felt like a small victory after a hectic day. Plus, the avocado slices weren’t perfectly even, but somehow that made it feel more homemade and real.
Why you’ll love it:
- Fast cooking thanks to the air fryer — no need to babysit the stove for long.
- Balanced flavors with smoky spices, creamy spicy mayo, and fresh veggies that keep it light.
- Simple ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes — it’s quick, but not rushed.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good food.
If you’re worried about it being too spicy, you can always adjust the mayo to your taste — or use less sriracha until you find the right kick. And if you’re not a fan of jasmine rice, I’ve tried it with brown rice or even quinoa, though it changes the texture a bit.
PrintAir Fryer Salmon Bowl with Spicy Mayo
A delicious and healthy air fryer salmon bowl topped with creamy spicy mayo, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets, skin on, about 6 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Remove rice from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the rice cooks, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the salmon fillets evenly with the olive oil spice mixture on all sides.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice until smooth to make the spicy mayo.
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice evenly between two bowls.
Top each bowl with shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and avocado slices.
Place one cooked salmon fillet on top of each bowl.
Drizzle the spicy mayo over the salmon and vegetables.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Kitchen Notes: The air fryer makes this whole process feel effortless, especially if you have one with a reliable timer and temperature control. Serving it with a wedge of lime on the side adds a fresh burst just before eating, which I usually forget but love. For some extra crunch, tossing in toasted sesame seeds or swapping out cucumbers for pickled radishes can add a fun twist. I also sometimes swap the shredded carrots for thinly sliced bell peppers when I’m short on time—it’s not quite the same, but it works.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon fillets? You can, but I recommend thawing them first for a more even cook in the air fryer.
Is the spicy mayo very hot? It has a gentle heat that you can dial back by reducing the sriracha or mixing in a bit more mayo.
Can I prep this ahead? The rice and mayo can be made in advance, but the salmon is best cooked fresh to keep that crisp skin.
Ready to make this your go-to weeknight meal? Grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking.