I still remember the first time I made my Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo. It was a busy weeknight, and I had little time but wanted something that felt special and packed with flavor. My friend had actually introduced me to the idea—she swore by air frying salmon for that crispy finish without a ton of oil. I tweaked her approach by adding a creamy, spicy mayo sauce that brought everything together like magic. Since then, this dish has become a staple in our kitchen rotation.
What makes this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo special is how straightforward it is without feeling basic. You get that crispy air fryer salmon that’s tender on the inside, all topped with a spicy mayo sauce that gives it a lively kick. The best part is you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. It fits perfectly into real-life cooking when you want a healthy salmon bowl recipe that’s delicious, filling, and quick enough for weeknights or casual gatherings.
I often find my family reaching for seconds, and guests asking for the recipe. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hoping to impress without the fuss, this Asian-inspired salmon bowl hits the spot every time. If you’re someone who loves dishes that balance flavor with ease, you’ll want to keep reading. I promise, this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo recipe is a game-changer in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll gather for the Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo:
- Salmon fillets (4 pieces, about 6 oz each) – Fresh or thawed frozen salmon both work well.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – For brushing on the salmon to help it crisp up.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Found easily in the spice aisle; adds a subtle depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) – You can swap this for regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Season well for balanced flavor.
- Cooked jasmine or brown rice (3 cups) – This forms the base of your healthy salmon bowl recipe.
- Cucumber (1 medium, sliced) – Brings a refreshing crunch.
- Avocado (1 ripe, sliced) – Creaminess that balances the spicy mayo sauce perfectly.
- Carrots (1 cup shredded) – Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Green onions (2 chopped) – For freshness and garnish.
- Spicy mayo sauce:
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup) – I use homemade mayo to get that creamy texture (you can check out my easy Homemade Mayonnaise recipe). Store-bought works fine, too.
- Sriracha (2 tablespoons) – Adjust for your spice tolerance.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon) – Adds a bright, tangy note.
- Honey (1 teaspoon) – Just a touch to balance heat.
No problem if you don’t have jasmine rice—white or even quinoa can be a good swap in your Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo. Using frozen salmon is a budget-friendly move, and it keeps well in the fridge or freezer if you aren’t cooking all at once.
A quick kitchen tip: prepping your spicy mayo sauce in advance saves time during the week. It also keeps well in the fridge for a few days if you want to whip up a couple of servings without the extra work.

Let’s Cook It Together!
1. Prep your salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry. This step helps the seasoning stick better and ensures that crispy air fryer salmon finish.
2. Season well: Brush the salmon with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly. This simple rub is what brings that Asian-inspired salmon bowl flavor to life.
3. Preheat your air fryer: Get your air fryer to 400°F. I usually let it heat for about five minutes while I prepare the rest.
4. Air fry the salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down in the basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overcrowd the basket — if needed, cook in batches for that perfect crispy air fryer salmon texture.
5. Make your spicy mayo sauce: While the salmon cooks, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and add more sriracha if you want it spicier. This spicy mayo sauce is the heart of the dish—creamy, tangy, and with a little kick.
6. Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice among your serving bowls. Arrange cucumber slices, avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions around the rice. Place the crispy air fryer salmon on top.
7. Drizzle the spicy mayo: Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to add the spicy mayo sauce over the salmon and veggies. It’s what turns this from a simple bowl into a crowd-pleaser.
From start to finish, this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo takes me about 30 minutes. While your salmon is cooking, preparing the sauce and chopping veggies gets you multitasking like a pro. Your kitchen will smell incredible, with the paprika and garlic teasing the air.
If your salmon looks a little less crispy than you hoped, no worries—bite into it, and the air frying gives it that nice texture that’s almost impossible with other cooking methods. Plus, the vibrant spicy mayo sauce steals the show every time. A trick I’ve learned: giving the salmon a minute to rest after air frying keeps it juicy.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
I usually serve this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo straight from the bowl with chopsticks or a fork—either way works! For sides, I love pairing it with a simple miso soup or steamed edamame, which add a comforting, light touch without stealing the spotlight.
This dish really shines as a quick dinner on busy weeknights when you want a healthy salmon bowl recipe that feels like a treat. It’s also a fantastic option for casual gatherings—you can quickly scale it up or down depending on who’s coming to the table.

For a simple presentation idea, drizzle a little extra spicy mayo sauce around the edges of the bowl and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. It adds texture and looks inviting.
Leftovers? No problem. I find that the air fried fish meal holds up well in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep the salmon crispy before serving. Alternatively, turn your leftover Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo into a wrap or salad the next day for a fresh twist.
By the way, if you’re curious about other Asian-inspired salmon bowls, this recipe reminds me of a fantastic take on sticky salmon bowls I saw from Air Fryer Sticky Salmon Bowls. Also, if you like experimenting, you might enjoy some fun ideas like air fryer salmon rice paper wraps or salmon bites with savory soy marinade.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the spicy mayo sauce and chop your veggies in advance to save time. I recommend air frying the salmon just before serving for the best crispy texture, but if needed, you can cook it a few hours ahead and gently reheat.
What’s the best substitute for sriracha in the spicy mayo sauce?
If you don’t have sriracha, try another hot sauce like chili garlic sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into the mayo. It won’t be exactly the same but still adds that spicy mayo sauce warmth.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely. Just thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Frozen salmon is an affordable option and works wonderfully for this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo.
How do I adjust this recipe for more servings?
Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. The air fryer basket size might limit how many fillets you cook at once, so cook in batches if needed.
Can I swap out the rice for something else?
I often use quinoa or cauliflower rice when I want a lower-carb option. Both absorb flavors well and pair nicely with the crispy air fryer salmon.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce or omit the sriracha in the spicy mayo sauce and add a squeeze of lemon or lime for brightness instead. It’s still tasty and creamy without the heat.
How can I add more veggies?
Great question! Feel free to toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed mushrooms alongside the standard veggies. The Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo adapts easily to whatever you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo holds a special place in my recipe collection because it delivers on all counts: flavor, simplicity, and that “wow” factor your family or guests notice. It’s one of the most reliable dinner ideas when I need something tasty but doable.
My Best Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo Tips:
1. Pat the salmon dry before seasoning for crispiness.
2. Don’t skip the spicy mayo sauce—it’s the flavor booster.
3. Cook salmon skin-side down for a nice crisp texture.
I’ve tested variations using teriyaki glaze in place of the paprika rub for a different sweet-savory twist, swapped rice for creamy avocado rice bowls (check out my Teriyaki Salmon Avocado Rice recipe), and even served the salmon medallions over salad greens with a drizzle of orange-teriyaki sauce (inspired by my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce). The spicy mayo version gets requested most often—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
I encourage you to make this Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo your own. Play with the spice level, veggies, or grains—whatever fits your kitchen and your family’s tastes. I hope you’ll love how easy and delicious it is to bring this to your table. You’ve got this!
Air Fryer Salmon Bowl With Spicy Mayo
This Air Fryer Salmon Bowl features perfectly cooked salmon paired with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce and fresh vegetables, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 green onion, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and brush with olive oil; season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon cooks, mix mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl to make the spicy mayo sauce.
- Prepare the bowl by placing cooked jasmine rice as the base.
- Top the rice with diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
- Once salmon is cooked, flake it into large chunks and add to the bowl.
- Drizzle the spicy mayo over the bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in soy sauce and a little honey for 15 minutes before air frying.