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Salmon Rice Bowl in the Air Fryer

Salmon Rice Bowl in the Air Fryer

A quick, hands-off salmon rice bowl cooked entirely in the air fryer. Flaky salmon fillet sits atop fluffy rice with roasted vegetables, all ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep in a compact kitchen.

2
Servings
10m
Prep
18m
Cook
520
Calories
38g
Protein
This recipe uses the air fryer's dry heat to cook salmon and vegetables simultaneously while rice cooks on the stovetop. If you prefer a one-appliance method, cook rice first, then layer everything in an oven-safe bowl and air fry the salmon and vegetables on top.
Asian-inspiredgluten-freedairy-freeweeknightmeal-prep

Ingredients

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
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Steps

  1. 1. Prep

  2. 2. Air Fry

  3. 3. Finish

Viral Salmon Rice Bowl on TikTok

This air fryer salmon rice bowl became a TikTok favorite for its speed and simplicity. The key to the viral appeal is the visual contrast of flaky salmon over bright vegetables and fluffy rice, all achieved hands-off in the air fryer. You can customize toppings with sriracha mayo, furikake, or extra sesame oil to match trending versions.

Meal Prep Your Salmon Rice Bowls

Prepare this bowl in bulk by cooking extra salmon and vegetables in the air fryer, then storing them separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Divide rice into meal-prep containers and top with cold salmon and vegetables when ready to eat, or reheat gently in the microwave for 90 seconds. Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Salmon Rice Bowls

Store leftover assembled bowls in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the rice may dry slightly. For best results, store rice, salmon, and vegetables separately and reassemble when ready to eat. Reheat the salmon and vegetables in the air fryer at 320°F for 4 minutes, or microwave covered for 60 to 90 seconds until warm.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cook the rice in the air fryer too?
Air fryers are not ideal for cooking rice from raw due to uneven moisture distribution. Cook rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker, then layer it in the bowl before air frying the salmon and vegetables on top.
What temperature and time do I use for air fryer salmon?
Preheat to 390°F and cook salmon fillets for 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. A 5-ounce fillet cooks through in about 12 minutes. Check for doneness by gently flaking the thickest part with a fork; it should separate easily.
How do I keep the salmon moist in the air fryer?
Pat the salmon dry before cooking, brush lightly with oil, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Don't flip the salmon; cook skin-side down for the entire time. Stop cooking as soon as it flakes easily to prevent drying out.
Can I use frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes. Thaw frozen salmon fillets first for even cooking, or add 3 to 5 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen. Pat dry and season the same way as fresh salmon.

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