Go Back

Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowls - Fast, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Salmon: 1 to 1.5 pounds skin-on salmon fillets (4 portions)
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine) or quinoa
  • Vegetables: 1 cucumber, 2 carrots, 1 small avocado, 2 cups shredded red or green cabbage, 2 green onions
  • Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
  • Teriyaki sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for extra gloss and sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
  • Oil and seasoning: Avocado or olive oil spray, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Toppings: Sesame seeds, lime wedges, sriracha or chili crisp, pickled ginger (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the rice and veggies: Cook rice if you haven’t already. Slice cucumber, shred or thinly slice cabbage, ribbon or grate carrots, dice avocado, and slice green onions. Set aside.
  2. Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, mirin (if using), minced garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 30–60 seconds until glossy and slightly thick. Remove from heat.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Line the basket with a perforated parchment sheet or lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
  4. Season the salmon: Pat fillets dry. Lightly oil and season with salt and pepper. Brush a thin layer of teriyaki sauce on top. Reserve the rest for glazing and drizzling.
  5. Air fry: Place salmon skin-side down in a single layer. Cook 7–10 minutes depending on thickness, until the flesh flakes easily and the internal temperature reaches about 125–130°F for medium (or your preferred doneness). Brush with more teriyaki in the last 1–2 minutes for a sticky finish.
  6. Warm the rice: If needed, reheat rice until hot and fluffy. A splash of water and a quick microwave helps revive leftover rice.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Add rice to each bowl. Top with cabbage, cucumber, carrots, and avocado. Place a salmon fillet on top and spoon over extra teriyaki sauce.
  8. Finish with toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions. Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili crisp if you like heat. Serve with lime wedges for brightness.