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About This Recipe
PSA! Salmon Sushi Bowls have entered the chat! These sushi bowls are insanely flavorful and so easy to come together. And bonus, they pack a serious nutrition punch!
This recipe comes together super quickly since we’re cooking the salmon in the air fryer. And then really at that’s left is preparing the sticky rice. You can make your own or use store bought. All the other toppings take two seconds to grab and slice!
These bowls work perfect for meal prep and you can enjoy them straight from the fridge without needing to microwave. You can go ahead and assemble in containers or keep components stored separate and assemble when ready to eat.
I love salmon!! Definitely check out my bang bang salmon bites, pesto baked salmon and salmon burgers if you do too. If you prefer to enjoy your salmon raw, try my salmon cauliflower rice poke bowl!
Why You’ll Love These Salmon Sushi Bowls
- Healthy and filling! This bowl is packed with tons nutrients AND will keep you full.
- Quick and easy! Ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Totally customizable! Add your favorite toppings and sauces.
- No need to reheat, you can enjoy chilled!
- Macro-friendly and packed with 26 grams of protein!
- Salmon filets – I used skinless Atlantic salmon fillets for this recipe but you can use the kind with the skin on too. Also, if your salmon is frozen, be sure to thaw before using.
- Seasonings: sweet paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes
- Sticky rice
- Matchstick carrots
- Persian cucumber – or regular cucumber
- Roasted seaweed
- Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
- Avocado
- Light mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Make it low carb. Make these air fryer salmon bowls low carb by swapping the cooked rice with cauliflower rice or use brown rice if you prefer.
- Raw salmon. If you love raw sushi, swap the crispy salmon for a high-quality raw salmon.
- Different protein. Swap the salmon for tuna, shrimp or even chicken if fish isn’t your thing.
- More toppings. Go crazy with the toppings! Add broccoli, jalapeno, bell pepper, corn, radishes, green onions, purple cabbage, pineapple, etc. Whatever your heart desires!
- Swap your sauces. Drizzle your bowl with soy sauce, Skinny Yum Yum sauce, teriyaki sauce, etc.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Whisk together the mayo and sriracha in a bowl. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Whisk the seasonings together in a small bowl (paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes).
3. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and cut into 1-inch cubes.
4. Add to the bowl with the seasoning mix and toss to evenly coat.
5. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the salmon bites to the basket in an even layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until the salmon is no longer pink.
6. To each bowl, add 1/2 cup of the cooked sushi rice and 1/4 of the salmon bites. Then top with 1/4 cup matchstick carrots, sliced cucumber, a few pieces of thinly sliced nori and a big pinch of Furikake. Drizzle with the spicy mayo and enjoy!
Salmon Cooking Tips!
- Make sure salmon is fully thawed if using frozen. Put frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Or, place the salmon in a sealed bag in a bowl of cold water and let it sit for 30 minutes, or until thawed.
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This will ensure the seasoning sticks to the salmon well and doesn’t run off from the excess water.
- Cut even into 1-inch cubes to ensure that salmon bites cook evenly. Also, be sure to shake the air fryer basket (or flip bites if using an air fryer with a tray) halfway though.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon bites as this can turn the salmon dry.
How can I cook the salmon if I don’t have an air fryer?
You could cook these salmon bites several ways if you don’t have an air fryer. Firstly, you can cook in a skillet for about 3-4 minutes. Secondly, you can also cook on a baking sheet in the oven at 425F for about 10 minutes. Thirdly, you can also broil them for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Can I use raw salmon for these sushi bowls?
Yes, you can use raw salmon for these bowls if you prefer. To use raw salmon, select a high-quality or sushi grade salmon suitable for eating raw. Cube raw salmon and toss with spicy mayo.
Can I use a different type of salmon?
Yes you can use any type of salmon you prefer! If you want a little lower in fat, you can use coho or sockeye salmon. You can also used farm raised instead of wild salmon if that’s what you have on hand! Keep in the that the cooking time may change if you use a salmon lower in fat. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and dry out.
How do I know my salmon bites are done?
Salmon is done when you can easily flake it with a fork. Or you can double check using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 135 degrees F inserted into the thickest part.
Is salmon healthy for you?
Yes, salmon is actually a superfood! Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids which have a ton of benefits for your heart and brain. Plus, it’s a great source of protein, high in B vitamins and so much more! You can check out all the additional health benefits of salmon here!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Salmon Sushi Bowls (20-Minute)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. salmon filets skinless
- 1 Tbsp each: sweet paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar
- 1 tsp each: salt & black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups sticky rice (280g) cooked
- 1 cup carrots (80g) matchstick or shredded
- 2 persian cucumbers sliced – or 1 cup regular cucumber, diced
- 1 pack nori roasted seaweed snack thinly sliced
- Furikake Japanese rice seasoning
- Avocado thinly sliced, optional for serving
Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise (120g)
- 1.5 tsp sriracha more to taste
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes. Scroll for macros and MyFitnessPal code.
Instructions
Spicy Mayo:
- Whisk together the mayo and sriracha in a bowl. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
Salmon:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Whisk the seasonings together in a small bowl (paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes).
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and cut into 1-inch cubes. Add to the bowl with the seasoning mix and toss to evenly coat. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the salmon bites to the basket in an even layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until the salmon is no longer pink.
Build Sushi Bowls:
- Makes 4. To each bowl, add 1/2 cup of the cooked sushi rice and 1/4 of the salmon bites (103g). Then top with 1/4 cup matchstick carrots, sliced cucumber, a few pieces of thinly sliced nori and a big pinch of Furikake. Drizzle with the spicy mayo and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure salmon is fully thawed if using frozen. Put frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Or, place the salmon in a sealed bag in a bowl of cold water and let it sit for 30 minutes, or until thawed.
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This will ensure the seasoning sticks to the salmon well and doesn’t run off from the excess water.
- Cut even into 1-inch cubes to ensure that salmon bites cook evenly. Also, be sure to shake the air fryer basket (or flip bites if using an air fryer with a tray) halfway though.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon bites as this can turn the salmon dry.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
