Compact Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki Bowls
Perfectly cooked teriyaki salmon fillets made in a compact air fryer in under 30 minutes, served over jasmine rice with crisp vegetables for a 42g protein, 480-calorie weeknight dinner that rivals any restaurant.
15m
4
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Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on, patted dry
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked
- 1 cup shelled edamame, steamed
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil mister
Instructions
- 1
Make the Teriyaki Marinade
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then pour it into the saucepan. Stir constantly and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce for drizzling at the end.
- 2
Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the cooled teriyaki marinade (minus the reserved 2 tablespoons) over the salmon. Turn the fillets to coat all sides evenly. Allow to marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- 3
Preheat the Compact Air Fryer
Preheat your compact air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use an oil mister to prevent sticking. If your compact air fryer basket is small, plan to cook the salmon in two batches of two fillets to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even crisping and thorough cooking.
- 4
Air Fry the Salmon
Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the fillets skin-side down in the preheated compact air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving at least half an inch of space between each piece. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets (1-inch thick fillets will take approximately 11 minutes). Do not flip the salmon during cooking. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Repeat with the second batch if necessary.
- 5
Warm the Toppings
While the salmon is cooking, warm your steamed edamame and julienned carrots. You can place them in the compact air fryer basket alongside the second batch of salmon for the last 3 minutes of cooking time, or simply microwave them in a covered bowl with 1 tablespoon of water for 90 seconds until heated through and slightly tender.
- 6
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls. Place one salmon fillet on top of the rice in each bowl. Arrange the warmed edamame and julienned carrots alongside the salmon. Drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce over the salmon fillets.
- 7
Garnish and Serve
Scatter the thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over each bowl. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Serve immediately while the salmon is hot and the rice is fluffy. These bowls are best enjoyed fresh but the components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Chef's Tips
For best results in a compact air fryer, choose salmon fillets of uniform thickness so they cook evenly — aim for fillets no thicker than 1.25 inches. If your compact air fryer basket is very small (2–3 quart), cook one fillet at a time for the crispiest glaze. Brushing a thin layer of the marinade onto the salmon halfway through cooking creates a beautiful caramelized crust. For a low-carb variation, swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice without changing the salmon cooking method.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls
How long does it take to make Compact Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki Bowls?
This recipe takes 35 minutes total time, including 15 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Compact Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki Bowls recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Compact Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki Bowls recipe?
This recipe is rated as Easy difficulty level, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I make substitutions in this Compact Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki Bowls recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls?
Store leftover compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls?
This compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls?
Yes, this compact air fryer salmon teriyaki bowls freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.