Air-fried or oven-baked flaky salmon, coated in a Calabrian chili pepper sauce, with roasted tender potatoes, asparagus, red onion, and cold crisp romaine, drizzled with a tangy lemon-rosemary tahini dressing, for a delicious salmon and vegetable bowl.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- Bold Flavors
- What are Calabrian Chili Peppers?
- Where Can I Find Calabrian Chili Peppers?
- Ingredients with Steps
- Instructions with Pictures
- Substitutions List
- Variations
- Equipment List
- Kitchen Tools I Use and Recommend
- Storage Instructions
- Quick Cooking Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Fish Recipes
- Quick and Easy Recipes
- 📖 Recipe
- Have a Comment or Question?
Bold Flavors
Enjoy a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner ready in minutes with the Air Fryer Calabrian Chili Salmon and Vegetables Bowl! Tender, flaky salmon gets a vibrant kick from a Calabrian chili pepper sauce before being air-fried to perfection.
Alongside, a medley of air-roasted tender potatoes, asparagus, and red onion adds pops of color and texture. To balance the warmth of the chili, a bed of crisp romaine lettuce and juicy Campari tomatoes provides a refreshing base.
Finally, a tangy lemon-rosemary tahini dressing brings it all together with a creamy, flavorful finish. This dish is the perfect combination of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and bold flavors, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal that's as easy on the eyes as it is on your busy schedule.
What are Calabrian Chili Peppers?
Calabrian chili peppers are little fiery gems from the Calabria region in Italy, and I absolutely love using them in my cooking. I first discovered them at Trader Joe's and was instantly hooked on their unique blend of heat and tang.
Since then, they've become a staple in my kitchen, adding a punch of flavor to so many of my dishes. You'll find tons of recipes on my site that use crushed Calabrian chili peppers-definitely check them out and bring some heat to your own meals!
Where Can I Find Calabrian Chili Peppers?
If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, look for their Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce, a delicious blend with Calabrian chili peppers. You can also purchase it on Amazon online. To develop my recipes, my go-to is TUTTOCALABRIA's Crushed Calabrian Chili Pepper.
Crushed Calabrian chili peppers, also known as peperoncino crugitto, are a staple ingredient in Southern Italian cuisine, adding a smoky, spicy depth to various dishes. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique flavor profile.
While fresh Calabrian chilies might be challenging to find in your local grocery store, you can easily find crushed Calabrian chili peppers online or at specialty stores that carry a wide variety of international ingredients.
More Irresistible Easy Salmon Recipes
- Calabrian Pepper Basil Baked Salmon and Broccolini
- Air Fryer Spicy Cilantro Lime Salmon Salad Rice Bowl
- Baked Cajun Honey Mustard Salmon Cauliflower Steaks and Potatoes
- Smothered Salmon Salisbury Steak with Tomato Mushroom Gravy
- Air Fryer Roasted Harissa Salmon with Paprika Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients with Steps
To make this super easy recipe, make the chili wet rub by combining the crushed Calabrian pepper paste with Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, and avocado oil.
The wet rub will be placed into two bowls. In the first bowl, add the diced Yukon gold potatoes, red onion chunks, and asparagus (either jumbo or pencil will be fine), combine well, and air fry or oven.
Then, marinate the salmon filets, cutting them into large chunks in the other bowl and placing them in an air fryer or oven. While those cooks make the dressing by chopping fresh rosemary leaves with garlic cloves, add them to a bowl with tahini paste, fresh lemon juice, and zest, and combine well.
Add water to adjust the dressing's consistency. Then, serve the salmon and vegetables with shredded romaine lettuce and quartered Campari tomatoes.
Culinary Glossary
This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe. Check out the live Culinary Glossary here.
- Crushed Calabrian Pepper Paste - A spicy, tangy chili paste made from Calabrian peppers, often preserved in oil, adding heat and a slight smokiness to dishes.
- Cajun Seasoning - A blend of spices commonly used in Southern cuisine, typically including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs.
- Avocado Oil - A neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, great for frying and roasting.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes - A variety of yellow-fleshed potatoes known for their buttery flavor and smooth texture. Substitute these with baby yellow Dutch potatoes.
- Asparagus - A spring vegetable, either thin (pencil) or thick (jumbo), used in savory dishes.
- Rosemary Leaves - A fragrant herb often used in Mediterranean cuisine, adding pine-like flavor to savory dishes. If you don't have fresh, use dried or Italian herb seasoning.
- Tahini Paste - A sesame seed paste often used in Middle Eastern cuisine, lending a rich, nutty flavor to sauces and dressings.
- Lemon Juice & Zest - Fresh lemon juice adds acidity, while zest provides concentrated citrus flavor from the peel. Learn more about zesting.
- Romaine Lettuce - A crisp, leafy green often used in salads or as a fresh topping. Substitute with your favorite mixed greens blend or lettuce.
- Campari Tomatoes - Small, round tomatoes known for their sweetness and low acidity, perfect for salads and garnishes. Substitute with cherry or grape tomatoes.
See the air fryer salmon and vegetable bowl recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.
Avocado oil was used because it has a higher smoke point, which is ideal for air frying.
Ensure your vegetables are cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Before rubbing the salmon with the wet rub, ensure it is dried with paper towels to remove any excess liquid, so the seasoning sticks and the salmon crisps.
The tahini dressing should be thick and creamy, not too thin or runny; it won't coat the salad ingredients in the bowl.
In addition, make sure to dry the romaine lettuce before serving; this will also help the dressing cling to it.
Laying out the vegetables in a single layer helps promote uniform cooking.
Substitutions List
Find easy ingredient swaps to fit dietary needs or what you already have in your pantry.
Dairy Free
- This recipe is already dairy-free.
Gluten-Free
- This recipe is already gluten-free.
Vegetarian
- Salmon- There is no suitable replacement for the meat protein since the rest of the dish is high in water. For example, it will not go well with tofu fried or steamed.
- However, you might get away with using oyster mushrooms that have been well roasted by the air fryer, carmelizing the edges for texture and taste to complement the rest of the dish.
Convenience
- Cajun Seasoning - If you don't have a specific spice blend, you can always make your own at home.
- The main ingredients you'll need are paprika powder and garlic powder. Add a pinch of dried thyme, oregano, and onion powder. For some heat, cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be added.
- To enhance the flavor, you can also use salt and black pepper.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes - Instead of large-dicing a potato, use quartered baby Dutch yellow potatoes for a quicker prep.
- Romaine - If you want even more vegetables in less time, you can use store-bought packaged salad mix.
- Campari Tomatoes - I choose these for their delicious balance of sweetness and acidity, but you can use cherry or grape tomatoes or even plum tomatoes cut into small chunks.
- Chicken - Swap out the salmon with deboned skinless chicken thighs.
- Remove any of the yellow fat with a sharp knife before cooking. Leave it whole and marinate. Then, let it rest and cut into bite-sized pieces. Or use chicken breast, diamond score the chicken breast to allow the wet rub to cover more of the surface for a delicious taste, and to cook it quicker.
- Shrimp - Substitute the salmon for Argentinian or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; the shrimp will cook in half the time.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
Variations
Explore fun twists and creative ways to make this recipe your own.
- Salmon Rice Bowl - To keep this recipe's prep and time to a minimum, use a rice cooker and serve this dish with white rice. I suggest using jasmine rice. You can also use brown rice, but this will take extra time.
- Change Things Up - Don't be afraid to add your favorite things like thinly sliced red bell peppers and crunchy cabbage slaw with or without the shredded romaine. I love adding a crispy onion topping.
- Honey Honey - For a sweet, spicy twist, add hot honey, but just be aware that the wet rub will be caramelized in the air fryer faster than the original recipe, so keep an eye that it doesn't burn. I suggest drizzling it on the hot salmon afterward. Plus, since the wet rub is also used for the vegetables, you'll prevent the vegetables from tasting sweet.
Equipment List
Here's what you'll need to make this salmon bowl recipe efficiently, plus easy swaps if you don't have everything on hand. By the way, the links in this section may take you to an external site to shop for that item.
- Air Fryer - This is used to cook the salmon and vegetable mixture. If you do not have an air fryer, place the vegetable mixture on a large baking sheet pan at 400 degrees. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, and add the salmon halfway to cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
- I developed this recipe using the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill with Air Fry because it has a roasting pan, making life much easier.
- Mixing Bowls - These are used to make the wet rub to marinate the salmon and vegetables, and later to make the dressing.
- Whisk - To incorporate the ingredients for the dressing. Use a small food processor like the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper or a hand blender like the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender to make the dressing quicker. I own both fantastic tools, but I used a whisk and a bowl for the video shoot.
- Fish Spatula - This is an essential tool for gently lifting cooked fish. The one I use is not available anymore, but try the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner.
- Salad Spinner - Used to wash and dry the rosemary and romaine lettuce, like the Cuisinart Salad Spinner. Tools like these with multiple functions is a must-have.
Kitchen Tools I Use and Recommend
These are some of the kitchen tools I use that make recipes like this faster and easier to prepare. If you're building your kitchen setup or upgrading your tools, these are great places to start. More Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking bigger portions, and cleanup is a breeze—just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless with no damage. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one!
My Review: I use this must-have air fryer practically every day! Most of my recipes call for it. It is quick and easy to use. Also, it’s multifunctional with not only the air fryer option but also a roast, grill, bake, and even a dehydrating function. Setting the time and temperature is easy with soft, apparent button features. See the results with my Air Fryer Branzino with Lemon Potatoes and Vegetables recipe. 08/19/24: I rate this product 4 out of 5 for space and convenience. Because it takes up a lot of space.
Additionally, it has many components to clean and is not dishwasher safe. I suggest washing by hand after every use to prevent chipping. However, I refuse to give this equipment away; as an air fryer, it's the best I've had so far.
My Review: I love the clean, classic look of this Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set. It’s a staple in my kitchen. Pyrex is known for its durability, and these bowls definitely live up to that reputation. I use them for everything from mixing batters to storing leftovers, and the fact that they’re microwave-safe makes them super multifunctional. They’re also easy to clean and stack nicely in the cabinet. The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
My Recommendation: The New Star Foodservice Wood Handle Fish Spatula is very similar to a fish spatula I’ve personally used for years, which is why I feel comfortable recommending it. I also like that it comes from a smaller business and is the type of kitchen tool most home cooks will keep for a long time, rather than constantly replace. In my opinion, a fish spatula is an important kitchen staple because its super-thin, angled blade slides under delicate fish without tearing it. The wide surface also helps support the fish while flipping, making it much easier to handle fragile fillets with confidence. Plus, it's at a reasonable price. If you want a household brand name, I'd suggest getting the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner for a couple of bucks more.
My Review: Cuisinart is a renowned brand known for its innovative, high-quality kitchen appliances and tools that make cooking and food prep effortless. Additionally, the Cuisinart Salad Spinner has been a trusty tool in my kitchen for years, and it’s proven to be so much more than just a salad spinner! Despite its compact size, it handles everything with ease, from rinsing and drying delicate herbs to cleaning mushrooms and, of course, prepping perfectly dry greens for salads. Its durable design has stood the test of time, and its efficiency has made meal prep so much quicker and easier. If you’re looking for a versatile, long-lasting kitchen tool, this little spinner is a must-have! I've made a post about it; check out my salad spinner post here.
Storage Instructions
Learn how to properly store leftovers to keep them fresh and flavorful. Learn more about Understanding Food Temperature Safety Zones: Cook, Store & Serve Safely.
- Refrigerator - To store the cooked salmon and vegetables in the fridge, you can place them in shallow 2-inch containers to cool down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container. As a result, the meal will last up to two days.
- Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above. Then, place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.
Airtight Food Containers: I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clip-on lids. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, hold food without staining, and keep food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer. I recommend checking out these airtight food containers on Amazon.
Quick Cooking Tip
Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab. Click here for an extended live Culinary Glossary. Learn how to use a salad spinner to dry your lettuce and herbs.
Also, learn about high smoke points and why avocado oil was used instead of olive oil. And finally, get more tips on prepping fish.
- Keep Them Dry - For this recipe, use paper towels to soak up any excess moisture from the fish and vegetables for that crispy texture. Also, use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce after cutting. Allow the dressing to stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, any salmon you enjoy can work in a salad bowl. However, popular choices include Sockeye salmon for their rich flavor and firm texture, making it ideal for grilling or pan-searing.
Coho salmon is known for its mild flavor and moist texture; it is versatile and works well with various salad ingredients; and Atlantic salmon is a widely available option with a balanced flavor and texture, suitable for different cooking methods. All in all, these options are up to you and your preferences.
Yes, both fresh and frozen salmon work well. If using frozen, ensure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning for even cooking.
You can swap the Yukon potatoes, onion, and asparagus for vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
Make sure to avoid overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, and check towards the end of the cooking time.
Absolutely! You can bake the salmon and vegetables in the oven at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked.
Fish Recipes
Looking for other fish recipes like this? Try these:
- Spicy Nuoc Cham Sauce (Vietnamese Fish Dipping Sauce)
- Grilled Lemon Oregano Dressing & Vinaigrette Recipe
- 20 Irresistible Fish Recipes
- Calabrian Pepper Salmon with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce
Quick and Easy Recipes
Looking for other quick and easy recipes like this? Try these:
- Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing with Fresh Lemon Zest
- Quick Avocado Cream Sauce for Tacos and Bowls
- Date Pecan Pomegranate Vinaigrette Recipe
- Spicy Garlic Chili Coconut Curry Sauce for Pasta and More
📖 Recipe
Calabrian Salmon Bowl
Ingredients
Calabrian Pepper Wet Rub
- 4 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
Air-Fried Vegetables
- 1 large Yukon gold potato
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 bunch of asparagus jumbo or pencil
Air-Fried Salmon Chunks
- 1 pound salmon fillets
Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons tahini paste
- ½ of lemon juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon water
Rest of Salad
- 1 head of romaine
- 8 Campari tomatoes
Equipment
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Prepare the Wet Rub: Combine the Calabrian peppers, Cajun seasoning, salt, and two tablespoons of avocado oil. Then, divide the wet rub into half into mixing bowls.
- Prepare the vegetables: Medium dice the Yukon gold potato and place it into one of the bowls with the chili wet rub. You will do the same for the following red onion and asparagus. Peel and cut the red onion into large chunks.
- Cut off the bottom woody ends of the asparagus to discard, and cut the rest into thirds. Finally, combine them all with the wet rub.
- Preheat Settings: For the air fryer, preheat it to 400 °F with a cooking time of 10 minutes. For the oven, preheat the oven to 425 °F.
- Cook the Vegetables: For the air fryer, spread the vegetables evenly into the basket or roasting pan. For the oven, roast for 25-30 minutes. The vegetables will be done when the potatoes are easily poked with a fork. If they are not done, cook for another 2 minutes.
- When the vegetables are done, remove them, keep them warm in a kitchen towel-covered container, allowing the steam to escape. While the vegetables are cooking, proceed to the next step to prepare the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: While the vegetable mixture cooks, cut the salmon into large chunks, dry with paper towels, combine with remaining wet rub, and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: Clean the bowl used for the vegetables to make the dressing. Chop the rosemary leaves and garlic together and add them to the bowl. Then add tahini, lemon juice, zest, salt, about two tablespoons of water, and remaining avocado oil, whisk, and set aside.
- Cook the Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F with a cooking time of 8 minutes, and cook the salmon in a cleaned and dried fryer basket. For the oven, once the vegetables are nearly done, place the salmon chunks on the same or another sheet, ensuring they're coated with the wet rub. Roast the salmon at 425 °F for 10-12 minutes, or until it's cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare for Plate Up: While the salmon cooks, thinly slice romaine lettuce, spin dry with a salad spinner, and place on ¼ of the plate. Quarter the tomatoes and do the same for them. Then, plate up the roasted vegetables on another ¼ of the plate.
- When the salmon is done, place it on the remaining ¼ of the plate and drizzle the dish with tahini dressing using a spoon.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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