Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Chill it first so it firms up and cuts cleanly.

Can I make these without spicy mayo?

Yes. Use lemon mayo, soy mayo, or plain avocado mash.

Do I air fry the salmon topping?

No. Air fry only the rice squares and add the salmon topping after.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari and check the sriracha and mayonnaise labels.

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Seafood

Air Fryer Canned Salmon Crispy Rice Bites

Name: Air Fryer Canned Salmon Crispy Rice Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, chilled; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 can salmon, drained and flaked; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon sriracha; 1 avocado, diced; 1 sheet nori, crumbled; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 scallions, sliced; Soy sauce, for serving

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Jun 28, 2026

Asian-Inspired 32 mins air-fryercanned-salmoncrispy-riceseafoodsnackpinterest-trendsv2

These Air Fryer Canned Salmon Crispy Rice Bites use pantry salmon, pressed rice, avocado, nori, and spicy mayo for a crunchy snack-board style recipe.

Prep 20 min

Cook 12 min

Total 32 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

2 cups cooked short-grain rice, chilled
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 can salmon, drained and flaked
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 avocado, diced
1 sheet nori, crumbled
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 scallions, sliced
Soy sauce, for serving

Ingredients for Air Fryer Canned Salmon Crispy Rice Bites

Instructions

Stir chilled rice with rice vinegar and sesame oil, then press into a parchment-lined pan. Chill 15 minutes.
Cut the rice into small squares and mist both sides with oil spray.
Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 4 minutes.
Air fry rice squares for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until crisp at the edges.
Mix salmon with mayonnaise and sriracha.
Top rice squares with avocado, salmon, nori, sesame seeds, scallions, and soy sauce.

Air Fryer Canned Salmon Crispy Rice Bites process image

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Cook the rice squares in one layer and leave space around each piece. A parchment liner with holes can help prevent sticking.

Crispiness Control

Chilled sticky rice holds its shape and crisps better than warm rice. Press it firmly before cutting so the bites do not crumble.

Doneness Cues

The rice should feel firm and sound lightly crisp when tapped with tongs. The centers can stay chewy.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat plain rice squares at 350 degrees F for 3 minutes, then add the cold salmon topping fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use freshly cooked rice?: Chill it first so it firms up and cuts cleanly.
Can I make these without spicy mayo?: Yes. Use lemon mayo, soy mayo, or plain avocado mash.
Do I air fry the salmon topping?: No. Air fry only the rice squares and add the salmon topping after.
Can I make them gluten-free?: Use gluten-free tamari and check the sriracha and mayonnaise labels.

Ingredient Replacements

Use canned tuna, cooked salmon, or tofu in place of canned salmon. Brown rice works if it is sticky enough to press firmly. Greek yogurt can replace some of the mayonnaise for a lighter topping.

Storage

Store rice squares and salmon topping separately for up to 2 days. Reheat rice in the air fryer and assemble just before serving.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Air Fryer Canned Salmon Crispy Rice Bites

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions