Easy, High-Protein & Low-Carb Friendly Meal!

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and high-protein dinner, this Air-Fried Salmon with Kewpie Mayo and Creole Seasoning is the perfect go-to. It’s packed with flavor, macro-friendly, and super satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why This Meal Matters to Me:

Meals like this were a game-changer during my weight loss journey. This kind of high-protein, low-effort recipe helped me lose over 50 lbs naturally while still enjoying food that tastes amazing. Whether I pair it with low-carb rice, a simple salad, or regular steamed rice, it always hits the spot. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this salmon recipe one of my favorites for meal prep and healthy eating!

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 2 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo
• Creole seasoning (to taste)
• Optional topping: 2 tbsp Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce
• Optional garnish: Furikake seasoning

For the side:

• 1 cup cooked Kaizen low-carb rice (made from lupini beans)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp furikake seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Slice the salmon fillets Hasselback-style, making small cuts across the top without slicing all the way through.
3. Coat each fillet with Kewpie mayo and sprinkle with Creole seasoning, pressing it gently into the cuts for max flavor.
4. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
5. If your fillet has skin, flip it skin-side up and broil at 400°F (or use the low broil setting) for an extra 3–5 minutes to crisp it up perfectly.
6. While that cooks, season your cooked Kaizen rice with soy sauce, sesame oil, and furikake.
7. Plate your salmon over the rice. Drizzle each fillet with 1 tablespoon of Bachan’s sauce and finish with additional furikake. Enjoy hot!

Macros (Per Serving)

With Kaizen Rice

Calories ~360 kcal

Protein ~46g

Fat ~21g

Net Carbs ~6g

Fiber ~12g (from rice)

My Favorite Ways to Serve It:

• With Kaizen low-carb rice, cauliflower riced, or steamed jasmine rice
• Over a bed of greens for a quick salad
• With roasted veggies or cauliflower mash for a low-carb dinner

Pro Tips:

• Hasselback cuts let the seasoning and mayo flavor every bite.
• For best skin texture, don’t skip the broil step!
• This meal is perfect for weekly meal prep. Just portion it out and reheat throughout the week.

Nutrition Benefits: Why This Salmon Bowl Is So Good for You

This meal doesn’t just taste amazing, it’s loaded with nutrients that support your health and fitness goals, especially if you’re following a high-protein or pescatarian-friendly lifestyle.

Salmon

• High in protein – Over 40g per serving to help build and maintain lean muscle.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids – Supports heart health, brain function, and reduces inflammation.
• A great source of B vitamins – essential for energy production and a healthy metabolism.

Kewpie Mayo

• Made with egg yolks and rice vinegar, it’s creamier and more flavorful than regular mayonnaise, so you can use less and still get more taste.

Kaizen Lupini Rice

• High in fiber – 12g per serving for better digestion and fullness.
• Low in net carbs – Perfect for low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyles.
• Made from lupini beans – A legume packed with plant-based protein and prebiotics.

Furikake & Bachan’s Sauce

• Add big flavor without needing heavy sauces or extra oil.
• Rich in umami, which helps you feel satisfied while keeping meals light.

Fun Fact: Eating protein-rich meals like this helps with satiety, improves body composition, and supports fat loss, which is one of the biggest reasons this type of meal helped me lose over 50 pounds naturally.

Meal Prep Tip

This salmon is meal prep gold. I usually make 2–4 fillets at a time and store them in airtight glass containers. You can portion them out with:

• Rice or low-carb choice
• Steamed veggies
• Or even a salad mix with a soy-ginger vinaigrette

Storage Tip:

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep the skin crispy

Want to switch it up? Use the leftovers in:

• A sushi-style salmon bowl with avocado and cucumber
• Low-carb salmon lettuce wraps
• A salmon “nori taco” with roasted seaweed sheets

Weekly Prep Suggestion

If you’re following a high-protein plan, here’s how I work this into my week:

Meal Plan Example:

• Monday Lunch: Salmon over Kaizen rice + spinach
• Tuesday Dinner: Salmon salad with miso dressing
• Thursday Lunch: Leftover salmon nori tacos
• Friday Dinner: Salmon + roasted veggies + Bachan’s drizzle

Each meal keeps you full, helps you hit your protein goals, and saves tons of time midweek.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use skinless salmon?

A: Yes! It will still taste amazing. Just skip the broil step at the end.

Q: What’s a good substitute for Kewpie mayo?

A: You can use avocado oil mayo or plain Greek yogurt, but Kewpie adds a rich umami flavor that’s hard to beat.

Q: Where do I find Kaizen rice?

A: It’s available on Amazon and high-protein specialty shops. See my Amazon picks below!

Amazon Picks (My Kitchen Staples)

These are the tools and ingredients I actually use in my kitchen to make this salmon recipe perfect every time. (Affiliate links—thank you for supporting my blog!)

Japanese-style Chef’s Knife (for Hasselback cuts)

My Favorite Air Fryer (perfect crisp every time)

Creole Seasoning

Kewpie Mayo

Kaizen Low-Carb Lupin Rice

Glass Meal Prep Containers

Furikake Seasoning

Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Watch the Step-by-Step Video

Check out how I made this on Instagram @melshealthybowl and follow me for more easy, pescatarian-friendly, high-protein recipes that helped me transform my health naturally.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin, share, and follow @melshealthybowl for more easy, high-protein, and pescatarian-friendly recipes!

Planning to try this recipe? Share your creations on Instagram and tag me. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Need for easy recipes? Check these out:

• The Best Air-Fried Tortellini Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon
• The Best Crispy Rice with Creamy Tuna (Easy Holiday Appetizer)
• The Best Miso Garlic Butter Shrimp Udon Bowl
• Easy Crispy Meatless Breakfast Bake (High Protein)
• Easy Salmon Pepper Lunch (10-Minute High-Protein Meal)

Follow me on Instagram for daily meal inspiration:

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