This Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon is one of my easiest weeknight dinner ideas, and the sweet chili glaze gives the salmon a bright, fresh flavor that always hits the spot. It cooks fast, tastes amazing, and works for busy nights when you want a high protein dinner without much effort.

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon By Tessies Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

This salmon works for quick lunches, easy weeknight meals, or those evenings when you want something flavorful but still light. It cooks in under ten minutes, so it’s a good go to when you want dinner ready fast. If you love easy air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders, they are packed with protein and ready in no time too.

Why you’ll love this Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon

Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe:
The air fryer cooks the salmon evenly and quickly, so you’re never standing over the stove. Cleanup is simple and the glaze caramelizes just right, which makes this a reliable high protein dinner on busy nights.
Sweet Chili Flavor:
The sweet chili sauce gives the salmon a mix of sweetness and mild heat. The soy sauce and lemon bring balance so the glaze doesn’t feel heavy. It’s the kind of flavor that works all year long and never gets old.
Versatile Dinner Idea:
You can serve this salmon with rice, veggies, noodles, or a simple Salad. It also pairs really well with my Air Fryer Baked Potato which makes dinner feel a little extra without needing more work.

A close look at sweet chili salmon fillets on a serving plate topped with sesame seeds and green onions with lemons and seasonings around the plate.

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon for Quick Weeknight Dinners

If you’re looking for a healthy, high-protein dinner that doesn’t take much time, this air fryer sweet chili salmon is a solid option. It cooks fast, pairs well with simple sides, and makes great leftovers for meal prep during the week.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon

Salmon fillets: These cook quickly in the air fryer and stay tender inside. Patting them dry helps the seasoning stick.
Salt and black pepper: These keep the seasoning simple so the sweet chili glaze can shine.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm savory flavor without overpowering the glaze.
Sweet chili sauce: This is the star of the recipe. It gives sweetness, a little heat, and a glossy finish once it cooks. I use Ghughes Sweet Chili Sauce because it is sugar free.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty balance that keeps the glaze from being too sweet.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything and adds a fresh flavor that works really well with salmon.
Sesame seeds: Add texture and a little nuttiness on top.
Green onions: These give a fresh bite and make the dish look even better when serving.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon by Tessie's Table.

How to make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Four raw salmon fillets seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on a white cutting board before cooking for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon.

Pat the salmon dry and season the fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

A small bowl of sweet chili sauce mixed with soy sauce and lemon slices nearby showing the glaze ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon.

Stir the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice together in a small bowl.

Two seasoned salmon fillets sitting in an air fryer basket with sweet chili sauce, salt, and pepper laid out beside them for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon.

Place the salmon into the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes.

A close up of sweet chili glaze being brushed onto a salmon fillet in the air fryer for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon.

Brush the salmon with the sweet chili glaze

Two salmon fillets coated in sweet chili glaze sitting in the air fryer basket before finishing the Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon recipe.

Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Sprinkle the salmon with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Variations

Extra Spicy Sweet Chili Salmon: Add a little sriracha to the glaze if you like more heat. It blends easily with the sweet chili sauce and gives a stronger kick without affecting the texture of the salmon.
Garlic Lime Salmon: Swap the lemon juice for lime and add fresh minced garlic to the glaze. The lime adds a bright pop that works really well with the sweet chili flavor.
Honey Chili Salmon: Stir in a little honey to make the glaze thicker and sweeter. This helps the glaze cling to the salmon and creates a nice caramelized finish.
Peanut Chili Salmon: Add a spoon of creamy peanut butter to the glaze. It turns the salmon into a version that feels inspired by Thai flavors, and the peanut butter melts into the sauce as it cooks.
Tuscan Style Salmon: If you want a creamy option, try my Tuscan Salmon. The flavors are completely different, but it’s a good variation for times you want a richer salmon recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Rice: Simple white rice or jasmine rice works great here because it soaks up the sweet chili glaze. For a heartier meal, try my Black Beans and Rice for extra protein.
Add a Vegetable Side: My Cheesy Garlic Green Beans pair perfectly with this salmon. They add crunch and a little creaminess, which balances the sweet glaze.
Serve with Potatoes: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring a warm, buttery base that makes the whole dinner feel more filling. They’re great for nights when you want something more comforting without extra work.
Make a Seafood Plate: Add my Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan on the side for a full seafood dinner.
Build a Bowl: Like my Burrito Bowl, add rice, cucumber, edamame, and sesame seeds to make a sweet chili salmon bowl. It’s an easy lunch idea and keeps well for meal prep.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon?

Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The glaze keeps the salmon moist, so it reheats nicely. Warm it gently in the microwave or air fryer so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I freeze Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon?

Yes, you can freeze it, but freeze the salmon plain before adding the glaze. Cook and cool the salmon, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Add the glaze when reheating for the best texture.

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Tips & Tricks

Pat the Salmon Dry: This helps the seasoning stick and also helps the salmon brown a little better in the air fryer. Damp salmon tends to steam more than cook.
Don’t Skip Preheating: A hot air fryer gives the salmon that perfect flake. Preheating also prevents overcooking because the salmon cooks evenly from the start.
Brush the Glaze at the End: Adding the glaze at the end keeps it from burning. Spme sweet chili sauces have a lot of sugar, so it can darken too quickly if added at the beginning.
Check for Doneness Early: Air fryers vary, and salmon thickness changes cooking time. Start checking at the seven minute mark so you get the perfect texture.
Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemon gives a brighter flavor and keeps the glaze from tasting flat.

More Easy High Protein Recipes

Looking for more meal inspiration?

Browse my Slow Cooker Meals or check out my Dinners for more yummy ideas.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking. Frozen salmon releases extra moisture, which can prevent the glaze from sticking.
Can I make this salmon ahead of time?
You can prep the glaze early and keep it in the fridge. Cook the salmon right before serving so you get the best texture.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
Honey garlic sauce, teriyaki, or a simple soy and brown sugar mix can work. The flavor will change, but the method stays the same.
How do I stop salmon from drying out?
Cook it just until it flakes easily and no longer. Overcooking is the main reason salmon becomes dry.
Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, and it works great in the air fryer. Place the salmon skin side down to keep the fillets moist.
Is this a good high protein dinner?
Definitely. Salmon is naturally high in protein, and it makes a filling meal when served with sides like Creamed Kale or Salad for a healthy balanced meal.
How do I reheat leftover salmon?
Reheat at a lower temperature in the air fryer for a few minutes so it warms through without drying out.
Can I double the glaze?
Yes, and it stores well in the fridge for a few days. Adding extra glaze is great if you want a little sauce for rice.
What other high protein meals do you recommend?
My Garlic Butter Steak Bites are always popular for easy weeknight dinners and pair well with simple sides if you want another fast option.