Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Salmon is a quick, flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors with tender, flaky salmon cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. This healthy recipe is rich in omega-3s, uses simple ingredients, and is ideal for fast weeknight meals or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, skin-on, fresh or thawed
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice to create a tangy, vibrant glaze that will coat the salmon with irresistible flavor.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then lightly brush with olive oil to help the glaze adhere and ensure a crispy finish during air frying.
- Coat the Salmon with Glaze: Using a spoon or brush, generously slather the sweet chili mixture over each salmon fillet, covering every inch for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes to create an even cooking environment.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze caramelizes.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked salmon and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a fresh color and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Pat the salmon dry before glazing to ensure the glaze sticks well and the exterior crisps properly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispy edges.
- Begin checking salmon doneness at 8 minutes to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lime juice to elevate the glaze’s flavor.
- Leaving the skin on helps hold the salmon together and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: air fryer salmon, sweet chili salmon, healthy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, gluten free salmon, omega-3 recipe