This Sweet Chili Salmon is a favorite two-ingredient recipe. Spicy-sweet Thai chili sauce becomes a sticky glaze when cooked with salmon fillets, making a simple dinner both kids and adults enjoy.
Sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully with salmon, producing a sweet-and-savory dish. You can cook this recipe in an air fryer or under the oven broiler for a fast, healthy meal.
Kids and adults alike will love this sweet chili salmon. Serve it with quick-cook rice and sliced cucumber for an easy weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
- An Easy Salmon Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make
- Oven Broiler Method
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Salmon Recipes
- Sweet Chili Salmon (Air Fryer or Oven) Recipe
An Easy Salmon Recipe
This sweet chili salmon was born on a night when I needed a no-fuss dinner. Salmon is a nutritious choice — rich in Omega-3s — and this method keeps things simple and fast. Highlights:
- Only 2 main ingredients — salmon and sweet chili sauce (plus salt to taste).
- Nutritious — salmon delivers heart- and brain-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Quick — ready in around 15 minutes of active cooking time.
- Diet-friendly — naturally dairy-free and gluten-free; works with many eating plans.
The technique is similar to a teriyaki-style preparation but uses sweet chili sauce for a brighter, spicier-sweet finish.
Ingredients
You only need a couple of ingredients plus salt.
- Salmon — 4 fillets (4–6 oz each), skin on. Use fresh or fully thawed frozen salmon. Either farmed or wild-caught works; choose the flavor you prefer.
- Sweet chili sauce — 1/2 cup. This sauce is typically a mix of vinegar, sugar, and chili; pick one with a heat level you like.
- Kosher salt to taste.
How to Make
The two cooking methods share the same start: marinate the salmon.
Step 1: Marinate the salmon
Pat fillets dry. Pour 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce into a shallow dish and lay the fillets meat-side down (skin side up) so the sauce coats the flesh. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Air fry
Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly oil the basket and place fillets skin-side down. Cook 9–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until just cooked through. Halfway through, spoon a little of the reserved marinade over the top to build a glossy glaze.
Expert tip — cooking time varies with thickness; these times suit fillets about 1½ inches thick.
Step 3: Build your plate
Serve the salmon over rice with sliced cucumber, steamed vegetables, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Add extra sweet chili sauce if desired.
Oven Broiler Method
If you don’t have an air fryer, broil the salmon instead. Place marinated fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined sheet pan. Set the broiler to HIGH and position the pan on the middle rack, a few inches from the heat. Broil 4–6 minutes until the tops darken in spots and the salmon reaches medium doneness. Watch closely to avoid burning. Wrap in foil to keep warm until serving.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salmon works with many sides. Recommended combinations:
- Sliced cucumber or avocado.
- Quick microwave rice packets for speed.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli and cauliflower.
- Toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
For a salmon bowl, serve over rice with veggies and a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce.
Storage Options
Refrigerator: Cool cooked salmon about 20 minutes, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing cooked salmon isn’t recommended for best texture. If using frozen salmon, thaw in the fridge overnight before marinating.
Frequently Asked Questions
At 400°F, a large fillet cooks in about 9 minutes. Reduce by 1 minute for thinner fillets or add 1 minute for very large pieces.
Stir 1/2–1 teaspoon of sriracha into the sweet chili sauce before marinating for extra heat.
Hot honey or a teriyaki glaze are good alternatives if you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand.
Salmon Recipes
Seafood
Salmon with Spinach Cream Sauce
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon
Seafood
Salmon with Mango Salsa
Salmon
Salmon Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo
Love this recipe? Leave a 5-star review and tag @thedizzycook on social media to share your results.
Sweet Chili Salmon (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Air fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each), skin on
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry. Pour sweet chili sauce into a shallow dish and press fillets meat-side down into the sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (10–15 minutes minimum if short on time).
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Oil the basket lightly and place marinated fillets skin-side down. Cook 9–10 minutes, stopping halfway to spoon extra sauce over the top.
Oven Broiler Method
- Preheat the broiler to HIGH. Place fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on the middle rack 4–6 minutes until browned in spots. Watch to prevent burning. Wrap in foil to keep warm.
- Serve with rice, vegetables, toasted sesame seeds, and extra sweet chili sauce if desired.
Notes
- Choose a sweet chili sauce with the heat level you prefer.
- This meal pairs well with quick microwave rice, sliced cucumber, and steamed or roasted vegetables.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw in the fridge overnight and pat dry before marinating.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 16 g,
Protein: 26 g,
Fat: 8 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.