How to cook crispy salmon in the oven

Oven Baked Salmon takes only 5 minutes to prep and less than 15 minutes in the oven. It comes out juicy on the inside while crispy on the outside. It is so delicious!

Oven Baked Salmon has been a staple in our home for so many years and I can’t believe I haven’t shared this method with you all. While we love our Air Fryer Salmon recipe, this oven baked version is amazing for a large party.

How to Make Oven Baked Salmon

• Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients – Preheat the oven, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, rinse the salmon under cold water, and pat dry.
• Prepare Salmon – Place salmon skin side down on the baking sheet. Top the salmon with butter, sprinkle with garlic salt, and finally top with lemon slices.
• Bake Salmon – Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes. Once the salmon is almost cooked, turn the oven up to broil on high and cook for a couple of minutes.

Hot Tip: It is best to choose salmon pieces that are similar in thickness and size. This will help you avoid over or under-baking. 

Tips For The Best Oven Baked Salmon

• Make Clean-Up Easy – Line your baking sheet with foil. When salmon bakes, the skin will stick to the foil instead of your pan. This will allow you to easily remove the salmon from the pan. The leftover skin can be tossed together with the foil.
• Make Outside Extra Crispy – right before the oven is fully cooked, place it on high broil for 1-2 minutes to get that crispy crust.
• Avoid Dry Salmon – when salmon is overcooked, it becomes blend and dry. Avoid dry salmon by cooking it until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

How Long to Bake Salmon

See some cook time estimates below. Keep in mind that the cook time will vary based on the salmon thickness. I recommend using a thermometer and cooking the salmon until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

• Baking Salmon at 375°F – Limit to 10-12 minutes, plus a few minutes under the broiler.
• Baking Salmon at 400°F – Limit to 8-10 minutes, plus a few minutes under the broiler.
• Baking Salmon at 425°F – Limit to 6-8 minutes, plus a few minutes under the broiler.

FAQ

How do know if salmon is cooked?

Salmon is cooked when the internal temperature reads 145°F. To test for flakiness, gently press a fork against the salmon to make sure it easily separates along the white lines. The color of the salmon will also change from translucent, when raw, to an opaque pink when cooked. It is okay for it to have a little translucency in the very middle.

Should I bake salmon covered or uncovered?

Salmon should be baked uncovered, as this creates the crispy outside layer. If you cover the salmon, the steam will prevent the crisping and browning.

Should I wrap salmon in foil when baking?

If you’d like, you can wrap the salmon in foil — the foil will make the salmon more moist, juicy and also results in easier clean up. However, the foil will limit any browning and you won’t get that crispy crust.

Is salmon skin safe to eat?

Yes, salmon skin is safe to eat. Salmon skin has health benefits too, like omega-3 fatty acids.

Is salmon healthy?

Salmon is a very healthy choice. In addition to being a good source of protein, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

Serving Oven Baked Salmon

Oven Baked Salmon is super versatile and can be served with many things. For dinner pairing, serve it with a grain, like rice or quinoa and some steamed veggies or a garden salad. You can also serve salmon with mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes and oven roasted asparagus for a fancier meal that is dinner party approved.

Hot Tip: Leftover salmon is incredible with a Caesar Salad. Salmon can be served warm on top of the salad or cold alongside. Serving cold is a great option for lunches during the week.

Storing Leftover Baked Salmon

Leftover baked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator. Store salmon in an airtight container. Salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. 

I do not recommend freezing leftover salmon. Leftover baked salmon is not recommended to be frozen because it will be dry upon reheating. If you must freeze the salmon, use an airtight container with all air removed or very tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.

More Salmon Recipes

• Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon– a sweet glaze made with just 3 ingredients.
• Perfect Air Fryer Salmon– under 15 minutes to cook and a crispy crust.
• Baked Teriyaki Salmon– easy to make, with the tastiest marinade.
• Canned Salmon Dip – Salmon and cream cheese-based dip that is perfect with crackers or veggies.
• Salmon Chowder – comforting, creamy, and made with smoked salmon.

Recipe

The Best Oven Baked Salmon (So EASY)

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Total Time 17 mins

Oven Baked Salmon takes only 5 minutes to prep and less than 15 minutes in the oven. It comes out juicy on the inside while crispy on the outside. It is so delicious!

• 2 lb salmon fillet
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tbsp garlic parsley salt to taste
• 1 lemon sliced

• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare the ingredients for the recipe. Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.

  

• Place the salmon skin down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Top the salmon with pieces of butter and sprinkle generously with the garlic salt. Finally, top the salmon with lemon slices.

  

• Bake the salmon at 425°F for 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet, until the salmon is almost cooked. Then, turn the oven up to high broil and cook for 3-4 more minutes.

  

Nutrition Facts

The Best Oven Baked Salmon (So EASY)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 384 Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Fat 21g32%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Cholesterol 125mg42%

Sodium 100mg4%

Potassium 1111mg32%

Protein 45g90%

Vitamin A 90IU2%

Calcium 27mg3%

Iron 1.8mg10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How do you get salmon skin crispy?

Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?